Harvesting Practices of the Sama-Bajau Fishers

In mid August, we invited Shannon Switzer Swanson, a photojournalist, marine social ecologist, and National Geographic Explorer from San Diego, California, to give a talk on the indigenous, traditionally nomadic fishers and freedivers, known as the Sama-Bajau.

Shannon has worked closely with them to understand how fish are caught and transported for the marine aquarium trade, and will be doing further work with them in the coming year. In particular, she will explore the reasons why some of the fishermen use dynamite and cyanide while others use traditional fishing methods.

By sharing her research and photography with us (the community), she raises awareness on how the lifestyles of the Sama-Bajau have changed since being forced to settle by the government, and sustainable approaches for the marine aquarium trade.