The Bajau tribe have long lived a strange, mostly amphibian life, and now they have been shown to possess the ability through genetic modification to become “sea nomads”.

Living off the coast of Indonesia for more than 1,000 years, the Bajau people live on rafts, spending much of their time at sea.

‘Mermaid’ tribe exists thanks to genetic mutation

They are talented divers, hunting fish with spears and have impressive lung capacity and super swimming ability, according to BBC.

Members of the tribe can dive to depths of up to 70 meters, using only ballast stones and wooden goggles.

Image of members of the gene mutation tribe

photo: lad bible

Sharing with CNN, expert Melissa Ilardo of Cambridge University (UK) said that the Bajau people dive about 8 hours/day, spending 60% of the day underwater.

New research has uncovered the secret behind this extraordinary ability: the “sea nomad gene”, which gives them oversized spleens.

When a person dives underwater, the spleen contracts to pump oxygen-carrying red blood cells into the circulatory system, increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood by 9%.

So, with larger-than-normal spleens, the Bajau are certainly given a genetic advantage to live a “sea nomad” life.

It is difficult to determine how long the Bajau stay underwater during each dive, but some say they can dive for up to 13 minutes.

The Bajau Tribe in Indonesia: ‘Sea Nomads’ with a Miraculous Genetic Mutation

The Bajau tribe in Indonesia is renowned for its extraordinary diving and underwater survival skills, a remarkable feature that has earned them the nickname “sea nomads.” Through a unique evolution thanks to genetic mutation, the Bajau people have not only developed exceptional diving skills but also possess bodies with specialized adaptations, allowing them to conquer the ocean as part of their everyday lives.

The Unique Lifestyle of the Bajau People

The Bajau live scattered across the waters of Southeast Asia, primarily in the seas of Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. They spend most of their lives on boats, moving from one sea to another. For the Bajau, the ocean is not only a livelihood but also a home. Daily activities like fishing, hunting, and even trading take place underwater, where they can dive deep without the need for supporting equipment.

Extraordinary Diving Abilities

The Bajau people can hold their breath underwater for up to 13 minutes and dive to depths of around 70 meters, something most people cannot do. Scientists have long been curious about this unique ability, believing it might be linked to biological adaptation. However, it was only when genetic studies on the Bajau were conducted that this mystery was finally unraveled.

Miraculous Genetic Mutation and Biological Adaptation

A study published in the journal Cell revealed that the Bajau have a genetic mutation in the PDE10A gene, which increases the size of their spleens. The spleen is an organ that stores oxygen-rich blood cells, and when the Bajau dive deep, their spleens contract to release oxygen into their bloodstream, allowing for extended dive times. The development of an enlarged spleen is a result of evolution, enabling the Bajau to adapt to the harsh underwater environment more easily.

The Impact of ‘Sea Nomad’ Life on Culture and Tradition

The Bajau’s unique lifestyle has not only influenced their physicality but also shaped a deep-sea culture. They possess extensive knowledge of fish species, seaweed, and other marine animals. These skills are passed down from generation to generation, becoming an essential part of the tribe’s cultural identity.

Moreover, their sea-based life has fostered a strong connection with nature, along with unwritten rules for protecting the marine environment. They understand that their survival depends on the marine ecosystem, and therefore they know how to utilize the ocean sustainably.

The Future of the Bajau People

Despite enduring for centuries, the Bajau tribe today faces challenges from climate change, marine pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. These factors threaten both the Bajau way of life and the unique ‘sea nomad’ culture they have developed. Researchers are calling for the protection and support of this tribe to help sustain their way of life.

Thus, the Bajau tribe is not only a symbol of natural adaptation but also a vivid testament to the close relationship between humans and the natural environment. The ‘sea nomad’ life of the Bajau will continue to attract the attention of scientists, contributing valuable insights into human evolution.