The 2004 earthquake and tsunami in Aceh, Indonesia claimed the lives of thousands of fishers. Their deaths also took away much knowledge of coastal areas, fishing grounds, ocean currents, and navigational hazards. The fishers left in Aceh faced reduced incomes since they experienced various difficulties, such as regular net and boat damage due to unknown underwater obstructions. Many boat crews’ lives were also at risk, since they often could not identify their positions at sea.

To overcome these difficulties, a community-based bathymetric survey and ocean floor mapping were conducted by the Earthquake and Tsunami Emergency Support Project, supported by the Asian Development Bank.

To execute the survey and the mapping activities, the project partnered with Aceh’s traditional fishing authority, the Panglima Laot, which regulate fishing areas, mediate disputes and organize rescues. The project also equipped boats with global positioning system (GPS) sounders for easier navigation at a reasonable price. Project staff came on-board the boats to collect data. These data became the basis for a new map, which showed previously unknown hazardous areas, feasible fishing grounds and ocean currents.

The survey and mapping provided valuable benefits to the fishers of Aceh. The survey helped the fishers respond better to organizational, technical and scientific issues related to fishing. It fostered transparency in accounting and reporting practices. The map has not only helped fishers earn more and save more due to knowledge on potential fishing grounds and easier navigation. It has also saved lives as fishers can now readily provide their positions in cases of accidents and boat malfunction. Through better knowledge of the coast and the seas, the fishers can confidently go about their livelihood and manage their coastal resources.