Nolloth has a relativety large (27 ha) land and sea territory (petuanan) compared to other
villages (Antariksa et al. 1993). Stories vary, but it seems that at one time, the reigning raja of
Nolloth collaborated with the Dutch and, in turn, acquired more extensive marine and land
rights than other villages. The land is divided among the uku lua and uku lima. Each of the two
groups maintains its identity and has its own traditional leaders who mediate alnd disputes
and manage certain natural resources in their territories.
The forest garden area straddles the northeastern cape of Saparua Island (Figure 10.1), south
of the village of Itawaka. The main marine territory lies along a 6-7 km stretch on the eastern
side of the cape. South of Nolloth’s village territory lies the shore claimed by Ihamahu (just a
few hundred meters), then a stretch claimed by Itawaka and finally, the village marine
territories of Ulath and Ouw. The villages of Iha and Tuhaha have no claims on this coast.
The marine sasi area is about 2.5 km long, lying within the southern reaches of Nolloth’s
village territory, approximately one hour by small boat from the village. The area is wave-
exposed and fringed by a narrow reef dominated by massive and soft corals and interspersed
with sandy patches (Andamari et al. 1993).
10.1.2 Biological characteristics
The majority of fishers (60%) target pelagic fish only, others, both reef and pelagic fish (33%).
Fourteen fish species were recorded as commonly caught, i.e., eight pelagic and six reef fish
(Appendix 3). In addition, men may collect several large shellfish species, while women collect
mainly small shellfish. The fishers prefer the more profitable pelagic fishery to coral reef
fishing since inshore reefs are already depleted.
Most fishing takes place in the open sea and not in the sasi area. Fishers perceived that the
general condition of the marine environment has drastically declined over the past 15 years,
and they expect resources to decline further in the future (see Section 10.8). In Nolloth, the
main causes for resource decline identified were household waste and industrial pollution.
The number of motorboats has also increased and subsequently, more oil spills into the sea.
Nearly all fishers also perceived significantly reduced fish catches. Blamed for resource
depletion are the increasing numbers of vessels from outside Lease Islands and the use of
modern gears, i.e., FADs (rumpons), fine mesh lift nets (bagans), nylon gill nets and blast fishing.
Since the 1980s, the number of motorized boats, modern gears, FADs and lift nets has increased
markedly around the Lease Islands. Fishers complain that pelagic fish no longer come to
shore because FADs in offshore waters have disturbed their migratory routes.
Most fishers agree that fishing is different now from that in the past. They have to paddle
further and further in trying to keep their fish catches stable. Nearly all fishers (93%) reported
reduced catches and a subsequent decline in income. Over the last years, the price of fish has
become so high that lower yields still provide an acceptable income. But gradually, price
increases will no longer make up for the increased input of time and labor. In these times of
increased financial needs (education, “luxury” commodities such as TVs), compounded by
increasing prices for boats, engines and nets, fishers find it more difficult to cover their expenses
and make a living.
96 An Institutional Analysis of Sasi Laut in Maluku, Indonesia