Subsistence Fishing Activities in the Rock Islands
March 2004 PCS Report No. 2004-01
Subsistence Fishing Activities in the Rock Islands
By Elizabeth Matthews March 2004
PCS Report No. 2004-01
Acknowledgements Palau Conservation Society would like to thank Adalbert Eledui and staff of the Koror State Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement. Roman Ridep conducted the interviews. Evelyn Oiterong of the Bureau of Marine Resources, Yimnang Golbuu of the Palau International Coral Reef Center and Dr. Andrew Smith and David Hinchley of The Nature Conservancy provided helpful answers to many questions. This study was funded by a grant from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coastal Services Center.
Introduction Pacific islanders have long depended upon natural resources for their livelihood. They collected and used a multitude of marine and terrestrial species for food, drink, clothing, housing, boats, fuel, fishing and hunting gear, medicine, exchange items and cooking implements. Traditionally, everything was made from local materials. People developed specialized and intimate knowledge of the flora and fauna from long-term careful observation due to this extensive use. This daily use and dependence is the basis of a subsistence lifestyle. In Palau, natural resources were important sources of sustenance and livelihood. However, in addition to their purely nutritional roles, some natural resources, and by extension, their collection and distribution, developed special status in the society. A social structure developed that dictated the distribution of certain resources in order to maintain and strengthen family ties. As a result, social life was interwoven closely with the use and distribution of natural resources. Men's and women's roles were greatly defined by their responsibilities to provide certain products to their families and clans. Despite centuries of different foreign occupations, Palauan culture still centers around many of the traditional natural resource distribution patterns. In addition, Palauans are actively adapting their culture to changes that are occurring in their social and environmental worlds. In general, men provide odoim (animal protein) and women provide ongraol (plant starch). Odoim generally consists of fish, turtles, birds, pig or other animal protein. Ongraol is often taro, and increasingly tapioca and rice. There is considerable overlap, as men help with the heavy labor of the taro patches and women help in all stages of food preparation. In the marine realm for everyday purposes, men catch a wide variety of reef fish and women collect nearshore invertebrates such as sea cucumbers and clams. Increasingly these roles are changing, merging and shifting. For instance, foreign men are being hired to work women's taro patches and Palauan women are on the reefs spearfishing, roles not common in the past. Today most people in Palau (67.5% of residents) are in the labor force (Office of Planning and Statistics, 2000). The per capita income in 1999 was $3,726. More than half of the residents in Palau (51%) worked 40 or more weeks per year full time. Only 5% were engaged in subsistence activities and 3% (454 people) were engaged solely in subsistence fishing and farming activities (2000 census). Monetary needs are great: school fees, cars, boats, fuel, electricity, imported foods,
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 1
clothing, household goods, and the endless demands of cash donations for customs. Customs, especially those associated with funerals, a woman's first birth and the passing of a chiefly title, are extremely important in Palauan life. Palauan money, cash and food is exchanged between families during these events. Cash is increasingly important in the exchange. In a 1991 study of household expenditures, the minimum annual requirement for custom payments was $378, and the amount usually paid per household was over $1000 per year (CoPopChi, 1997). A great deal of money and goods are exchanged in these customs. For instance, at one large first birth ceremony (ngasech) held in 2001, $50,000, 100 toluk and 2 Palauan money beads were collected. Typically, a family earns $10 to 15,000 at a ngasech. However, even in urbanized Koror where most people have salaried positions, there are still remnants of a subsistence lifestyle. People have family gardens (sers) where they farm tapioca, pineapples, a variety of fruits, betelnut, taro and other crops. They also enjoy fishing and collecting invertebrates for recreation as well as a fresh supply of protein. Palauans are unstoppable fishermen. "Subsistence" is a term that is generally used to describe social systems that are held in opposition to "economic" systems. "Subsistence" is used to describe many non- or semi-monetary exchange patterns in "traditional" societies. It is usually used in reference to the fish, invertebrates, birds, and animals that are caught for household consumption. It is a term that is loosely used, not often defined, but at the same time is assumed to be somehow separate from an economic system. "Often a simplified market/subsistence dichotomy is deployed but not discussed" (Li 2001). For instance, a study of subsistence fisheries in Fiji defined the term "subsistence fishers" as: people who reported predominantly consuming all of their catch or giving it away, but not selling the catch (Rawlinson, Milton et al. 1995). In a draft version (dated 2002) of Palau's Endangered Species Act the term "subsistence" is defined as: "the take of threatened wildlife for food, clothing, shelter, and transportation by Palauan citizens for use by the taker and/or his or her immediate dependents. Subsistence may include use for traditional customs that the taker and/or his or her dependants participate in" (RoP, 2002). In Palau, subsistence catches are widely spread throughout the society. The clan and extended family (very extended family when all the adoptions and flexible family structures are taken into account) benefit from the distribution of the non-commercial catch. The needs of cash are so great, and at times, the catch is so great, that most people sell at least part of their catch at one time or another. Nearshore commercial fishing catches are regulated and monitored by the Bureau of Marine Resources, and offshore (tuna) are managed through the Palau Maritime Authority. Studies have been conducted and are still being conducted on the extent of this catch (Kitalong, 2000; Golbuu, pers. com. 2004). The collection of nearshore invertebrates such as sea cucumbers, crabs and clams is generally unmonitored. As recently as 10 years ago, much of the invertebrates were collected by women and was predominantly for subsistence uses (Matthews and Oiterong 1991; Matthews and Oiterong 1995). Non-Palauan residents also collect fish and invertebrates that do not enter local
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 2
markets. Other fishing activities that are not included in commercial catch statistics are the fish that are caught at fishing derbies, catch-and-release sport fishing and the apparently increasing recreational fishing activities. This study focuses on the subsistence fishing activities in the Rock Islands. It refers to the catch used by Palauans in customary exchanges, and for family consumption at home or while picnicking.
