17.3 Tons of Seafood in Just 60 Seconds — Inside Indonesia’s Massive Fishing Start

Added: 2026-05-07

[00:00:02]Indonesia is considered one of the largest seafood hubs in the region with thousands of islands spread across the ocean.

[00:00:11]Thanks to its location across nutrient-rich ocean [music] currents, its waters are full of marine life, allowing many species to grow in large numbers.

[00:00:25]Every day, thousands of tons of seafood are brought up from the ocean depths.

[00:00:31]Behind these fully loaded fishing trips is not just luck from nature, but also the result of years [music] of experience combined with modern fishing techniques used by fishermen to operate efficiently. [music] >> [music] >> Let's explore how Indonesian fishermen catch thousands of tons of seafood [music] every day.

[00:01:05]One of the most important seafood species in Indonesia is skipjack tuna.

[00:01:11]This fish has high economic value and often travels in large schools across the ocean, sometimes numbering in the thousands.

[00:01:20]Because of this, Indonesian fishermen have developed various fishing methods depending on vessel size and operating conditions.

[00:01:35]The most common method involves using fish aggregating devices.

[00:01:40]These devices are released into the ocean and drift like artificial hotspots, attracting small fish.

[00:01:48]Once small fish gather, skipjack tuna follow to feed, forming areas with extremely high fish density.

[00:02:10]After locating a school, a large vessel deploys a purse seine net around the fish.

[00:02:17]At the same time, a smaller boat moves along the side to help tighten and guide the net, concentrating the fish into a smaller area.

[00:02:27]Once the net is fully closed, the tuna are packed tightly near the vessel.

[00:02:32]With this method, a single net haul can yield around 44,000 to 110,000 lb of skipjack tuna.

[00:02:40]And in large catches, can even reach over 220,000 [music] lb.

[00:02:50]However, another distinctive fishing method is [music] line fishing directly along the side of the boat.

[00:02:57]When the tuna are lured close to the surface, all activities on board happen simultaneously in a coordinated way.

[00:03:06]One group continuously throws bait fish into the water [music] and sprays water to keep the school together, while the others stand along both sides of the vessel, constantly dropping hooks and pulling fish up.

[00:03:24]With this method, the catch is not as massive as purse seine fishing, but it can still reach around 2 to 4,000 lb per day.

[00:03:33]And it is more selective with less impact on other marine species.

[00:03:44]The combination of fishing multiple methods allows Indonesian fishermen to maintain high productivity while adapting to different sea conditions.

[00:04:04]In addition to skipjack tuna, squid is another important seafood resource in Indonesia, contributing significantly to daily catch volumes.

[00:04:15]Unlike tuna, which live in deeper waters and travel in large schools, squid are strongly attracted to light.

[00:04:23]This behavior has led to a specialized fishing method that is mainly carried out at night.

[00:04:35]When night falls, fishing boats move to squid-rich waters and turn on highly powered lights directed at the sea surface.

[00:04:44]The lights create a bright zone underwater, attracting plankton, which in turn draws squid towards the surface to feed.

[00:04:58]When squid gather densely under the light, the fishermen begin harvesting using a very distinctive method, mass squid jigging.

[00:05:07]Multiple fishing rods are dropped into the water at once, each fitted with glowing artificial bait.

[00:05:15]The squid repeatedly strike at the bait and get hooked.

[00:05:19]On larger vessels, automated jigging machines are used to create continuous lifelike movement.

[00:05:33]After being [music] caught, squid are immediately placed into ice boxes or cold storage to preserve freshness.

[00:05:41]Thanks to this quick handling process, squid maintain high quality upon landing, meeting both domestic demand and export standards.

[00:05:59]>> [music] [music] [music] >> In Indonesia, while tuna and squid are typically harvested on a large scale offshore, crabs are mainly caught in coastal areas using more selective methods such as traps or cages.

[00:06:56]This difference comes from the species' natural behavior. As crabs As [music] crabs usually hide in shallow bottom environments such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, or muddy and sandy areas to feed and avoid predators.

[00:07:17]Based on these characteristics, Indonesian fishermen mainly use specialized trap cages for harvesting.

[00:07:24]These traps are fixed on the seabed in pre-identified areas with high [music] crab density.

[00:07:32]Inside the cages, fishermen typically place bait such as small fish or other seafood with a strong smell in order to attract crabs, encouraging them [music] to naturally crawl inside the traps.

[00:07:48]>> [music] >> After the traps are deployed into the sea for a certain period of time, fishermen return to retrieve and check them.

[00:07:58]When pulled up, the cages are usually filled with live crabs, which help to ensure the product remains fresh and maintains high commercial value when brought [music] back to shore.

[00:08:13]The total catch from a single fishing trip can range from roughly 240 [music] to over 660 lb.

[00:08:21]For larger scale vessels or longer fishing expeditions, this [music] figure can reach around 2,200 to 4,400 lb of [music] crabs.

