Traditional Fishermen of Mozambique- Their Techniques and Their Vessels

The people of Mozambique seem to have an affiliation with the ocean. After years of war most forms of local agriculture had come to a grinding holt and dependency on the fish and fruits of the sea became even more essential for survival than ever before. Today, with war in the past and limited commercial operations in action, traditional forms of fishing continue to supply 85% of domestic needs. This provides sustenance for families and micro incomes for those strugging to keep above the poverty line. This statistic is unlikely to last as larger organisations begin to penetrate the market. But, before these small scale operators with their diverse crafts and techniques are squeezed out, it is worth taking a closer look as they add a picturesque energy to the cultural landscape and value to the economy of this beautiful country and its people.

The sailing vessels known as dhows found along the East African Coast originate from India but have roots well inbedded in Arabic spice trade history. These boats are built with tightly stacked planks and wooden pegs. They are waterproofed with local gum and resin. The lateen rig holds sails made of strong cloth but due to cost, grain sacks are often sewn together instead. With wear and tear, different pieces of cloth are sewn into the sail and the result is often a patchwork of colour. Lateen sails have been proven to be one of the most efficient forms of sails in up-wind conditions.

As their name implies these little boats are formed from burning and then digging out the side of a log, creating enough space for a person to sit, stand, fish or throw a net from. The incredibly heavy hard-woods used ensure that the dugouts remain free from rot and are not carried off anywhere fast. The owner uses a long pole as an axile to manipulate the craft into the water, bit by bit. Once the dugout is afloat it is moved about with more help from the long pole. Generally used for fishing within estuaries and other flat water beds, their position is held with the help of an anchor lowered into the water. This needs to be a heavy object because of weight and pushing currents. Old discarded Singer Sewing Machines seem to do the job well and are often to be seen attached to the dugouts along the shore.

At sun-rise fishermen drag their rowing boats down to the water's edge from their resting place above the tide line, and navigate their way through the early swell. By 2pm they are back at the beach with their line-caught catch cooling in the hutch. Sales take place on the beach as local restaurants and fish-mongers purchase fresh stock for the evening sales. Once the dealing is done, the boats are dragged back up the beach and secured till the following dawn.The bigger rowing boats are used to trawl nets along the ocean floor, on occasion pulling up wild-life that should not be found for sale in the market square. Manta Rays and turtles are among the creatures rescued by those concerned about the wildlife heritage that is such a strong part of Mozambique’s tourist trade. Managing this process in a more formal manner is yet another challenge that Mozambique faces as it pursues a sustainable tourist trade.

At any given time of day one is likely to see someone walking along the beach throwing a hand-line into the water and pulling out a pan-size fish. These fishermen carry loosely woven baskets over their shoulders for storing their catch. The baskets keep the fish cool and allow for drainage. Land-lines seem to hang from every pillar and post, off bridges and water-walkways. One person may be working three or four lines at a time, moving between the different points, hooking and un-hooking throughout the day. Those that fish with a fishing rod and reel often do so from high points, casting down into the depths below the cliffs.

Free diving down into the ocean in order to bring up crayfish or harvest oysters demands a certain type of stamina. Free diving down to 20 or 30 metres, waiting for a sizable fish to swim by, shooting it and then swimming it back to shore while possibly having to fight off a shark or two, takes fishing to the next level. In addition to this physical stamina, these spear fishermen are not using the latest technology but rather home-made guns consisting of little more than a piece of wood, a sharpened metal spike and a strong rubber band. Once the fish is landed there is often an extensive walk to nearest market or resort in hope of a sale.

Hardened watermen, working the ocean, feeding their families and earning a living: These are the fishermen of Mozambique.