Study Area: the Rock Islands The Rock Islands are located in Palau's Southern Lagoon (see map). Nearly 90% of the Rock Islands are under the jurisdiction of the traditional leaders of Koror, while the remaining southernmost part of the lagoon is owned by Peleliu State. Koror State designated the Rock Islands as a protected area under the Koror Rock Islands Management and Conservation Act in 1997. A score of protected areas and tourist activity areas were designated and enforced through a permit system that generates nearly $1.0 million in revenues for the state (Anonymous 2000). The Rock Islands-Southern Lagoon Area contains a unique and stunning landscape of limestone islands, marine lakes, as well as fringing, barrier and patch coral reefs. The Rock Islands Management Area is about 620 km2. The lagoon extends well to the north of the Management Area on the west side of Koror and Babeldaob. The area contains more than 400 small limestone islands: about 400 are small steep “Rock Islands,” and about 30 are low islands on the barrier reef, formed when tectonic activity thrust ancient coral reef and seabed above sea level (Maragos et al. 1994). The distinctive appearance of the limestone Rock Islands is due to years of erosion and actions of algae-eating marine organisms, which have undermined and burrowed the islands at the waterline. Almost all of them are covered with dense forests; many have white sand beaches; some hold landlocked marine lakes. The dense foliage of the Rock Islands supports many endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna, such as the Micronesian megapode and the endemic palm Gulubia palauensis, both of which have disappeared from many of the Rock Islands close to the urban centers of Koror. The greatest populations and densities of several endemic and endangered birds, such as the Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica, laib) and the blue-faced parrotfinch (Erythrura trichroa), are also found in the Rock Islands. Moreover, nesting areas of several seabird species, including the Audubon shearwater, bridled tern, and black-naped tern, seem to be restricted to the Rock Islands. The Rock Island beaches are important nesting areas for the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata, ngasech) and the green turtle (Chelonia mydas, melob). Both of these species are on the IUCN list of threatened and endangered species. The turtles' nesting beaches are also favorite picnic and camping areas for locals and visitors.
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 3
Today the Rock Islands are uninhabited, but in the past, there were large settlements on several islands. These settlements were abandoned 300 to 500 years ago according to archaeological studies. One researcher speculated that the overharvest of fish from the surrounding waters was a factor in the abandonment of the Rock Island settlements (Masse 1989). Although today nobody lives in the Rock Islands, they are visited daily by campers, snorkelers, divers, hunters, fishermen, and boaters. In 2002, almost 34,000 tourists bought Rock Islands use permits from Koror state. In 2003, more than 63,000 visitors came to Palau, most of whom probably visited the Rock Islands during their stay. It is unknown how many local residents visit the Rock Islands each year. (Koror State 2004; Mersai 1998). These large numbers of visitors and tourists surely impact those areas zoned for tourism, although complete impact assessments have not been done to date. Managers and conservation personnel often assume that one of the most serious threats to the health of the Rock Islands ecosystems comes from the tourism sector. However, during a site conservation planning workshop in November 2001, it was determined that an equally significant current threat could be commercial and noncommercial fishing activities (including extraction of both fin and non-fin species). This study is a response to the need to assess the status of non-commercial subsistence fishing activities in the Rock Islands.
Methods The objectives of this study were to gather information on subsistence fishing and marine resource collection activities in Palau’s southern lagoon and provide information to Koror State and the Rock Islands management planning task force. The study aimed to: - obtain a general description of the non-commercial fishing and collecting activities occurring in the Rock Islands area - obtain a general description of how fishermen and women use the Rock Islands area - assess temporal patterns of non-commercial fishing and collecting activities - determine the perceptions of fishermen and women on the status of the resources and the Rock Islands - describe conflicts among use or users, if any, and - describe perceptions on issues and threats to the Rock Islands and how to improve management efforts. The study consisted of three parts: 1. Review of existing information. 2. Key informant interviews to collect additional information about subsistence fishing activities in Palau in general, and in the Rock Islands in particular. As an initial step, key informants were interviewed to collect preliminary and existing information about subsistence fishing activities in
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 4
Table 1. Age of people interviewed low
15
high
86
average
Table 4. State (residence) of people interviewed
44.4
no. of responses
%
Koror
38
66.67
Peleliu
19
33.33
Total
57
Table 2. Sex of people interviewed no. of responses
%
male
47
82.46
female
10
17.54
Total
57
Table 5. Hamlet (residence) of people interviewed
Table 3. State (origin) of people interviewed no. of responses
%
Peleliu
25
43.86
Koror
20
35.09
No answer
4
7.02
Hatohobei
2
3.51
Ngaraard
2
3.51
Aimeliik
1
1.75
Ngarchelong
1
1.75
Ngchesar
1
1.75
Sonsorol
1
1.75
Total
57
Hamlet
State
no. of responses
%
Meyuns
Koror
12
21.05
Ngerkeukl
Peleliu
9
15.79
Ngerbeched
Koror
9
15.79
Ngesias
Peleliu
5
8.77
Ngerkebesang Koror
4
7.02
Echang
Koror
3
5.26
Meketii
Koror
3
5.26
Ngerchol
Peleliu
2
3.51
Idid
Koror
2
3.51
Iebukl
Koror
2
3.51
Ngerdelalk
Peleliu
1
1.75
Ngeretol
Peleliu
1
1.75
Teliu
Peleliu
1
1.75
Ngerongel
Koror
1
1.75
Medalaii
Koror
1
1.75
Ngerkesaol
Koror
1
1.75
Total
57
