The Little Tern: Messenger of the Fishermen's Fortunes

*Heri Tarmizi

Tern in fishpond at Cintaraja village

In the tranquil waters of Cinta Raja, Langsa, where the rhythms of nature harmonize with the livelihoods of fishermen, a unique partnership thrives between humans and avian inhabitants. Amidst the vast expanse of fish ponds spanning a hundred hectares, the fishermen find solace in the presence of the little tern, a feathered ally whose aerial dances carry both good tidings and foreboding omens.

Sitting by the fish pond, amidst the midday lull, conversations with the fishermen unfold like the gentle ripples on the water's surface. Over cups of coffee shared in camaraderie, tales of triumphs and tribulations mingle with the whispers of the wind. It is during these moments of respite, amidst the daily toil of feeding shrimp, that the fishermen share insights into the delicate balance between man and nature.

The group of Tern pierce on electrical line

Curiosity piqued, I inquired about the avian inhabitants and their interactions with the fish pond. With a knowing smile, the fisherman remarks that while most species coexist harmoniously, there is one notorious troublemaker—the cormorant. Despite its relatively low population within the area, the cormorant's voracious appetite often leads to the pilfering of shrimp and fish, much to the chagrin of the fishermen.

However, amidst tales of mischief and mayhem, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of the little tern. Perched gracefully on electric cables or bamboo sticks protruding from the water, these elegant birds serve as silent sentinels, guardians of the fishermen's fortunes. Contrary to the cormorant's disruptive tendencies, the little terns are revered as allies, and bearers of vital information crucial for the survival of the fish pond ecosystem.

Intrigued by this revelation, I inquire further about the role of the little terns in the fishermen's lives. With a twinkle in his eye, the fisherman explains that the little terns are not merely inhabitants of the skies but rather celestial messengers, entrusted with the task of safeguarding the shrimp's health. As the terns take flight in synchronized flocks, their graceful maneuvers serve as a harbinger of impending doom or impending fortune.

Tern uses the electrical line for resting 

According to the fishermen's lore, if the little terns descend upon the fish pond in a frenzy, feasting upon the shrimp with gusto, it signals a dire predicament—a harbinger of death lurking beneath the water's surface. The shrimp, once vibrant and teeming with life, now succumb to unseen perils, their demise imperceptible to human eyes. It is here that the little terns assume their role as guardians, their aerial vantage point allowing them to detect signs of distress invisible to mere mortals.

In such moments of crisis, the fishermen heed the silent warnings of their feathered companions, mobilizing swiftly to salvage what remains of their livelihood. With practiced efficiency, they cast their nets, reaping the bounties of the sea before it's too late. In this dance of life and death, the little terns serve as both alarm bells and guiding lights, leading the fishermen towards calmer waters amidst the storm.

Yet, amidst tales of woe, there lies a silver lining—a testament to the resilience of nature and the symbiotic relationship between man and bird. For in the wake of tragedy, there arises an opportunity for renewal, a chance to rebuild and rejuvenate the fish pond ecosystem. With the guidance of the little terns, the fishermen embark on a journey of stewardship, tending to the waters with care and reverence.

In the tapestry of life, where threads of fate intertwine, the little terns stand as silent witnesses to the ebb and flow of existence. Their presence serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that sustains us all, a testament to the interconnectedness of all living things. And as the fishermen gaze upon the horizon, they do so with newfound gratitude for their avian allies, whose wings carry whispers of hope amidst the winds of change.

The flock of Tern at fishpond