Lummi Reef Net Fishing: A Timeless Testament to Sustainable Harvesting in the Salish Sea
In the shimmering expanse of the Salish Sea, where emerald islands rise from cerulean waters and the lifecycle of salmon dictates the rhythm of existence, an ancient practice endures – one that speaks volumes about profound ecological understanding and unwavering cultural resilience. This is Lummi reef net fishing, a method of harvesting salmon perfected over millennia by the Lummi Nation, not merely as a means of sustenance but as a sacred dialogue with the natural world. Far from the industrial trawlers and gillnetters that dominate modern fisheries, reef netting stands as a living testament to truly sustainable harvesting, a practice deeply entwined with the Lummi people’s identity and their commitment to preserving the delicate balance of their ancestral waters.
The Lummi, or Lhaq’temish as they know themselves, have inhabited the coastlines and islands of what is now Washington State and British Columbia since time immemorial. Their history is meticulously woven into the fabric of the Salish Sea, and central to that narrative is the salmon – the lifeblood, the provider, the relative. Before the arrival of Europeans, the Lummi Nation thrived on the abundance of salmon, and their primary method for capturing these vital fish was the reef net. Archaeological evidence and oral histories suggest this sophisticated technique has been practiced for at least 3,000 to 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuous fishing traditions on the continent.
At its core, reef net fishing is an ingenious exploitation of the salmon’s natural migration patterns and instincts. As salmon, primarily Sockeye and Pink, return from the ocean to their natal rivers to spawn, they navigate through narrow channels, often hugging the bottom in clear, shallow waters. The Lummi strategically place their reef nets in these natural corridors, particularly around the San Juan Islands and the waters surrounding Lummi Island itself, where submerged reefs and currents funnel the fish.
The "reef net" itself is a marvel of traditional engineering. It consists of a large, rectangular net, often handcrafted from cedar bark fiber or stinging nettle historically, and later from more durable materials. This net is suspended between two canoes or platforms anchored in place, forming a "trap" without actually blocking the fish’s path. Extending out from either side of the net are long "wings" or "leaders," often made of kelp or woven cedar, which guide the salmon into the net’s opening. Crucially, these wings do not create a solid barrier; they simply suggest a path, subtly altering the fish’s trajectory.
The operation requires immense skill, patience, and communal effort. A designated "spotter" or "watcher," often perched on a raised platform or the bow of a canoe, plays a critical role. With keen eyesight and deep knowledge of salmon behavior, the spotter observes the shimmering schools of fish approaching through the remarkably clear Salish Sea waters. Once a sufficient number of salmon enter the net, the spotter signals, and the crew, working in unison, swiftly raises the net, scooping the fish into the waiting canoes. "It’s a dance," explains Lummi elder Nickolaus Lewis. "A dance with the salmon, a dance with the currents, a dance with our ancestors who taught us."
What distinguishes reef net fishing most profoundly is its inherent sustainability. Unlike indiscriminate methods like trawling or gillnetting, which can result in significant bycatch – the unintentional capture of non-target species – reef net fishing is highly selective. The large mesh size of the nets often allows smaller, younger fish to pass through, ensuring that a healthy population can continue to mature and reproduce. Furthermore, the fish are caught alive and in pristine condition, minimizing stress and spoilage. The process allows for careful selection; if a non-target species or an undesirable quantity is caught, it can often be released unharmed.
Crucially, reef nets are designed to allow a significant portion of the salmon run to pass through unhindered. They don’t block entire migratory routes, ensuring escapement – the number of fish that successfully reach their spawning grounds. This deliberate allowance for a healthy spawning population is a cornerstone of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), a wisdom that understands the interconnectedness of all life and the long-term imperative of resource stewardship. "We don’t just take," says another Lummi fisherman, echoing generations of teaching. "We ask, we give thanks, and we leave enough for the next seven generations." This philosophy stands in stark contrast to the often extractive and short-sighted practices of modern industrial fishing.
Beyond its ecological benefits, reef net fishing is deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual fabric of the Lummi Nation. It is more than just a means of acquiring food; it is a sacred ceremony, a spiritual practice, and a powerful vehicle for intergenerational knowledge transfer. Children learn alongside elders, observing the nuances of currents, the subtleties of salmon behavior, and the precise timing required for a successful catch. Songs and prayers accompany the setting of the nets and the harvest, reinforcing the profound respect the Lummi hold for the salmon, often referred to as their "relatives." The first salmon caught in a season is typically honored with a special ceremony, a thanksgiving for the abundance and a prayer for continued blessings. This communal activity strengthens family bonds and reinforces community identity, connecting the present generation directly to their ancestors.
However, the continuity of this ancient practice has faced immense challenges. The arrival of European settlers brought disease, dispossession of land, and the imposition of foreign laws and economic systems. Treaty rights, while affirming the Lummi’s right to fish in their "usual and accustomed places," often became battlegrounds, with state and federal regulations frequently clashing with traditional practices. The Lummi reef net fishery, once a major contributor to their economy and diet, suffered significant decline. Moreover, the 20th and 21st centuries have brought new threats: habitat degradation from urbanization and logging, pollution, overfishing by other sectors, and the existential crisis of climate change, all contributing to declining salmon runs across the Salish Sea.
Despite these adversities, the Lummi Nation has demonstrated remarkable resilience. In recent decades, there has been a concerted effort to revitalize reef net fishing, not just as a cultural touchstone but as a powerful symbol of sovereignty and environmental stewardship. Elders, who meticulously preserved the knowledge, have worked tirelessly to teach younger generations. The Lummi Nation has invested in new equipment, training programs, and advocacy to protect their treaty rights and the health of the Salish Sea. This resurgence is not merely about catching fish; it is about reclaiming identity, strengthening cultural ties, and demonstrating a pathway to sustainable living that modern society desperately needs to heed.
The lessons of Lummi reef net fishing extend far beyond the waters of the Salish Sea. In a world grappling with overfishing, species depletion, and the destructive impacts of industrial practices, this ancient tradition offers a profound model of how humanity can coexist harmoniously with nature. It teaches us about respect for the resource, the wisdom of restraint, the power of community, and the enduring value of traditional ecological knowledge. It reminds us that true sustainability is not just a technological fix but a way of life, a spiritual connection, and a commitment to ensuring that the bounty of the earth remains for all generations to come.
As the sun sets over the Salish Sea, casting long shadows across the water where Lummi reef nets once again stand, they represent more than just fishing gear. They are beacons of hope, testaments to an unbroken chain of knowledge, and living proof that a deep, respectful relationship with the natural world is not only possible but essential for our collective future. The Lummi Nation, through their enduring practice of reef net fishing, continues to offer invaluable wisdom, reminding us all of our shared responsibility to protect and cherish the delicate ecosystems that sustain us.
