Sabre fishermen (Indonesia, Bali)

On the coasts of Bali , some fishermen still practice standing line fishing in the sea , at shallow depths. Equipped with long rods without reels, often made of bamboo or fiberglass , they use a traditional , silent and precise method, adapted to lagoons and reefs .

This technique has been passed down orally for generations in Balinese and Javanese communities. It helps preserve coastal ecosystems while providing a direct source of marine protein .

But this traditional fishing industry is in decline. The growth of beach tourism in Bali is leading to water pollution , the destruction of spawning grounds , and a decline in fish . Despite this, nearly a million fishermen in Indonesia still use unpowered boats or row with paddles—an invisible reality but essential to local food security .