Tradition of collective action
The tradition of collective action was strongest in villages having a sasi institution. Although
the level of communal activity was in decline everywhere, it was significantly worse in non-
sasi villages. The most common comment from fishers was that people who used to help one
another voluntarily now expected cash payment.
Family well-being and income
Family well-being, defined in terms of housing, health, and education opportunities, was the
same in sasi and non-sasi villages and on the increase. When asked to rate their incomes,
however, sasi fishers gave themselves lower current and future scores than did non-sasi fishers.
They also, on an average, reported static incomes, whereas non-sasi fishers reported increasing
incomes. Perceived loss of income over time was related to age, being most sharply felt by
the oldest fishers. The average age of fishers in sasi villages (50 years) was greater than that
of non-sasi fishers (44 years).
Community harmony
Present and future community harmony was significantly greater in sasi villages, even though
this group contained Haruku, which is currently in political turmoil (see case study). Although
both groups perceived a decline in harmony over the years, and expected further deterioration,
this decline was much more marked in non-sasi villages. The factor most affecting community
harmony was drinking problems among youths (111 comments), especially in Seri, Hutumuri,
Haruku, Seilale and Soahuku. Another common complaint on Ambon Island was the negative
influence of the city, whereas fishers on other islands spoke of bad outside influences in more
general terms (42 comments). Poor leadership (39 comments), unemployment (17 comments),
land disputes (10 comments), and erosion of adat (6 comments) were also named.
Discussion of village issues
The level of discussion of village issues (past, present and future) was felt to be significantly
higher in sasi villages. However, both groups of fishers thought that village issues were
publicly discussed much less now than in the past. Sasi villagers thought this would not get
any worse whereas non-sasi villagers predicted further decline in the future.
8.5 Biological Sustainability Indicators
Health of the marine environment was measure in terms of 1) resource health, and 2) fish
catches. Both were seen to be in decline everywhere (Table 8.1). Neither fishers in sasi villages
nor those in non-sasi villages were optimistic about the future (Table 8.2). The oldest fishers
(over 60 years of age) perceived the greatest declines in both fish catches and the marine
environment.
Fish catches
As sasi is applied only to a small number of inshore species, and fishers mostly target pelagic
fish outside of sasi areas, this is not a reflection of catch rates within sasi areas but in the larger
fishery. Fishers in sasi villages were more sensitive to declining catch rates over the past 15
years, perhaps because of their greater average age and longer experience at sea. When
Comparison of Equity, Efficiency and Sustainability in Sasi and Non-Sasi Villages of Central Maluku 85