Palau in general, and in the Rock Islands in particular. Interviews were then conducted with known fishermen and women to create preliminary base map of prime fishing and collecting areas, to document local knowledge and describe customary uses of fish and invertebrates from the area. Secondary data, especially previously conducted subsistence surveys and food consumption studies, were collected if possible. 3. Surveys were conducted with 57 fishermen and women residing in Koror and Peleliu. Surveys were conducted in 11 of Koror’s 13 hamlets and all of Peleliu’s 5 hamlets. A questionnaire was developed by Palau Conservation Society (PCS) with input from the Koror State Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement. Questions were tested and revised. Surveys were conducted from October to December 2003. The questionnaire (Appendix 1) was written in English and conducted in Palauan. The respondents were targeted for their knowledge of fishing in the Rock Islands area and thus do not comprise a random sample. A typical interview took at least an hour, and as is usual in these cases, the more active a person is in fishing, the longer the interview took to administer. Often the interviews went on quite a long while as people supplied supplemental information. Most (82%) of the people interviewed were male and 18% were female (see Tables 1 to 5). The ages of people ranged from 15 to 86, with an average age of 44. Most (67%) reside in Koror Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 5
and 33% reside in Peleliu. Most of the people interviewed (44%) were originally from Peleliu and a great many (35%) were from Koror. The states where the remaining people were from are Hatohobei, Ngaraard, Aimeliik, Ngarchelong, Ngchesar and Sonsorol. The survey covered a range of questions. Topics included background information (name, age, etc.); kinds of fish and invertebrates collected; preferred fishing areas in the Rock Islands; amount of fish and/or invertebrates collected during a typical trip; collecting methods; reasons for collecting; history of collecting; basic knowledge and perceptions about fishing and collecting regulations pertaining to the Rock Islands area; other uses of the Rock Islands area; and issues related to management of the Rock Islands.
Survey Results The survey results are summarized and compiled in tables in Appendix 2. The following paragraphs are brief descriptions of the results, specifically typical fishing and/or collecting activities; reasons for collecting in the Rock Islands; Rock Islands activities (other than fishing); knowledge and perceptions of regulations; and issues, problems and suggestions for management of the Rock Islands
Typical fishing activities Tables A2.1 to A2.15 summarize survey responses about typical fishing and collecting activities. The most popular methods of the survey respondents are bottom fishing, line fishing and spearfishing. Most people interviewed (44%) fish at night, while 32% have no preference, and 25% fish during the day. Most of the people interviewed (83%) return home after a fishing trip, while 11% stay overnight in the Rock Islands. Most of the people interviewed (60%) do not use their own boat to fish and 39% do use their own boat. The majority of interviewees (61%) use a boat with an outboard motor, 25% had no answer or did not use a boat, 6% use a canoe, 2% use an Indian canoe (homemade metal canoe), and 2% use a kayak. Most (77%) use a flashlight while fishing, and 23% do not use a light. The number of people who go on a typical fishing trip ranges from none to 181, with an average of 4 people. Most people (26%) said that 3 people fish with them, 25% said 4 people, 12% said 5 people, 12% said 2 people, 10% said none, 7% said 6 people, 4% said 2 people and the remaining said 8, 18 or 1. Most people fish with their friends (63%), family (14%) or by themselves (11%). Most of the respondents (88%) pay money to go fishing. Only 7% do not pay. Costs ranged from a low of none to a high of $200 per trip, with the average of $41 per trip. Most respondents (56%) said that all people on the trip share expenses, 21% said they pay on their own. Almost all respondents (93%) said the cost has changed. Compared to 10 years ago, the cost is more according to 91% of the respondents. Seven percent said they did not know if the cost had changed over the 1
The person who said he went fishing with 18 other people was refering to tourists who pay him to take them fishing.
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 6
years. Only one person said the cost was the same. Respondents took an average of 4.6 trips per month to the Rock Islands. The average time spent fishing was 4.5 hours/trip and 21.9 hrs per month. Respondents were asked to estimate the size of typical, bad and good catches. The results are shown in Figures A2.2 to A2.4. The average estimated bad catch was 65 lbs, the average estimated typical catch was 95 lbs, and the average estimated good catch was 165 lbs.
Sites used The interviews included questions about sites within the Rock Islands area. A map was created with a numbered grid that was referred to during the site questions (see page 8). It was hoped that the use of a numbered grid would encourage people to speak more freely about fishing areas without the feeling that they were divulging specific information about their favorite sites. The map summarizes the responses to the question about the sites that people use for fishing or gleaning. Most of the people interviewed mentioned more than one site. Figures A2.7 and A2.8 summarize the numbers of sites that are used by fishermen and women. The most common responses were 4 or 5 sites. When asked about their favorite sites, the numbers were considerably smaller: most respondents preferred 1 or 2 sites, and nine of the respondents had no preference. Two respondents mentioned that their favorite sites depended on the tide or season.
Reasons for fishing and what is done with the catch Tables A2.16 to A2.27 summarize the reasons that the respondents collect fish and invertebrates, and what they do with their catch. Many of the respondents (75%) gave more than one reason for fishing and collecting. Most of the respondents (97%) fish and collect for their families; more than half (58%) collect for customs; and just over half (53-56%)2 sell a portion of their catch. Fifty-one percent of the respondents said they do not sell for a living and 47% said, yes, they do sell for a living. A wide variety of answers were given, when asked about the amount sold (see Table A2.22). Answers included: none, the excess, all but what is kept for the family or relatives, and keep as much as we can. The catch is sold in local fish markets, to the public directly, to people who order it, or it is cooked, packaged and sold as boxed lunches (bentos). Excess fish and invertebrates are given to family, friends, relatives and/or neighbors by 58% of the respondents. The amount given away ranged from none to 90 lbs, with an average of 34 lbs. Most of the respondents (53%) said they gave away about 25 lbs, 30% said they gave away 50 lbs. Only one person said they gave none away. When asked directly about who the catch is given to, most
2
The results vary depending on the way the question was framed. 53% of the respondents mentioned selling their catch as a reason for fishing, while 56% answered "yes" to the question: Do you sell any of your catch?.
