Sustainable Traditional Fishing: Ecological Principles in the Use of Tali Kor Fishing Gear in Watubela Waters, Maluku-Indonesia

Tali Kor is a traditional fishing gear based on local wisdom and designed with ecological principles, including species selectivity, fishing efficiency, and minimal impact on marine habitats. This study employed a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), field observations, and document analysis. The results indicated that Tali Kor supports sustainable traditional fisheries by maintaining marine ecosystem balance and reducing bycatch. The gear does not damage benthic habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, which are crucial for fish life cycles. By applying ecological principles, Tali Kor contributes to fish stock sustainability and the preservation of coastal ecosystems. Additionally, this study found that Tali Kor-based traditional fishing positively impacts the socioeconomic resilience of fishing communities by ensuring the long-term availability of fishery resources. The adoption of this gear by local fishers demonstrates an ecological adaptation relevant to sustainable fisheries management. This research concluded that Tali Kor not only preserves traditional fishing practices that align with marine ecology but also serves as an environmentally friendly fisheries model in Indonesia. These findings align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), by promoting responsible fisheries and marine conservation, and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by enhancing the livelihoods and resilience of coastal fishing communities.