Traditional Maldivian Fishing Methods: Pole-and-Line Tuna Fishing

Fishing has always been at the heart of Maldivian life. Long before tourism became the nation’s economic backbone, fishing was the main livelihood, shaping traditions, diets, and communities. Among the various techniques practiced, pole-and-line tuna fishing stands out as one of the most iconic, sustainable, and deeply rooted methods still in use today.

A Tradition Passed Through Generations

Pole-and-line fishing is centuries old in the Maldives. Maldivians perfected this method to catch skipjack and yellowfin tuna – both essential to the country’s cuisine and trade. Unlike modern industrial fishing, pole-and-line is a hands-on technique requiring skill, teamwork, and rhythm, often carried out on traditional wooden fishing boats known as dhoanis.

How It Works

The method is simple yet effective:

• Small bait fish are caught first, often using nets.
• Tuna schools are then located in the open ocean, guided by seabirds and surface ripples.
• Fishermen, standing in rows on the deck, use bamboo or fiberglass poles with barbless hooks.
• Tuna are lured close with bait and splashing water. Once hooked, the fish are flicked into the boat in one smooth motion.

It’s fast, skillful, and requires strong coordination among the crew.

Why It’s Sustainable

Unlike large-scale trawling or purse-seining, pole-and-line fishing minimizes bycatch. Only targeted tuna species are caught, protecting marine ecosystems. This sustainable approach has earned Maldivian tuna certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), making it a globally respected fishery.

The Heart of Maldivian Cuisine

Tuna is a staple of Maldivian food – from morning mas huni (tuna with coconut and flatbread) to spicy curries and dried tuna products. Pole-and-line fishing not only supports livelihoods but also sustains a cultural identity where tuna is more than food; it’s tradition.

Preserving the Future

Today, with climate change and overfishing threatening global oceans, the Maldivian pole-and-line method serves as a model of balance between human needs and environmental care. It shows how heritage can coexist with sustainability, ensuring that future generations continue to thrive on the bounty of the sea.