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 7
respondents gave several answers, although 96% of the answers given referred to relatives, family, friends or neighbors.
Rock Islands activities Tables A2.28 to A2.34 summarize the results of questions about how the respondents use the Rock Islands and how they see others using the area. Only 37% of the respondents said they only go to the Rock Islands to fish or collect, the remaining 64% gave a variety of other activities. Picnicking was the most popular activity (37% of the responses). Other activities were crabbing (7% of responses), spending leisure time or relaxing (7% of responses), swimming (4% of responses) and camping (4% of responses).
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 8
Almost all the respondents (98%) said they saw other people fishing while they were out. Most (61%) thought there were too many people fishing in the Rock Islands. Many (89%) said they saw others engaged in non-fishing activities. The other activities were picnicking (40% of responses), spending leisure time (12% of responses), fishing (9% of responses) and playing (7% of responses). Most of the respondents (81%) did not know if the other users disturbed their fishing activities. Although 12% thought there was a disturbance and 5% thought there was no disturbance. The explanation most often given for the disturbance was that the presence of others scared the schools of fish away. One person said that they fish in places they plan to fish; and one person thought it was too crowded.
Knowledge and perceptions of fishing regulations Tables A2.35 to A2.43 summarize questions about fishing regulations and their effectiveness. Many of the respondents (47%) said that people still fish in areas closed to fishing (especially the protected areas around Ngemelis Island and Ngerukuid).3 A large number (46%) preferred not to respond to the question. Only 7% said that people do not fish in closed areas. Of those who believed that illegal fishing activities were occurring, all said that those activities were occurring at night. A few people said the illegal fishing was occurring on weekends. Of those who gave reasons why people were fishing in closed areas, 85% said the people wanted more or bigger fish. The remaining 15% said the people who fished illegally were ignorant, irresponsible or disrespectful. Many people (35%) felt that the laws restricting fishing were effective. However, 30% thought they were not effective; and 35% did not know. The reasons given for the laws being ineffective were that there is not enough enforcement both day and night and that fishermen, in general, bring home more fish than they really need.
Threatened species mullets (uluu, kelat and mesekelat) rabbitfish (klesebuul) unicornfish (chum) humphead parrotfish (kemedukl) humpback snapper (keremlal) humphead wrasse (maml)
Most of the respondents (70%) felt that the species restrictions were based on the appropriate sizes, while 23% did not know and 7% thought the sizes were not appropriate. Many of the respondents (49%) felt that the species restrictions were effective, 33% did not know and 14% said they were not effective. The reasons given for ineffectiveness of the species restrictions were that there was poor enforcement or monitoring of the sizes and that there was no respect for the laws. Most of the respondents (68%) felt that there are species that are threatened and not currently protected. The species mentioned most often were mullets (uluu, kelat and mesekelat), rabbitfish (klesebuul), unicornfish (chum), humphead parrotfish (kemedukl), humpback snapper (keremlal) and humphead wrasse (maml). The full list of species is shown in Table A2.43.
3
Some respondents mentioned that they had seen enforcement personnel fishing in these areas.
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 9
Issues and problems with fishing and the Rock Islands area Tables A2.44 to A2.49 summarize the section of the questionnaire that focused on issues and problems of concern to the fishermen and women. Many of the respondents (33%) felt that there are general problems with fishing and gathering in the Rock Islands. Although 32% of the respondents did not answer the question and 30% said they did not know, all respondents shared their views on issues and problems related to both fishing in the area, and the state of the Rock Islands area in general. The issues and problems with fishing and with the Rock Islands area in general are very closely related, and people generally gave the same kinds of responses to both questions. Only slight variation occurred between the two questions. The graphs in Figures A2.10 and A2.11 summarize the results. People were most concerned about coral health, trash and pollution, declining numbers of fish Issues and problems in the Rock Islands and invertebrates, collecting behaviors of fishing people, coral health trash and pollution and boat traffic and safety. Some suggestions for declining numbers of fish and invertebrates solutions to these problems are listed in Table A2.47. poor collecting behaviors Basic solutions that were given are people should boat traffic and saftey practice discriminate (or conservative) fishing behavior (21%), people should not to pollute or litter (18%), strict legislation should be enacted (18%), general conservation should be encouraged (13%), boats or jet skis should be banned from shallow areas (8%), oil and engine leaks should be prevented and enforcement should be improved (5%). Most people felt there were species showing signs of decline. Tables A2.48 and A2.49 list these. The most commonly recorded responses (besides "all" or "most" species) were: mullets (kelat, uluu and mesekelat), unicornfish (chum), humpback snapper (keremlal), humphead parrotfish (kemedukl), rabbitfish (klesebuul and meas), parrotfish (mellemau and ngiaoch), surgeonfish (cherangel), urchins (ibuchel), humphead wrasse (maml) and groupers (temekai). Table A2.49 also lists the species that some people felt are increasing in numbers. These include emperors (chudech and itotech), orangespine surgeonfish (cherangel), humpback snappers (keremlal), and longnose parrotfish (ngiaoch).
