Ambon’s Pole and Line Revival, Preserving a Tradition

Ambon, February 2025 – Pole and line fishing has long been an essential part of Indonesia’s fishing industry, particularly in eastern regions such as Ambon in Maluku and Sulawesi. However, a recent report by Indonesian Tuna highlights the major challenges faced by pole and line fisheries in Southeast Sulawesi, including the scarcity of live bait and the increasing distance to fishing grounds—both of which significantly raise operational costs for fishers.

A similar crisis is unfolding in Ambon. Once a thriving hub for pole and line fishing, the region has seen a dramatic decline in fleet size and catch volume, driven by ecosystem changes, competition from unsustainable fishing gear such as purse seines, and the depletion of live bait sources.

Back in the early 2000s, Ambon boasted over 300 active pole and line vessels. Today, fewer than 30 remain. This collapse is not just a threat to the local economy—it endangers a cultural and economic tradition that has supported coastal communities for generations.

With the continued decline in live bait availability, rising fuel prices, and changes in tuna migration patterns, revitalization is urgently needed. The question remains: how do we preserve this low-impact fishing method while ensuring it remains viable for the future?

Key Challenges in Ambon’s Pole and Line Fisheries

1. Declining Fleet and Youth Disengagement

According to Kuntoro Kusno, Director of PT. Aneka Sumber Tata Bahari (ASTB), the fleet has been shrinking at an alarming rate.

“Over time, we regret that the number of fishing vessels using huhate [pole and line gear] has drastically decreased,” he stated.

This decline is coupled with a generational crisis. Many young people in Ambon are opting for alternative employment due to unstable incomes and increasingly tough fishing conditions. The risk? The loss of intergenerational knowledge that has long sustained these coastal communities.

2. Scarcity of Live Bait

Live bait—particularly tembang (Sardinella spp.) and anchovies (Engraulidae)—is essential for pole and line operations. But changes in ocean temperature, overfishing, and seasonal variability are driving shortages.

A fisherman from PT. ASTB explained:

“The main challenge for pole and line fishermen today is bait. If there is bait, we can catch plenty of fish. But in recent years, catches have declined, partly because bait is only available in certain seasons.”

Without a reliable bait supply, vessels are forced to dock, slashing productivity and income.

3. Increasing Distance to Fishing Grounds

Tuna stocks are shifting farther offshore, forcing fishers to travel greater distances. This means longer trips, more fuel, and reduced net profits—a trend observed across multiple regions in WPP (Fisheries Management Area) 715.

Strategies for Revitalization: Insights from Industry and Global Examples

1. Ensuring Sustainable Bait Supply

To address bait scarcity, stakeholders are exploring several practical approaches, backed by local experience and global models:

• Partnerships with Bagan Operators
  Industry players, including PT. ASTB, suggest building formal collaborations with bagan (traditional lift-net platforms) to secure year-round bait availability.

• Baitfish Hatchery Development
  The Maldives—one of the only countries still predominantly using pole and line—has pioneered bait hatcheries to support sustainable operations. Indonesia could adapt this model, particularly in Ambon and other parts of Eastern Indonesia where wild bait is increasingly scarce.

• Innovation in Artificial Bait
  Long-term investments in artificial or frozen bait—although still in early development—are considered promising alternatives, especially during off-season months.

“AP2HI, as an association deeply involved in day-to-day operations, knows the practical challenges on the ground. If these innovations are supported by strategic government policy, we could see real change,” Kuntoro added.

2. Strengthening Government Support and Industry Collaboration

Experts emphasize that revitalization cannot happen in silos. It requires strong public-private partnerships where:

• The government provides regulatory clarity and fiscal incentives, including:

  • Fuel subsidies to keep operations competitive

  • Microfinance access for small-scale fishers

  • Targeted training programs on sustainable techniques

• AP2HI and private-sector partners contribute technical know-how and practical solutions, bridging gaps between policy and field execution.

“Government institutions often understand theory, but industry knows the reality. If we work together, we can create meaningful alternatives for Ambon’s pole and line sector,” Kuntoro emphasized.

The Economic Impact: More Than Just Boats

Pole and line fishing isn’t just environmentally sustainable—it’s highly labor-intensive, offering direct employment to local communities.

“One pole and line vessel can employ 20 to 25 people. Imagine if we could revive just 100 vessels—that’s over 2,000 jobs,” said Kuntoro.

This makes revitalization not just an ecological necessity, but a strategic opportunity to boost local livelihoods and reduce unemployment in coastal regions.

Conclusion: A Tradition Worth Fighting For

Revitalizing pole and line fisheries in Ambon is more than an effort to save tradition—it’s about ensuring that sustainability, culture, and community prosperity can co-exist in the modern fishing landscape.

With joint efforts from the fishing community, the government, industry players like AP2HI, and the scientific community, Ambon has the potential to become a national model for sustainable tuna fishing.

“Revitalization isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Now is the time to act, or we risk losing one of the most sustainable tuna fishing methods in the world,” concluded Kuntoro.

Author: Allisya Syafiah Kusumawardani