Sustaining the Maldives’ Fisheries: The Critical Role of Seabird Conservation and International Cooperation

Brown Noddy "Maaranga" Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The fisheries industry in the Maldives, a vital part of its economy and cultural heritage, has traditionally depended on the close relationship between local fishermen and seabirds like the Lesser Noddy (Anous tenuirostris, Kurangi) and Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus, Maaranga). These seabirds act as natural indicators of fish schools, directing fishermen to plentiful catches of skipjack tuna and other species. However, maintaining this essential industry requires more than just traditional ecological knowledge (TEK); it necessitates active management of seabird populations, their habitats—such as reefs, sandbanks, and breeding sites—and international collaboration, since key seabird species may not breed solely in the Maldives. By merging local conservation strategies with cooperative efforts among neighboring countries, the Maldives can ensure the coexistence of its fishermen and these vital seabirds, safeguarding both ecological balance and economic prosperity.

The Ecological and Economic Importance of Seabirds

Seabirds such as the Lesser and Brown Noddies play a crucial role in the Maldives' fishing industry by serving as natural indicators for locating fish schools. Their gatherings above feeding areas signal the presence of predatory fish, a method Maldivian fishermen have depended on for centuries before the advent of modern fish-finding technology. The Lesser Noddy breeds in colonies on oceanic islets in the northern Maldives during the northeast monsoon "Iruvai", December to April), while the Brown Noddy, although historically noted for breeding in specific atolls like Huvadhoo and Addu, is mainly a non-breeding resident that roosts on undisturbed sandbanks (finolhuthah) and rocky banks (huraa gandu). This reliance on these birds highlights the importance of protecting their populations and habitats, as their decline could disrupt the traditional fishing practices that support the Maldives' economy.

Challenges to Seabird Populations and Habitats

The sustainability of the fisheries industry is at risk due to habitat loss, climate change, and human activities affecting seabird populations and their environments. Oceanic islets, sandbanks, and coral reefs—essential for breeding and roosting—are increasingly threatened by coastal development, tourism, and rising sea levels. For instance, historical breeding sites for Brown Noddies, like HA. Gallandhoo and ADh. Kalhahan’dhihuraa, have decreased, with current breeding confined to specific atolls. Additionally, the Lesser Noddy’s breeding colonies in the northern Maldives, such as in Ihavandhippolhu and Thiladunmathi, depend on undisturbed environments, which face threats from infrastructure projects and environmental degradation. The potential absence of key seabird breeding populations in the Maldives further complicates conservation efforts, as these species might depend on breeding sites in neighboring regions of the Indian Ocean.

Local Conservation Strategies

To sustain the fisheries industry, the Maldives must prioritize local policies aimed at protecting seabird populations and their habitats. This involves designating protected areas for breeding and roosting sites, such as Sh. Naalaahuraa in Miladhunmadulu, which supports significant roosting populations, or the sandbanks of Faadhippolhu, where thousands of noddies roost during the "Iruvai" season. It is equally critical to preserve coral reefs and sandbanks, as these ecosystems underpin the marine food web that attracts both fish and seabirds. Regulations to limit coastal development, control tourism impacts, and address climate change effects—like coral bleaching and coastal erosion—are essential for maintaining these habitats. Moreover, community-based monitoring programs can utilize TEK to track seabird populations and habitat health, ensuring that conservation efforts align with the needs of local fishermen.

The Need for International Cooperation

Considering that key seabird species, especially the Brown Noddy, may not breed solely in the Maldives, international collaboration is crucial for their conservation. Seabirds are highly migratory and often traverse the Indian Ocean to breed or roost in areas such as the Seychelles, "Thaavahkara" Chagos Archipelago "Foalhavahi", or Sri Lanka. Cooperation with neighboring countries can help protect shared breeding sites and migratory routes. For example, regional agreements could create marine protected areas (MPAs) that cover international waters, preserving essential habitats for noddies and other seabirds. Collaborative research projects can also improve the understanding of seabird migration patterns and breeding behaviors, aiding in the development of conservation strategies. By aligning with international frameworks like the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the Maldives can advocate for the protection of these species throughout their range, ensuring their ongoing role in supporting fisheries.

Coexistence of Fishermen and Seabirds

The coexistence of Maldivian fishermen and seabirds hinges on balancing human needs with ecological preservation. Local policies must support sustainable fishing practices that minimize disturbance to seabird habitats, such as restricting fishing near breeding colonies during the" Iruvai "season. Education and awareness campaigns can further engage fishing communities in conservation efforts, reinforcing the cultural and economic value of noddies. Internationally, partnerships with neighbouring countries can address broader threats like overfishing, marine pollution, and climate change, which impact both seabirds and fish stocks. By fostering this coexistence, the Maldives can maintain the delicate synergy between its fishermen and seabirds, ensuring the resilience of its fisheries industry

Concluding Remarks

The Lesser and Brown Noddies are more than ecological indicators; they are vital partners in the Maldives’ fishing traditions, embodying the ingenuity of indigenous fishermen and their deep connection to the marine environment. Sustaining the fisheries industry requires a dual approach: robust local policies to protect seabird populations, reefs, sandbanks, and breeding sites, and international cooperation to address the migratory nature of these species. By safeguarding the "Kurangi" and "Maaranga" and their habitats, the Maldives can preserve the ecological and cultural legacy of its fisheries, ensuring that these friendly seabirds continue to guide fishermen across the Indian Ocean for generations to come.

Source:

Ali Shafeeq H. Shafeeq Ge

National Maritime Historical Society.