Sustainable Fishing: Bubu as a Reflection of Ecological Knowledge

The Nitty-Gritty Process of bubu Making

To make the bubu, Hamzah begins by cutting the chicken wire into the basic shape of the bubu and then reinforces it with several types of wire. His bubu features a specific design to ensure easy identification. On average, a bubu measures about four feet in width, based on the wire’s dimension, while its length varies according to individual needs. The length of the bubu is determined by the number of mata (eyelets) in the wire. He noted that customers often request sizes ranging from 17 to 21 mata. He also pointed out that larger ones can be more difficult to lift.

He further mentioned that he sells his handmade bubu for around $150 to $200, depending on the size. A bubu typically lasts around three months before deteriorating due to rust or damage from catching large fish. When filled with fish, it can weigh up to 60 kilograms and often requires two people to lift. As a result, the crafting and maintenance of bubu is a continuous process.

While some fishermen prefer to set their bubu traps in deep waters, Hamzah favours placing them in shallow coral reef areas, typically at a depth of no more than three meters. This allows him to easily dive in the water to set and retrieve the traps, as he relies solely on holding his breath rather than using diving equipment such as an oxygen tank. At times, when the tide is extremely low, parts of his bubu can even be seen above the water. Hamzah further explained that setting traps in deeper waters can be exhausting when it comes to retrieving them. In contrast, placing them in shallow waters allows for quicker retrieval, as the traps can be pulled up to the boat with minimal effort. He lifts his bubu traps during low tide when the water reaches waist level, making the process more manageable.

Local Wisdom in Bubu Trap

Bubu is a passive tool, meaning it lures fish to enter it, but once inside, the fish find it difficult to escape. Its primary purpose is to catch demersal fishes such as grouper, parrotfish and rabbit fish. The bubu is also recognised for its environmentally friendly characteristics, as its passive design minimizes ecological disruption. Unlike more aggressive fishing methods, the bubu does not damage marine habitats or result in significant bycatch, making it a sustainable tool for fishing practices².

Hamzah believes that bubu fishing is way more efficient as compared to the traditional net fishing (jala). Traditional net fishing requires fishermen to venture out to sea in the evening and stay there until the following morning, often spending the entire night at sea. In contrast, the use of the bubu trap offers not only sustainable method for the ecology, but also a more efficient and less physically demanding alternative for the fishermen. The use of the bubu eliminates the need for long hours at sea, as fishermen can simply retrieve the trap during the day and return home by night. This highlights the practicality and time-efficiency of this fishing method.

Bubu Fishing, Rekindling Memories

For Hamzah, venturing out to sea near West Coast Park opposite Pulau Sudong, to practise bubu fishing is not only a means of generating income and sustaining his livelihood. After relocating to the mainland in the late 1970s³, it has also become a deeply personal way for him to maintain a sense of connection with Pulau Sudong—his place of origin and where he first learned to craft and use the bubu trap.

Today, Hamzah and his brother, Ahmad Sah, have constructed a makeshift shelter at West Coast Park, positioned to face their former home on Pulau Sudong. This shelter serves as a gathering place for their relatives and as a dedicated space for bubu weaving activities.

While Hamzah cherishes his deep connection to Pulau Sudong and the art of bubu fishing, he is determined not to let it fade into mere memory. He is concerned that younger generations have not taken up the skill of bubu making, and he fears that, without their involvement, his legacy and this important practice may not be preserved for the benefit of the fishing fraternity.

About the Writer

Amirul Hakim is a Malay Studies undergraduate from University of Malaya and appointed as a Sahabat Sastera (Friend of Malay Literature) in 2023 by the Malay Language Council, Singapore. He has since participated in many creative writing endeavours and critical essay writing opportunities. He is keen to expand his academic horizons in the field of history, culture and literature. He is also a member of Meja Conteng, a youth collective comprising young Malay writers who are passionate about Malay literature and arts.