Suggestions for management of the Rock Islands Tables A2.50 to A2.54 summarize suggestions of what the national and state governments, traditional leaders and fishermen and women can do about some of the problems discussed in this survey. According to the respondents:
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 10
w
The national government should: improve enforcement (40%), create unspecified regulations (24%), educate (6%), regulate certain locations (5%), regulate sizes of fish caught (5%), clean up trash (5%), regulate fishing methods (3%), and regulate out side users (3%). w The state government should: improve enforcement (28%), assist the national government (28%), do the same as the national government (24%), create unspecified regulations (7%), clean up trash (5%) and regulate certain areas (3%). w Traditional leaders should: assist the local or state government (31%), provide education (21%), assist the national government (13%), improve or participate in enforcement (8%), do the same as the national and/or state governments (6%), demonstrate leadership and be role models (5%), enact traditional laws (5%), and encourage use of traditional methods (3%). w Fishermen and women should: use discriminate or conservative fishing behaviors (61%), comply with laws (18%), clean up trash (8%), and act responsibly or with respect (5%). Practical, everyday solutions to the problems seen in the Rock Islands area are: to clean up trash (45%), use discriminate or conservative fishing behaviors (39%), and to act responsibly and with respect (13%).
Discussion and conclusion This study has shown that there are a variety of fishing activities that Palauans pursue in the Rock Islands area. In general, although there are reports of declines in certain fish species, people still are able to catch many of their favorite fish. There do not appear to be many user conflicts (for instance, between tourists and fishermen), although if tourism levels in Palau increase as expected, this is more likely to occur as the area gets more crowded. In addition, there appears to be concern among some residents of Peleliu about the level of illegal fishing activity occurring at closed areas such as Ngemelis and Ngerukuid. There were worrying reports of active fishing at night and on weekends in these areas. The fishermen and women provided many helpful suggestions for improving management in the Rock Islands area. They also provided thoughtful ways to include traditional leaders, especially to help educate people about more sustainable ways of fishing, such as being more selective in the catch that is actually brought in, and only taking what is needed. This study gives an overall view of non-commercial fishing activities in the Rock Islands area. However, there are several serious short-comings with this study. It was not possible to obtain a complete picture of the Practical, everyday solutions to problems in the Rock Islands women's invertebrate collection activities that occur in the 1. clean up your trash Rock Islands given the questionnaire used. A much more 2. use discriminate or focused effort would need to be made to specifically target conservative fishing behavior women to ask them about these activities in order to gain a 3. act responsibly and with respect better sense of what they collect, when they collect and their
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 11
perceptions of the environment. The women who were interviewed in this study collect invertebrates, but do not travel far from their homes to do so. Therefore the collecting activities that they describe do not occur in the Rock Islands area, but much closer to Koror. A second shortcoming of this study was that we did not interview residents of other nearby states, especially Airai. Nor did we interview any non-Palauans. While subsistence fishing activities are technically only those of the indigenous Palauans, there are many non-commercial fishing activities that are undertaken by non-Palauans. The catches brought in during the numerous fishing derbies that occur each year are a large non-commercial catch that are relatively undocumented. Although this study did not answer all of our questions about subsistence fishing activities in the Rock Islands, we feel that we were able to gain an overall view of some of the issues, concerns and activities of some of the people who utilize the Rock Islands for subsistence and small-scale commercial fishing activities. It is hoped that the information contained here will be of help to the people in Koror state responsible for finalizing the Management Plan for the Rock Islands.
References Anonymous (2000). Rock Islands Conservation Area Transition Strategy 2000-2002, unpublished report. Kitalong, A. (2000). Palau Inshore Fisheries Profile, Palau Conservation Society, Koror, Palau. Koror State (2004). Rock Islands Management Plan, Draft. Li, T. M. (2001). Community, market and state reconsidered. Communities and the Environment: Ethnicity, Gender, and State in Community-Based Conservation. A. Agrawal and C. C. Gibson (eds.). New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University Press: 157-179. Maragos, J. et al. (1994). Marine and Coastal Areas Survey of the Main Palau Islands, Part 2. CORIAL and The Nature Conservancy, Pacific Region, Honolulu. Masse, W. B. (1989). The Archaeology and Ecology of Fishing in the Belau Islands, Micronesia. PhD dissertation, Southern Illinois University, Department of Anthropology, Carbondale, IL. Matthews, E. and E. Oiterong (1991). The Role of Women in the Fisheries of Palau. Koror, Palau, Division of Marine Resources: 72. Matthews, E. and E. Oiterong (1995). Marine species collected by women in Palau, Micronesia. Micronesica 28(1): 77-90. Mersai C. (1998). Community Consultation Progress Report, Palau Conservation Society, unpublished document. Palau National Committee on Population and Children (CoPopChi) (1997). Sustainable Human Development, United Nations. Rawlinson, N. J. F., D. A. Milton, et al. (1995). A Survey of the Subsistence and Artisanal Fisheries in Rural Areas of Viti Levu, Fiji. Canberra, ACIAR: 126. Republic of Palau (2002). Proposed Regulations Governing Endangered and Threatened Species, 2002 (for Endangered Species Act, 24 PNC § 1001-1012)
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 12
Date Interview # Interviewer
APPENDIX 1. Questionnaire Subsistence Practices: Fishing and Gathering (Fish and Invertebrates) The Palau Conservation Society guarantees confidentiality for all respondents Background Information 1.
Name:
2.
Age:
3.
Gender:
4.
State:
5.
Hamlet:
6.
What state are you from: Kinds of Fish/Seafood (circle correct answers or fill in blanks)
7. When you fish/gather, do you target specific species?
YES
NO
Don’t Know
7a. If yes, which species do you target?
7b. If yes, why do you target these species?
8. What kind of fish/seafood do you collect most often? 9. If you use bait, what kind of bait do you use? 9a. Where do you get your bait from? 10. What other species do you collect on occasion, if any? Where Do You Fish/Gather? 11. Do you fish/gather in the Rock Islands or do you fish/gather somewhere else?
Rock Islands
Other place(s):
11a. Why do you fish/gather in that place?
12. Using map, show five sites where you fish/gather:
1. 2.
