Traditional fishermen use birds, such as cormorants, to catch fish because these birds dive into the water to capture prey and then bring them back to the fisherman without swallowing them, allowing for efficient fishing.
Fishing with the help of birds is an ancient technique practiced as early as the 3rd century in China, and later in Japan. For a long time, traditional fishermen have primarily used the cormorant to catch fish. The principle is simple: they attach a string around the bird's neck to prevent the ingestion of large prey, and the bird naturally returns to the boat where the fisherman can retrieve the catches. This method gradually spread across Asia and even reached certain regions of Europe, such as Macedonia and ancient Greece. Even today, in some areas, this practice persists mainly as a cultural and tourist attraction, especially in Japan and China, thus preserving a heritage passed down through generations.
Traditional fishermen observe, care for, and often work with trained birds, creating a true cooperative relationship. These fishermen take care of the birds from birth, feed them, and build a real bond of trust. On the water, each has its role: the birds dive to catch fish with their natural agility, while the fisherman easily retrieves the catch. To prevent the bird from swallowing the fish whole, fishermen place a ring around the bird's neck, allowing it to grasp the fish but not to swallow it entirely. Once the fishing is over, the bird is rewarded with fresh fish, further strengthening the bond with its master. It is a truly balanced collaboration: the birds facilitate the fishermen's work, and conversely, the fishermen provide food and protection for their birds.
Birds are unbeatable at spotting fish underwater thanks to their exceptional vision, much better than our human eyes. This is handy when the fish is discreet and invisible from the boat. Moreover, these birds perform clean and efficient fishing, with minimal waste and unnecessary effort. Another nice benefit is that they can dive easily to depths of sometimes up to ten meters, where traditional nets or hooks struggle to reach properly. For traditional fishermen, using birds allows them to catch fresh fish quickly without investing in complex or expensive equipment. It’s also a natural and eco-friendly way to catch fish without damaging their habitat or wasting too many resources.
Among the birds most frequently sought after by fishermen, the cormorant stands out as a true diving champion. For centuries, in China and Japan in particular, fishermen attach a ring around its neck, just tight enough to prevent it from swallowing large fish, but it can still gobble up the smaller ones as a reward. When a good fish is caught, the fisherman retrieves it easily, with little effort. Adaptable and efficient, cormorants often work in groups, diving together to drive fish toward the surface. Some also use the anhinga, nicknamed the "snake bird," known for the slenderness of its neck and its speed in the water. The technique remains largely the same: directing the bird from a small wooden boat, maintaining the delicate balance between constraint and freedom, and taking advantage of the incredible agility of these winged partners.
The cormorants used for artisanal fishing are trained from a young age to work alongside humans without fearing them.
The birds used in this type of fishing can catch several dozen fish in a single session, with fishermen valuing their speed and natural efficiency.
In China, traditional cormorant fishing has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage, as it symbolizes the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
Fishermen usually put a cord around the cormorant's neck to prevent it from swallowing large fish; however, the bird can still swallow small fish as a reward.
Fishing with birds is still practiced in some regions of Asia, such as in the southern provinces of China and in certain villages in Japan, particularly around the Nagaragawa River. It can also be found more sporadically in Eastern Europe and in some remote areas of Africa.
No, fishing birds, like cormorants, are particularly adapted to catching medium-sized fish that live near the surface or at shallow depths. Larger fish or those that inhabit deep waters generally escape their natural hunting abilities.
When traditionally practiced, fishing with birds is generally respectful towards them. Fishermen take care of their avian partners, ensuring their health and nutrition, as they represent a very valuable means of livelihood. However, it can happen that some modern or tourist practices are less respectful, which highlights the importance of prioritizing an ethical approach in this activity.
Fishing birds are typically trained from a young age to become accustomed to partnering with humans. The trainers teach them to return with their catch in exchange for a food reward. This process largely relies on establishing a relationship of trust and a rigorous routine.
The birds traditionally used in fishing include the cormorant, particularly in China and Japan, but also pelicans in certain African regions and fish eagles in some parts of Asia. However, the cormorant remains the bird most commonly associated with this ancient practice.
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