[00:08:36]>> [music] >> This fishing method not only provides stable economic efficiency, but also offers a major advantage in terms of sustainability as it minimizes impact on the natural seabed environment.

[00:08:50]As a result, [music] the surrounding marine ecosystem remains relatively intact, while crab resources are harvested in a more balanced and long-term way.

[00:09:06]>> [music] >> In Indonesia, shrimp is one of the country's high-value seafood export [music] products, playing an important role in its national seafood supply chain.

[00:09:17]However, shrimp supply comes from two main sources, aquaculture and wild capture, with aquaculture accounting for the larger share.

[00:09:28]>> [music] >> While shrimp fishing in Indonesia mainly takes place in coastal areas, estuaries, and brackish waters, rather than expanding far offshore.

[00:09:41]In these areas, fishermen use simple methods such as net setting, gillnetting, [music] traps, or hand catching.

[00:09:49]In river branches and mangrove regions, hand catching and net setting are quite common due to the shrimp's [music] natural living habits.

[00:10:07]When the nets are pulled up, the catch often includes a mix of different species, such as small fish, crabs, [music] and other bottom-dwelling organisms.

[00:10:17]Therefore, fishermen manually sort the catch, keeping the shrimp and either using or releasing the unwanted species.

[00:10:24]These methods are low-cost, easy to apply, and suitable for small household-scale operations.

[00:10:32]A short fishing trip typically yields around 110 [music] to 440 lb, depending on the season and resource density.

[00:10:49]>> [music] >> Currently, due to regulations restricting bottom trawling to protect marine ecosystems, large-scale industrial shrimp fishing is no longer as common as before.

[00:11:00]However, Indonesia's total shrimp production remains high at the national level.

[00:11:05]Mainly driven by aquaculture, making it one of the country's key seafood export industries.

[00:11:18]Another economically valuable seafood in Indonesia is grouper.

[00:11:23]This fish is highly favored in international markets thanks to its delicious meat quality and firm texture.

[00:11:30]Often positioned in the premium seafood market.

[00:11:40]Unlike large-scale species such as tuna, grouper is generally caught using more selective methods.

[00:11:47]Fishermen mainly use hand lines or individual traps instead of large-scale netting, which helps to reduce fish injuries [music] and maintain product quality upon landing.

[00:11:58]As a result, catch volume per trip varies, typically around 44 to 220 lb.

[00:12:05]Although in some cases, large individuals can weigh up to 660 lb.

[00:12:16]In addition to wild capture, many coastal regions in Indonesia have also developed grouper cage farming combined with fishing activities.

[00:12:25]Each cage system can produce around 2,000 to 4,400 lb of production per cycle, helping stabilize market supply while reducing pressure on natural resources.

[00:12:39]As a result, although grouper is not produced in extremely large volumes, it maintains high economic value and is being developed in a more sustainable long-term direction.

[00:12:56]Overall, fishing in Indonesia is not based on a single method, but rather a flexible approach depending on each species.

[00:13:04]From large-scale offshore fishing to more detailed seabed harvesting, all contribute to massive daily seafood production.

[00:13:21]However, what matters is not only the volume caught, but also how sustainably it is done.

[00:13:27]Without proper conservation, seafood resources will gradually decline.

[00:13:33]Therefore, balancing harvesting with marine protection is the key to long-term development of the industry.

[00:13:47]If you found this content interesting, don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more videos about daily life and the stories behind unique industries like this.

[00:14:09]In Norway, [music] massive schools of herring appear in huge numbers.

[00:14:15]When they [music] move close to the surface, the entire sea seems alive.

[00:14:20]Fishermen quickly deploy surrounding nets, and within [music] a short time, tons of fish are captured.

[00:14:27]It's one of those rare moments >> [music] >> when nature feels incredibly generous.

[00:14:37]>> [music] >> In these same waters, giant halibut sometimes present a real challenge.

[00:14:50]When hooked, they don't dash away like many other fish, but instead pull downward with incredible weight and power.

[00:14:59]The struggle is slow, but intense, requiring patience and steady control.

[00:15:05]When the massive fish finally reach the surface, its size alone is enough to leave anyone in awe.

[00:15:29]Humans aren't the only predators [music] on the sea, though.

[00:15:33]In South Africa, sardines are often driven into massive bait balls.

[00:15:38]Sharks, [music] seabirds, and dolphins all join in the feeding frenzy.

[00:15:43]Fishermen simply take advantage of the moment [music] and cast their nets at the right time to haul in impressive catches.

[00:15:51]It's one of the [music] most vivid displays of the natural food chain.

[00:16:01]In freshwater regions like the Mississippi River, >> [music] >> giant catfish are a primary target.

[00:16:08]Some grow longer than an adult arm and weigh dozens of kilograms or tens of pounds.

[00:16:14]When pulled up, they thrash violently, creating intense and dramatic moments.

[00:16:23]Meanwhile, in Japan, sardines are still caught using traditional techniques.

[00:16:29]Fishermen use light to attract them at night, then encircle them with nets.

