{
  "id": 8979864,
  "title": "How freediving helps Indonesia’s Bajau preserve traditions and conserve marine life",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/how-freediving-helps-indonesias-bajau-preserve-traditions-and",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-21T18:18:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mongabay",
    "slug": "mongabay",
    "url": "https://news.mongabay.com/2026/09/how-freediving-helps-indonesias-bajau-preserve-traditions-and-conserve-marine-life/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Poto Tano, Indonesia — Mahari, the leader of a Bajau octopus fishing group, sits at the helm of their boat, a cigarette clutched between his teeth. He meticulously observes the sea conditions, deciding on the appropriate tool for their daily catch. The Bajau people, an Indigenous ethnic group found across Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, have long utilized traditional freediving techniques for marine resource exploitation.\n\nIn Sumbawa, a ban on air compressor-assisted diving has heightened the importance of these traditional methods. Skilled Bajau fishermen like Mahari advocate for gentler approaches to both marine life and human health through freediving. By working alongside local NGOs, they strive to preserve their cultural heritage and ensure the knowledge of these practices is transmitted to future generations.\n\nDepending on the water conditions and visibility, Bajau fishermen employ two primary methods for catching octopus. In low visibility or strong currents, they utilize a \"shell\" tool adorned with hooks, allowing it to drift freely behind their boat. Conversely, under optimal conditions, they may employ alternative techniques to minimize environmental impact. This article, originally published on Mongabay, highlights the delicate balance between tradition, conservation, and livelihood for the Bajau people.",
  "summary": "POTO TANO, Indonesia — Mahari sits at the front of the boat, cigarette in hand, surveying the conditions of the waters off Poto Tano, a small fishing community on the island of Sumbawa, Indonesia. As ketua, the leader of this group of Bajau octopus fishers, Mahari decides which tool they will use today. He silently […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}