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 13
3. 4. 5. 13. What habitats do you like best for fishing/gathering? 14. Do you know of any specific sites that have problems or have changed in any manner ? 14a. Using map, show sites and problems:
YES
NO
Site:
Don’t know Problem:
15. What dock do you use most often and why? How Much Fish/Seafood Do You Collect? 16. How often do you go fishing/gathering in the Rock Islands? 17. How many hours do you spend fishing/gathering? 18. How much fish/seafood do you collect in a typical day? 18a. How much fish/seafood do you collect on a good day versus a bad day? 19. Does it seem like there are more, less, or the same amount of fish/seafood as in the past 10 years? 20. Has fish/seafood size changed over the past 10 years (are fish/seafood bigger, smaller, or same size)?
Good Day
Bad Day
Don’t know
MORE
LESS
SAME AMOUNT
Don’t know
BIGGER
SMALLER
SAME SIZE
Don’t know
21a. Are there any species of fish/seafood that have become harder to find or decreased in number over the past 10 years? 21b. Are there any species of fish/seafood that have become easier to find or have increased in numbers over the past 10 years? How Do You Fish/Gather? 22. How many people do you fish/gather with? 23. Who do you fish/gather with?
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 14
24. How do you fish/gather?
25. Do you have your own boat/equipment?
YES
NO
Don’t know
27. Do you share your boat/equipment?
YES
NO
Don’t know
28. Do you use a flashlight regularly?
YES
NO
Don’t know
26. What kind of boat/equipment do you use regularly?
28a. If yes, what types of flashlight and batteries do you use? 28b. How many batteries do you use on a typical fishing trip? 29. When fishing, what do you use to keep or store catch (type and size)?
30. Has modern technology or equipment changed your fishing/collection methods? Describe changes: 31. Has modern technology increased or decreased your catch?
Increase
32. Do you spend money to fish/gather?
Decrease
Same
Don’t know
YES
NO
Don’t know
YES
NO
Don’t know
33. How much does it cost to go fishing/gathering in a typical day in the Rock Islands? 34. Who pays for the cost of fishing/gathering? 35. Have the costs to go fishing/gathering changed over time? 36. Does it cost more, less, or the same as 10 years ago?
MORE
LESS
SAME
Don’t know
Time of Fishing/Gathering 37. Do you prefer to fish/gather at night or during the day? 38. If you spend multiple days fishing/gathering, do you return home daily or do you spend the night in the Rock Islands?
NIGHT
DAY
RETURN HOME SPEND NIGHT
No preference DEPENDS on trip
39. If you spend the night, where do you spend the night? Why Fish/Gather? 40. Why do you fish/gather (circle all that apply):
Food for family Food for community/hamlet Food to sell
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 15
Customs Picnics Recreation (for fun) Other: 41. How many people do you provide seafood for? 42. Do you keep all of the fish/seafood you collect?
YES
NO
Don’t know
Regularly
Only when need
Don’t know
YES
NO
Don’t know
45c. Do you sell fish/seafood to make a living?
YES
NO
Don’t know
45d. Is it a good living?
YES
NO
Don’t know
YES
NO
Don’t know
YES
NO
Don’t know
NO
Don’t know
42a. If you give seafood away, who do you give it to? 42b. How much of your catch do you give them? 43. Do you go fishing/gathering regularly or only when you need to? 44. If you bring back more than you need or want, what do you do with excess fish/seafood? 45. Do you sell fish/seafood? 45a. If you sell your fish/seafood, how much of your catch do you sell (list fraction)? 45b. If you sell your fish/seafood, who do you sell it to?
46. Do you like fishing/gathering? Fishing/Gathering History 47. How long have you been fishing/gathering? 48. Who taught you how to fish/gather? 49. Who taught you where to fish/gather? 50. Have you been passing on your fishing/gathering skills? 50a. If yes, how have you passed on skills? 50b. If no, why have you not passed on your skills?
51. What changes or events (natural or man-made) have you witnessed in the last 10 years of fishing/gathering in the Rock Islands or in Palau?
Fishing/Gathering and Laws 52. Do you know if there are areas in the Rock Islands where you are not allowed to fish/gather?
YES
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 16
52a. Using map, show those areas where you are not allowed to fish/gather: 53. Do you think that people fish/gather in those areas?
YES
NO
Don’t know
YES
NO
Don’t know
55. Do you know if there are any size, season, or catch number restrictions for certain species?
YES
NO
Don’t know
56. Do you think that species restrictions are effective?
YES
NO
Don’t know
YES
NO
Don’t know
53a. If yes, when do people fish/gather in those areas? 53b. If yes, why do people fish/gather in those areas?
53c. If yes, how do people fish/gather in those areas? 54. Do you think that laws restricting fishing areas are effective? 54a. If no, why are the laws ineffective?
56a. If no, why are the laws ineffective? 57. Do you think that species restrictions are based on the correct sizes, seasons, and numbers? 57a. If no, list problems with restrictions: While In the Rock Islands 58. Do you use the Rock Islands only for fishing/gathering, or for other activities?
Fishing/gathering only
Other activities
58a. If other activities, list other activities: 59. When you go fishing/gathering, do you see other people fishing/gathering?
YES
NO
Don’t know
60. Do you think there are too many people fishing/gathering in the Rock Islands?
YES
NO
Don’t know
61. Do you see other people using the Rock Islands?
YES
NO
Don’t know
61a. What are they doing?
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 17
61b. Do they disturb your fishing/gathering in any way?
YES
NO
Don’t know
YES
NO
Don’t know
YES
NO
Don’t know
61c. If yes, how do they disturb your fishing/gathering? Management 62. Are there any general problems or threats with fishing/gathering in the Rock Islands? 62a. If yes, list the top five problems:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
62b. Do you have any suggestions for how to solve these problems?
