THEY CATCH FISH IN BORNEO BY DRUGGING THEM

Northern Advocate, 7 March 1936, Page 11

THEY CATCH FISH IN BORNEO BY DRUGGING THEM

Though the latest craze on the Riviera of night fishing with phosphorescent hooks is considered by some 1o be unsporting, the approved custom in this part of the Malay Archipelago is to catch fish by stupefying them with drugs (writes a correspondent of the London “Evening News,” from Borneo). .

t Skill, however, is not required with rod and line. The “dope,” which is poured into the river, Brings the fish in semi-conscious state to the surface, where they are speared. This drug is extracted from a jungle root called “tuba,” and only affects the water for a few hours.

The annual fishing events attract large crowds of natives and are frequently attended by Europeans. On the previous day. the natives collect large quantities of tuba root, whicn they beat with sticks. In this way, the milky white sap is extracted and stored ready for use on the morning.

Scores of Boats.

Soon after the great dawns, we ail embark in small boats and paddle away up stream to the appointed rendezvous. Scores of boats foregather, and everyone is armed with a three-pronged spear, specially barbed for the purpose. When all is ready the tuba juice is tipped into the water. The boats spread out across the river, and, drifting silently along with the stream, we await events. After about half an hour a fish suddenly appears hear the surface, darting about in an aimless manner. This is the signal for a wild rush of boats, for there is keen rivalry to get the first fish. The spearmen stand poised in the bows, as the paddlers drive their boats along at great speed. Then amid

flashing of spears the victor waves aloft the catch.

Fish In Large Numbers.

Fish soon begin to come up in large numbers. The boats dash hither and thither. Surrounded by crowds of excited natives, we stand up in our boat and stab with the best of them. It is no easy matter to spear a fish, which is swimming erratically about near th< surface, but the knack is developed after a little practice. The fun waxes fast and furious for the first two or three hours, but after this the tuba begins to lose its effect. We then usually make for home, but the natives go on all day, gradually increasing their bag. At these events natives often catch many hundreds of fish, ranging from one to ten pounds in weight, and sometimes larger ones up to twenty pounds. Since freshness does not appeal to them, this means considerable wealth for fish is only eaten after it has been dried by the heat of the. sun.