For generations the Bajau Laut lived entirely on the sea, fishing during the day and sleeping in long boats called lepa-lepa. Indigenous to the Coral Triangle, the area spanning Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, they have survived by fishing off the region’s reefs. Many are known to free dive to depths of over 200 feet.

In the past few decades much of the Bajau population has migrated to shore—partly as a result of overfishing. To remain competitive players in this market, the Bajau—many of whom still rely on handmade spears and goggles—have modernized their practices by using cyanide and dynamite to stun the fish. According to the World Wildlife Fund, these practices have devastated the marine biosystem of the Coral Triangle and threaten the Bajau’s main source of food and income.

Photographer James Morgan began documenting the Bajau Laut in 2004—to do so he learned Indonesian and how to free dive. He says he wants to document a disappearing way of life but also examine how the Bajau’s “uniquely intimate understanding of the ocean” can be used to develop more sustainable fishing practices.

Traditionally hunter-gatherers, the Bajau have provided for themselves primarily by spearfishing. But as seas are fished out, it has become harder for them to support themselves.
Traditionally hunter-gatherers, the Bajau have provided for themselves primarily by spearfishing. But as seas are fished out, it has become harder for them to support themselves.
1. Enal plays with a small shark. 2. Bajau catch stingrays with nets and spears and use the tail section to make a yellow curry.
1. Enal plays with a small shark. 2. Bajau catch stingrays with nets and spears and use the tail section to make a yellow curry.
1. Enal plays with a small shark. 2. Bajau catch stingrays with nets and spears and use the tail section to make a yellow curry.
The Bajau, dependent on the sea for their food and livelihoods, can create delicacies from a wide range of sea creatures.
The Bajau, dependent on the sea for their food and livelihoods, can create delicacies from a wide range of sea creatures.
1. The coral triangle is a vast tract of ocean, some 6 million square kilometers, that encompasses Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and the Solomon Islands. 2. Preparing to go hand fishing.
1. The coral triangle is a vast tract of ocean, some 6 million square kilometers, that encompasses Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and the Solomon Islands. 2. Preparing to go hand fishing.
1. The coral triangle is a vast tract of ocean, some 6 million square kilometers, that encompasses Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, and the Solomon Islands. 2. Preparing to go hand fishing.
Children from a Bajau family that took up residence on an uninhabited island. Unable to eke out a living ashore they have turned back to the sea to sustain themselves.
Children from a Bajau family that took up residence on an uninhabited island. Unable to eke out a living ashore they have turned back to the sea to sustain themselves.
1. Though a majority of Bajau now live in stilt communities, they still build their mosques over the ocean. They practice a syncretic belief system that allows for a deep reverence for the ocean and the spirits that are said to inhabit it. 2. Night time prayers at a mosque on stilts over the ocean.
1. Though a majority of Bajau now live in stilt communities, they still build their mosques over the ocean. They practice a syncretic belief system that allows for a deep reverence for the ocean and the spirits that are said to inhabit it. 2. Night time prayers at a mosque on stilts over the ocean.
1. Though a majority of Bajau now live in stilt communities, they still build their mosques over the ocean. They practice a syncretic belief system that allows for a deep reverence for the ocean and the spirits that are said to inhabit it. 2. Night time prayers at a mosque on stilts over the ocean.