Bubu Fishing Gear: A Study of Traditional Fishermen's Fishing Technology on Bangkurung Island, Banggai Laut Regency

Fishing gear in the form of the bamboo Bubu has become a cultural heritage of the people of Bangkurung Island, Banggai Laut Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. This study aimed to examine the Bubu knowledge system in Bangkurung, the practice of using Bubu, and the supporting and inhibiting factors that contribute to its sustainability on Bangkurung Island. The study used a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews conducted from June 10 to June 25, 2024, in three villages of Bangkurung District, Banggai Laut Regency: Lantibung, Mbeleang, and Lalong, with 18 key informants participating. The results revealed that fishermen generally make their own bamboo Bubu, although some purchase it for the sake of time efficiency. Bubu is made from bamboo, which is readily available in the forested areas of Bangkurung Island. The use of Bubu in fishing requires little physical effort. Several factors support the sustainability of Bubu as fishing gear: it is simple and easy to make, environmentally friendly, leads to higher catches, and is in demand in the market. Both the community and local government desire to preserve Bubu as part of local wisdom, with policies supporting its sustainability. However, there are several inhibiting factors, including climate change, environmental degradation, urbanization, destructive fishing practices such as the use of fish bombs, and a lack of regeneration in fishing practices.