A recent scientific breakthrough has revealed that a unique genetic alteration equips members of the Bajau tribe, also known as the “sea gypsies,” with extraordinary capabilities for deep-sea diving. These indigenous people, who reside in floating dwellings off the Indonesia coast, have been noted for their impressive ability to free-dive to depths of up to 70 meters without the aid of modern diving gear.

The adaptation responsible for this remarkable skill is a genetic variance leading to increased spleen size, commonly referred to as the “sea nomad gene.” This allows the Bajau people to optimize oxygen usage when they are diving, surpassing the average human’s underwater endurance. Research conducted by Melissa Ilardo from the University of Cambridge identified that a specific mutation influencing the production of thyroid hormones has a direct correlation with spleen size enhancement.

The Aquatic Mastery of the Bajau: A Genetic Phenomenon at Risk

It’s not merely intensive training but also their genetic code that propels the Bajau to their impressive diving feats. These individuals can remain submerged for up to 13 minutes on a single breath and typically commit about eight hours each day to diving activities. Similar to how seals function, the Bajau’s enlarged spleen provides a reservoir of oxygenated red blood cells, which are crucial when diving to great depths.

Nevertheless, the distinct lifestyle of the Bajau is under threat.

They face conflicts with industrial fishing operations, and their often stateless nature hinders their access to essential services, undermining their traditional existence. The erosion of their lifestyle endangers their inherited diving skills and time-honored wisdom, raising concerns about how modern progress and environmental changes affect the conservation of extraordinary human adaptations.

The urgency to preserve the Bajau’s exceptional diving genetics is not lost on Arezki Amiri, who led the research.

Amiri underscores that without a commitment to safeguard their way of life, we risk losing a living example of human biological diversity. The Bajau people underscore the issue of cultural and genetic conservation that indigenous communities around the globe face in an era of unprecedented environmental and societal evolution.