News in Brief:
– Tin mining in Indonesia’s Bangka Belitung islands is causing severe damage to marine ecology and disrupting traditional fishing practices.
– Local communities, dependent on fishing and agriculture, protest against new mining projects, emphasising the need for environmental preservation.
The recent surge in tin mining activities around the Bangka Belitung islands in Indonesia has brought significant changes, posing serious threats to the local fishing culture. This article explores the impact of tin mining on the region’s marine ecology and fishing communities, with insights relevant to farmers and environmentalists worldwide.
The Bangka Belitung islands are renowned for their rich fishing grounds. Fishermen like Ismu Bai have relied on these waters for decades, particularly during the squid spawning season when mother squid, protective of their young, are easier to catch. However, the growing presence of tin mining is causing concern among local fishers about the future of their livelihoods, a report said.
The impact of tin mining on marine ecology
Tin mining in Indonesia has a long history, but it expanded significantly after the 1998 regulatory reforms, which led to a rise in both legal and illegal mining activities. Marine tin mining involves dredging or suctioning sand from the seabed, which is then processed to extract tin.
The byproducts of this process, including tin and heavy metals, are disposed of directly into the sea. These pollutants spread, affecting coral reefs and other marine habitats crucial for squid and other marine life.
Coral reefs are essential for marine ecosystems. A study by Walhi Bangka Belitung highlighted a drastic decline in coral reefs around the islands. From nearly 82,300 hectares in 2015, more than 64,500 hectares had vanished by 2017. Without these reefs, squid cannot thrive, impacting their life cycles, including mating, spawning, and juvenile stages.
On land, tin mining has forced communities to abandon traditional farming practices. Villages like Kedimpal and Batu Beriga, once rich in agriculture and shellfish harvesting, now face depleted ecosystems and soil degradation.
The approval of new mining projects has sparked protests from local communities. Villagers, particularly in Batu Beriga, have opposed mining plans that threaten their remaining fishing grounds. Despite assurances from government officials, the conflict continues, highlighting the tension between economic development and environmental preservation.
Efforts and challenges in remediation
PT Timah, a major mining company, claims to have undertaken significant remediation efforts, including coral transplantation and mangrove planting. However, the effectiveness of these measures is questioned by fishers and scientists, who argue that continuous mining activities undermine these efforts.
The declining squid population and competition from larger offshore vessels have made fishing economically unsustainable for many locals. They say that their income from squid fishing often does not cover their costs, leading to increased debt and financial instability.
The fishing communities of Bangka Belitung also practice rituals like taber laot, which involves giving thanks for marine harvests and praying for future abundance. These rituals reflect a deep cultural connection to the sea and a commitment to its preservation.
