An institutional analysis of sasi laut in Maluku, Indonesia

1993, 1994, and 1995). In addition, a great deal of fish catch goes unrecorded because it is
trans-shipped at sea and taken directly to distant markets.

Actual records of landings and local research results are at odds with the official federal optimism
regarding potential for further development. Coral reef fish are believed to be already over-
fished throughout Indonesia (Anonymous 1993, 1994, 1995). Also, landings of shrimp in Maluku
are in decline, and landings of small pelagic fish are uncertain. A 1995 assessment estimated
that small pelagic (baitfish) catches in central Maluku were already at 80-90% of MSY
(Pulitbangkan 1995). The most recent information from the government research facility (LIPI)
is that both shrimp and baitfish are now over-fished throughout the Maluku province (M.S.
Latukonsina, Governor of Maluku, pers. comm. November 1998). The estimated potential yield
of small pelagic fish was recently reduced from 816,200 tonnes to 682,000 tonnes per year. Because
of a shortage of baitfish, pole and line catches of larger pelagic fish, such as skipjack, have been
static or declining in recent years (Nikijuluw 1995). Even at the reduced catch rates, skipjack
are now considered to have been over-fished as well (M.S. Latukonsina, Governor of Maluku,
pers. comm. November 1998). Policy-makers are looking to expand fish and shellfish aquaculture
in an attempt to compensate for declining wild stocks.

Despite warning signs, expansion and modernization of the fishing fleet continue. The new
fishing units have unprecedented fishing power. In the district of central Maluku, a 2% increase
in the number of fishing units over the years 1993-95 resulted in an increase in catches of
almost 30% (Table 3.1). At the same time, fishing units increased by 3% in the district of
Kotamadya Ambon, and production increased by 55%.

Table 3.1. Increase in fishing units and fisheries production in the districts of central Maluku and
Kotamadya Ambon in 1993-1995. Source: Buku Tahunan Statistik Perikanan Tahun 1993, 1994 dan 1995
(Book of Annual Fisheries Statistics, Anonymous 1993, 1994, and 1995).

3.4.3 Top shell fishery

The commercial trade in top shells (Trochus niloticus) has been carried on since at least the
1960s (Zerner and Thorburn, forthcoming) and is a trade that expanded rapidly. For example,
recorded shell exports from the Maluku province increased from under 80,000 kg in 1987 to
over 256,000 kg in 1988. Because rapid exploitation led to a crash in wild stocks, this species
has subsequently been declared protected and it is, therefore, illegal to harvest the shells
outside aquaculture areas. However, harvesting and trade in wild shells continue.

3.4.4 Sea cucumber fishery

Sea cucumbers have been a trade commodity for centuries, ever since Chinese, Makassar,
Buginese and other wandering traders first came to Maluku (Fox 1996). Older fishers can
remember when inshore sandy bottoms were thick with sea cucumbers. Today, however, the
traders rarely bother to visit many of their traditional harvesting areas because the stocks
have been largely exhausted.

34 An Institutional Analysis of Sasi Laut in Maluku, Indonesia

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