Samuel, a former accountant, now wakes up at 1.00am every morning to get fresh fish from the port. After 12 years working in accountancy, he decided to switch careers and run a market stall instead due to migraines at the office.
When I asked him about the dangers of overfishing, Samuel explained that the biggest concern is blast fishing, where fishermen use dynamite to catch fish. This destructive method not only kills fish but also harms the surrounding ecosystem, including beautiful coral reefs around the Indonesian islands.
To make a difference, Samuel avoids buying from wholesalers who work with fishermen who use such techniques. He can easily identify fish caught using dynamite. How? He explained that when he cuts open the fish, the tissue and skeleton are disintegrated.
Although running a market stall is a significant change from his air-conditioned office job, Samuel appreciates his autonomy and constantly learning about the trade.
However, just like an office, the market is riddled with politics. He faces challenges due to vendor tactics like undercutting prices. One of the more exasperating situations, Sam explains, is when a neighbouring vendor deliberately calls out lower prices to his customers while they’re at his stall.
Despite these obstacles, he believes in the power of collaboration. He helps other fishmongers at the market buy specific types of fish, as they go to different ports, and each port offers different species. This way, they can each offer a wider variety of fish. This cooperative approach is known as “coopetition”– to cooperate while competing.
For running a successful business, Samuel’s advice is simple: “Do the right thing, and do it right.”
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