[00:16:34]As the nets are pulled in, the sea seems to glow with thousands of shimmering fish.

[00:16:45]In Hawaii, swordfish are one of the fastest predators of the ocean.

[00:16:50]They offer a completely different challenge.

[00:16:53]When hooked, they can leap out of water at incredible speed.

[00:16:57]With their large size and distinctive bill, it often takes several people working together just to bring one aboard.

[00:17:12]In Southeast Asia and Australia, stingrays are commonly caught using both long lines and nets.

[00:17:19]When hooked or trapped, they stay close to the seabed, creating a heavy, stubborn pull.

[00:17:26]Some are so large that multiple people are needed to bring them up.

[00:17:31]As they near the surface, they begin to thrash, revealing their distinctive flat bodies.

[00:17:38]>> [bell] >> In Japan and Indonesia, traditional handline fishing is still widely practiced.

[00:17:51]With simple gear, fishermen can still catch ocean tuna effectively.

[00:17:57]Once a fish bites, everything happens quickly and decisively.

[00:18:01]Fish are pulled up one after another, creating a steady rhythm as the crew works together.

[00:18:16]In Canada, the sockeye salmon migration is one of the most spectacular natural [music] events.

[00:18:22]Millions of fish swim upstream, forming what looks like a river of red.

[00:18:28]In such conditions, simply being in the right place at [music] the right time is enough to catch fish.

[00:18:36]Look at that. That is one strong fish.

[00:18:45]In India, mackerel move in large schools near the surface.

[00:18:49]Once spotted, fishermen quickly cast their nets, and within minutes, a full catch is secured.

[00:18:57]Moments like these happen fast and require sharp observation.

[00:19:13]In the Atlantic and around Panama, marlin often live in the deeper waters.

[00:19:20]When hooked, they don't leap as much, but instead dive downwards with powerful, steady force.

[00:19:27]Anglers must hold firm and reel them in slowly.

[00:19:31]When the long bill finally breaks the surface, it's always a recognizable and memorable sight.

[00:19:47]Back to India, fishermen still use handmade nets in order to catch kiwi fish.

[00:19:54]Despite the simplicity of the method, their experience and understanding of fish behavior allows them to achieve effective results.

[00:20:11]>> [snorts] >> Also in this coastal area, the trevally or barramundi presents an entirely different scene.

[00:20:21]When the fish appear near the surface to hunt, fishermen immediately cast their seine nets, forming a precise, close circle.

[00:20:30]In just a few minutes, the sea becomes chaotic, churning with the continuous, powerful thrashing of hundreds of strong and fast fish.

[00:20:47]>> [screaming] >> In the Caribbean, silver pomfret are pulled from clear waters, their bright bodies shimmering.

[00:20:57]As they gently flap on the deck, they create a visually striking scene.

[00:21:10]Off the coast of California, fishermen sometimes accidentally hook great white sharks.

[00:21:16]When that happens, the entire boat becomes tense due to the powerful and unpredictable pull of these creatures.

[00:21:23][music] Situations like these require careful handling [music] to ensure safety and protect equipment.

[00:21:34]>> [music] >> In Thailand, tuna are caught in large quantities using purse seine nets.

[00:21:45]The process is quick as entire schools are enclosed [music] in a short time.

[00:21:51]Retrieving the net requires smooth coordination amongst the crew.

[00:22:03]In the Red Sea, vibrant red snapper are pulled up from the deep waters.

[00:22:09]They are among the most visually striking fish fishermen can catch, retaining their bright coloration even after being brought to the surface.

[00:22:27]In the waters of Florida, [music] massive Goliath groupers are often found near coral reefs.

[00:22:33]When caught, their enormous size surprises [music] many.

[00:22:38]Due to conservation regulations, they are typically released back into the ocean.

[00:22:57]In Greenland, fishing beneath the thick ice is a major challenge.

[00:23:02]Fishermen must drill holes through the ice and drop lines into the freezing, harsh water.

[00:23:08]These conditions make every trip demanding and requires careful preparation.

[00:23:25]In Mexico, there are moments when marlin suddenly leap straight onto the boats.

[00:23:31]These events happen so quickly that no one has time to react, leaving crews shocked and excited.

[00:23:45]>> [laughter] >> Finally, in the Baltic Sea, massive hauls of herring are brought up, closing the journey with an impressive image.

[00:23:57]The sheer volume of fish highlights the scale of a successful fishing expedition.

[00:24:14]All of these moments show that fishing is not just a profession, it's a journey of discovery.

[00:24:21]Every region, every species, and every method brings in a different experience.

[00:24:31]>> [music] >> What makes these moments memorable isn't just the sheer number of fish, [music] but the stories behind them. The patience, experience, adaptability, and sometimes just a bit of luck.

[00:24:49]>> [music] >> And perhaps it's exactly that unpredictability that keeps the ocean so captivating, because [music] you never truly know what's waiting beneath the surface of your next cast.

[00:25:06]>> [music]