The Bajau: A Unique Population with Extraordinary Underwater Abilities
How long can you hold your breath underwater? 90 seconds, maybe two minutes and little more. However, the Bajau are capable of submerging up to 70 meters deep and last 13 minutes without breathing. As a study published in the journal Cell points out, unique populations can be found that demonstrate that humans are the only mammals that have managed to colonize the most extreme environments of the Earth, from high-altitude mountain ranges to remote Pacific islands. And this is something that has caught the attention of scientists who wonder what makes them unique in the world.
The Bajau or ‘sea nomads’ spend more than 60% of their working time underwater, with no other equipment than wooden glasses and a set of weights that takes them to the bottom, where they move with great agility. According to Herawati Sudoyo, a geneticist at the Mochtar Riady Institute of Nanotechnology (MRIN) who is carrying out a genomic study of this population, the Bajau tribe, known as “sea nomads”, has been found to have a high tolerance to hypoxia. Characteristics that make them almost superhuman, while they become one with the water.
Visitors who have been among the Bajau describe their unique breathing techniques before immersion and their ability to remain calm underwater. Scientists studying the human body’s response to extreme altitudes and depths point to some unique genetic aspects in the Bajau that may be key to their apnea diving abilities.
The Bajau’s history of diving dates back to the 16th century, with authors like Antonio Pigafetta highlighting their extraordinary underwater capabilities. This ethnic group from Southeast Asia has been known for centuries for their maritime nomadic lifestyle, with over a million people living on houseboats or in coastal villages. The Bajau start diving at the age of three, learning the ways of the sea from the elders in their community.
Even in modern times, the Bajau continue to rely on the sea for their livelihood, collecting shellfish, fish, and turtle shells. Their deep understanding of the ocean helped them survive the 2004 tsunami, showcasing their resilience and connection to the sea.
Scientists studying the Bajau believe that their evolutionary adaptation to living as marine hunter-gatherers has changed their physiology, allowing them to dive safely for extended periods. This adaptation may involve unique features in their spleen, which helps reduce oxygen consumption underwater.
Research into the Bajau’s spleen has drawn parallels with marine mammals like seals, which also have large spleens to aid in their underwater activities. Understanding the physiological adaptations of the Bajau could hold valuable insights for human evolution and survival in extreme environments.
In a world where humans are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is physically possible, the Bajau stand out as a population with remarkable underwater abilities that continue to fascinate and inspire researchers around the globe.