63. Are there any specific species that are heavily threatened but are not protected by law (national, traditional, or state)? 63a. If yes, list species that are threatened: 64a. What should the n a t i o n a l g o v e r n m e n t do about problems or threats with fishing/gathering in the Rock Islands? 64b. What should s t a t e g o v e r n m e n t do about problems or threats with fishing/gathering in the Rock Islands? 64c. What should t r a d i t i o n a l l e a d e r s do about problems or threats with fishing/gathering in the Rock Islands? 64d. What should f i s h e r m e n / w o m e n do about problems or threats with fishing/gathering in the Rock Islands? 64e. What practical things can p e o p l e do everyday to protect the Rock Islands? 65.
Are there any specific changes you would like to see in the Rock Islands in the next 10 years, in regards to fishing and gathering?
66.
Do you have any other comments or suggestions?
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 18
APPENDIX 2. Summarized Survey Results Table A2.1. Fishing and collecting methods no. of responses
%
bottomfishing
18
26.47
line fishing
18
spearfishing
14
net fishing
7
Table A2.5. Type of boat used for fishing no. of responses
%
outboard
35
61.40
26.47
no answer
14
24.56
20.59
canoe
6
10.53
10.29
indian
1
1.75
1
1.75
57
trolling
4
5.88
kayak
casting
3
4.41
Total
gleaning
3
4.41
drift line
1
1.47
Total
no. of responses
%
night
25
43.86
no preference
18
31.58
day
14
24.56
Total
57
Table A2.3. Overnight in RI? no. of responses
%
47
82.46
overnight
6
10.53
both
3
5.26
no answer
1
1.75
Total
57
no. of responses
%
no
34
59.65
yes
22
38.60
1
1.75
Total
%
yes
33
57.89
no answer
14
24.56
no
10
17.54
Total
57
57
Table A2.7. Do you use a light? no. of responses
%
yes
44
77.19
no
13
22.81
Total
57
Table A2.8. Number of people who go fishing with you low
0
high
18
average
Table A2.4. Do you use your own boat?
no answer
no. of responses
68
Table A2.2. When do you fish?
home
Table A2.6. Do you share a boat?
3.67
Table A2.9. Number of people who go fishing with you no. of responses
%
3
15
26.32
4
14
24.56
5
7
12.28
2
7
12.28
0
6
10.53
6
4
7.02
8
2
3.51
18
1
1.75
1
1.75
1 Total
57
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 19
Table A2.10. Who goes fishing with you?
Table A2.14. Has the cost changed?
no. of responses
%
friends
36
63.16
yes
family
8
14.04
don't know
myself
6
10.53
no
relatives
2
3.51
husband
1
1.75
son
1
1.75
other
1
1.75
tourists
1
1.75
wife
1
1.75
Total
57
yes
50
87.72
no
4
7.02
no answer
2
3.51
don't know
1
1.75
Table A2.12. Cost of fishing trip ($) 0
high
200
average
92.98
4
7.02
0
0.00
Total
57
Table A2.15. Cost compared to 10 years ago no. of responses
%
52
91.23
don't know
4
7.02
same
1
1.75
less
0
0.00
Total
57
Figure A2.1. Cost of fishing trip Number of respondents
57
low
%
53
more
Table A2.11. Do you spend money to fish? no. of % responses
Total
no. of responses
40.91
18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 0
6-10
16-20
26-30
36-40
46-50
56-60
66-70
81-90 101-150
cost ($) Table A2.13. Who pays for the fishing trip? no. of responses
%
we all share
32
56.14
I do
12
21.05
no answer
6
10.53
my mom
1
1.75
my uncle
1
1.75
1
1.75
tourists Total
53
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 20
no answer
7. 5 15 .0 22 .5 30 .0 37 .5 42 .5 47 .5 55 .0 60 .0 75 .0 85 .0 10 0. 0 15 0. 0 22 5. 0 30 0. 0 50 0. 0 70 0. 0 90 0. 0
3. 5
number of responses
3. 5 7. 5 15 .0 22 .5 30 .0 37 .5 42 .5 47 .5 55 .0 60 .0 75 .0 85 .0 10 0. 0 15 0. 0 22 5. 0 30 0. 0 50 0. 0 70 0. 0 90 0. 0
number of responses
3. 5 7. 5 15 .0 22 .5 30 .0 37 .5 42 .5 47 .5 55 .0 60 .0 75 .0 85 .0 10 0. 0 15 0. 0 22 5. 0 30 0. 0 50 0. 0 70 0. 0 90 0. 0
number of responses
Figure A2.2. Bad catch 18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
amount (lbs)
Figure A2.3. Typical catch
18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
amount (lbs)
Figure A2.4. Good catch
18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
amount (lbs)
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 21
Figure A2.5. Number of trips/month
number of responses
12 10 8 6 4 2 0 0.5
2.0
3.0
4.0
7.0
8.0
12.0
trips/month
Figure A2.6. Hours/month spent fishing in the Rock Islands
7 6 5 4 3 2
64.0
56.0
40.0
36.0
32.0
26.0
24.0
20.0
18.0
16.0
13.5
9.0
12.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
0
102.0
1 1.0
number of responses
8
hours
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 22
Figure A2.7. Number of sites used 14 number of responses
12 10 8 6 4 2 0 0
5
10
15
20
25
number of sites
Figure A2.8. Number of favorite sites
number of responses
25 20 15 10
no preference
5 depends on tide, season, etc.
