MANATUTO, 29 october 2024 (TATOLI) – The Behedan community in Aldeia Ilimano, Suco Uma-Caduac, Laclo, Manatuto Municipality, is proud to announce the launch of its first marine Tara Bandu specifically focused on sustainable octopus fisheries. Covering an area of 1.37 square kilometres, this marine Tara Bandu (a local customary law) introduces a six-month closure to help restore and protect the local octopus population, an essential resource for local small-scale fishers.
This community-led initiative follows extensive dedicated planning and sustainable management, supported by Blue Ventures Timor-Leste (BVTL) . Octopus has long been an important catch for local fishers, but its numbers have declined in recent years due to rapid community growth, overfishing, and increased fishing activities. This has prompted the community to take decisive action. The temporary closure aims to give octopuses time to reproduce, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the species and securing the livelihoods of fishers in the area.
Domingos da Cunha, a well-known fisher and the chief of the Tara Bandu structure in Behedan, said: “In the past, we had many fish and octopus, but now there are very few. This marine Tara Bandu is a good thing for us. In the next six months, we hope to see our fish and octopus return to the sea.”
Domingos da Conceição dos Santos, Secretary of State for Fisheries, stated: “I would like to reaffirm the Government’s position and emphasise that the fisheries sector plays a crucial role in the state’s financial returns. That is why the government is committed to investing in Fisheries areas, especially in artisanal fishing to protect marine resources and to increase nutrition.”
With joy and pride, the Behedan’s community celebrates its first Tara Bandu focused on octopus closure. This also aims to strengthen its community regulations and build capacity to manage their marine resources – empowering them to take ownership of their marine resources within community-based fisheries management.
This groundbreaking initiative is a major step forward for marine conservation in Timor-Leste. It marks the first marine Tara Bandu dedicated to an octopus closure, running from October 2024 to March 2025. The LMMA area covers 1.37 square kilometres of the marine area along the coast from Palu Wowo to Ai Male Ba’aleo. The area will be managed by the LMMA Structure, which comprises local fishers and gleaners, members of Grupu Monitorizasaun Peskas, and local leaders.
- The area will be closed for 6 months and open for 1 month, repeating for two years: A 1.37 square kilometre stretch from the coast will be off-limits to all fishing activities, including the use of boats to throw anchors.
- Monitoring and governance: Grupu Monitorizasaun Peskas will continue collecting fisheries data during the 1-month open period to assess the impact of the closure, working with the LMMA structure to make evidence-based decisions for community-based fisheries management.
- Scientific Research and Tourism: While fishing is prohibited in the Tara Bandu area, it remains open to scientific research with permission from the Suco Council and the LMMA Structure. Marine tourism activities like diving and snorkelling are allowed for a fee of USD1 per person for a whole day.
The establishment of this Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) demonstrates the commitment of the local community to manage their marine resources sustainably and effectively. This initiative not only empowers the community but also fosters a sense of stewardship over their environment, and it is part of the project of Improving Fisher Livelihoods and Protecting Marine Biodiversity in Timor-Leste, funded by the UK Government through the Darwin Initiative.
Blue Ventures is a world-leading marine conservation organisation that puts people first by supporting coastal fishers in remote and rural communities. We are committed to restoring the world’s oceans and enhancing the livelihoods of fishing communities. With two decades of experience collaborating with coastal communities across the Indian Ocean and beyond, we partner with small-scale fishers and organisations to combat overfishing and protect marine life in ways that benefit them.
“Together, we design and implement effective fisheries management and marine conservation strategies at the community level. We advocate for reform by forming networks and sharing tools and best practices to empower fishing communities worldwide,” said in a statement. “Securing fisher rights is foundational to our mission. Tens of millions of fishers globally are marginalised or excluded from decision-making regarding access and protection of coastal waters. Our efforts enable communities to assert and uphold their rights, strengthening local management, enriching livelihoods, and sustaining healthy oceans for future generations.”
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
