Ende's Octopus Fishermen Initiative Safeguards South Flores Sea

Fishermen on the south coast of Flores Island in Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, are securing alternative income sources during periods when octopus fishing becomes difficult due to high waves. Specifically, octopus fishermen in Maurongga Beach, Nangapanda District, collect and sell flat green stones along the coast with their families when bad weather prevents them from going out to sea. These stones are packed into 25-kilogram bags and sold for Rp20,000, with some being shipped outside the region. Imran Tabri, one of the fishermen, stated, "It's currently the high wave season, so we've pulled our boats ashore to prevent them from being damaged by the waves. While the fishermen are on a break, women and children are collecting stones." Imran has been an octopus fisherman since 2015 and started this fishery by recognizing the abundance of octopus resources in Maurongga. The Maurongga coast is an environment suitable for octopus habitats, and according to Imran, octopuses are sold for Rp15,000-20,000 each to local collectors or direct buyers on the roadside. The ability for local residents to earn income through stone collection during fishing pauses contributes to economic stability. This activity also suggests the potential to raise awareness for coastal environmental conservation and the sustainable use of resources. Source: Mongabay Indonesia