Membuat RUMPON Tradisional | JEJAK PETUALANG

Summary

The fishing culture of Bawean Island is vividly reflected in the community of Kepuh Legundi, where local fishermen utilize natural resources to create fish aggregating devices (rumpon). These structures, often made from bamboo, are strategically placed to foster a thriving aquatic ecosystem. The rumpon provide shelter for smaller fish, attracting larger species, and thus supporting sustainable fishing. Built during calm seasons, they are a group effort, often deployed up to 10 miles from shore. This practice counters the impact of overfishing, ensuring continued productivity for the community's fisheries.

Takeaways

• 😀 Traditional fishing culture is still strong among the people of Bawean Island, especially in the Kepuh Legundi village, located 45 km from Sangkapura.
• 😀 One common practice among fishermen is creating fish aggregating devices (rumpon) to protect their catch and improve fishing outcomes.
• 😀 Rumpon helps maintain fish populations by creating artificial ecosystems in the ocean, reducing dependency on fishing seasons or environmental changes.
• 😀 The most common material used to make rumpon is bamboo, but other natural materials are also used depending on availability in the surrounding area.
• 😀 While bamboo rumpon is a cheap and easily accessible option, other areas use more durable materials such as scrap vehicles or metal for longer-lasting rumpon.
• 😀 After being submerged in the ocean, algae grows on the rumpon, attracting small fish, which in turn attract larger fish as part of the food chain.
• 😀 Rumpon construction is usually done during calm periods with slow currents, which occur when fishing yields are relatively low.
• 😀 Rumpon construction is a community effort, with groups of fishermen spreading the devices over their designated fishing areas.
• 😀 Rumpon can be placed up to 10 miles off the coast, and in some cases, fishermen will even place them several dozen miles offshore.
• 😀 There is a local ethical practice among fishermen that they will only fish in rumpon they have built themselves, preserving the integrity of their fishing grounds.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the fishing community in Desa Kepuh Legundi?

The main focus is on the sustainable use of natural resources, especially through the creation of 'rumpon' (artificial fish shelters) to support the local fishing ecosystem and maintain fish catches despite changing marine conditions.

What is 'rumpon' and how is it used by the local fishermen?

'Rumpon' is an artificial structure used to create a safe habitat for fish, thereby encouraging fish populations to thrive. It is used by fishermen to ensure a stable supply of fish during fishing trips, particularly when fish availability is low due to seasonal changes.

What materials are typically used to build rumpon, and why are they chosen?

Rumpon is often made from natural materials like bamboo or other readily available local materials. These materials are chosen because they are cheap, accessible, and effective at attracting marine life, even though they can degrade over time in the water.

What are the benefits of using rumpon for the fishermen?

The use of rumpon provides a reliable way to attract fish, especially when natural conditions like seasonal changes or overfishing affect local marine ecosystems. It helps stabilize fish stocks and supports local fishing communities by increasing the chances of successful catches.

How is rumpon deployed in the sea, and how far from shore can it be placed?

Rumpon is typically placed at depths ranging from 30 meters to 75 meters, and can be deployed up to 10 miles or even farther from the shore. The strategic placement of rumpon increases the likelihood of attracting fish to specific fishing areas.

How do fishermen ensure that the rumpon they build is effective?

Fishermen ensure the effectiveness of rumpon by following specific ethical guidelines, such as only fishing in rumpon that they have built themselves. They also build rumpon in areas known to be effective for attracting fish based on local knowledge.

What is the relationship between rumpon and the local fish population?

Rumpon helps support the local fish population by creating artificial habitats where small fish can thrive, which in turn attracts larger fish. This promotes a balanced ecosystem and helps ensure a continuous food chain for the fishermen.

What impact has overfishing had on the local fishing ecosystem?

Overfishing has caused significant changes to the local marine ecosystem, leading to depleted fish stocks. The use of rumpon is one of the strategies employed by fishermen to counteract the effects of overfishing and restore some balance to the ecosystem.

When is the best time to build rumpon, and why?

The best time to build rumpon is during the calm season when the currents are slow, typically when fishing activity is reduced. This allows fishermen to focus on constructing the rumpon without the pressure of needing immediate catches.

How do rumpon contribute to the long-term sustainability of the fishing community?

By creating a stable environment for fish to grow and thrive, rumpon helps ensure that fish populations remain healthy, which supports the long-term viability of the fishing community. It reduces the dependency on overfishing and encourages more sustainable fishing practices.