0 0
5
10
15
20
25
number of sites
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 23
Table A2.16. Reasons for fishing and collecting no. of % of responses respondents family
55
custom
33
sell
96.49 57.89
29
50.88
25.78
yes
27
47.37
no answer
1
1.75
23.44
recreation
5
8.77
3.91
picnic
3
5.26
2.34
community
1
1.75
0.78
party
1
1.75
0.78
Total
128
%
3
24
42.11
2
17
29.82
1
14
24.56
4
2
3.51
Total
%
no
52.63
no. of responses
no. of responses
42.97
30
Table A2.17. Number of reasons given for fishing and collecting
Table A2.19. Do you sell for a living?
% of responses
Total
57
Table A2.20. Do you sell any of your catch? no. of responses
%
yes
32
56.14
no
25
43.86
Total
57
Table A2.21. Is fishing a good living?
57
%
yes
28
49.12
don't know
25
43.86
no
2
3.51
no answer
2
3.51
Total
57
no. of responses
%
fsc
21
36.84
f
13
22.81
Figure A2.9. Number of people provided for
fs
8
14.04
fc
7
12.28
fcr
2
3.51
fca
1
1.75
fcpr
1
1.75
fp
1
1.75
number of responses
Table A2.18. Combinations of reasons
no. of responses
fysc
1
1.75
pr
1
1.75
r
1
1.75
Total a = party c = customs f = family p = picnic
20 15 10 5 0 0
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
number of people
57 r = recreation s = sell y = community
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 24
10
Table A2.22. Amount sold
Table A2.24. What is done with excess catch? no. of responses
%
no answer
no. of responses
%
19
33.33
excess
7
12.28
give away to family, friends, relatives, and/or neighbors
33
57.89
none
6
10.53
sell
19
33.33
keep/share among us
3
5.26
all but what is kept
6
10.53
all but what family uses
4
7.02
eat for lunch
1
1.75
3.51
freeze
1
1.75
Total
25-30 lbs
2
57
75%
2
3.51
enough to make bentos
2
3.51
33%
1
1.75
Table A2.25. Amount given away (lbs)
50 lbs.
1
1.75
low
0.00
all but what goes to relatives
1
1.75
high
90.00
based on the orders
1
1.75
average
34.12
50%
1
1.75
keep as much as we can
1
1.75
most
1
1.75
keep some, sell rest
1
1.75
sell some, keep rejects
1
1.75
Total
57
Table A2.23. Where or to whom is catch sold? no. of % of responses respondents
Table A2.26. Amount given away (lbs) no. of responses
%
25
30
52.63
50
17
29.82
no answer
4
7.02
33
2
3.51
0
1
1.75
20
1
1.75
80
1
1.75
no answer
26
45.61
90
1
1.75
fish market
13
22.81
Total
public
7
12.28
Happy Fish Market
3
5.26
orders
2
3.51
Peleliu coop
2
3.51
Causeway store
1
1.75
relatives
47
82.46
57.32
Inquid (Nobor Fing)
1
1.75
family
16
28.07
19.51
local market
1
1.75
friends
7
12.28
8.54
neighbors
1
1.75
neighbors
5
8.77
6.10
in residential area
1
1.75
lunch (not given)
1
1.75
1.22
bento buyers
1
1.75
fishing partner
1
1.75
1.22
sisters
1
1.75
1.22
wife's relatives
1
1.75
1.22
cousins
1
1.75
1.22
brother
1
1.75
1.22
my relatives
1
1.75
1.22
1
1.75
1.22
Total
59
57
Table A2.27. Who is fish given to? no. of % of % responses respondents responses
no answer Total
83
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 25
Table A2.28. Uses of the Rock Islands (by respondents) No. of responses only fish/gather
% of % of responses respondents
21
30.00
36.84
other activities: picnic
63.16 26
37.14
crabbing
5
7.14
leisure time
4
5.71
don't fish/gather in RI
4
5.71
swimming
3
4.29
camping
3
4.29
sight seeing
1
1.43
relaxing
1
1.43
barbeque
1
1.43
baitfishing
1
1.43
Total
70
Table A2.32. What are the other activities you see in the Rock Islands? No. of responses
% of responses
picnic
23
40.35
leisure time
7
12.28
don't know
5
8.77
fishing
5
8.77
playing
4
7.02
camping
2
3.51
diving
2
3.51
spend night
2
3.51
swimming
2
3.51
crabbing
1
1.75
snorkel
1
1.75
tourist
1
1.75
visiting
1
1.75
what they want
1
1.75
57 Table A2.29. Do you see other people fishing?
yes no Total
No. of responses
% of responses
56
98.25
1
1.75
57
No. of responses
% of responses
46
80.70
Yes
7
12.28
No
3
5.26
No answer
1
1.75
Don't know
Table A2.30. Do you think there are too many people fishing? No. of responses
% of responses
Yes
35
61.40
Don't know
16
28.07
6
10.53
No
Table A2.33. Do they disturb your fishing?
57
Table A2.34. If yes, how do they disturb your fishing? No. of responses
57
Table A2.31. Do you see others using the RI (nonfishing activities) No. of responses
% of responses
51
89.47
Don't know
3
5.26
No
3
5.26
Yes
their presence disturbs the schools of fish that then go away
4
picnics, fishing
1
they fish in places we plan to fish
1
too crowded
1
Total
7
57
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 26
Table A2.35. Do people fish in the prohibited areas? No. of responses
% of responses
Yes
27
47.37
Don’t Know
26
45.61
4
7.02
No Total
57
% of responses
21
77.78
6
22.22
Total
% of responses
Yes
40
70.18
Don’t know
13
22.81
4
7.02
No
57
Table A2.40. Are species restrictions effective?
No. of responses Night as second
No. of responses
Total
Table A2.36. When do people fish illegally in those areas?
Night as first answer
Table A2.39. Are species restrictions based on appropriate sizes?
27
No. of responses
% of responses
Yes
28
49.12
Don’t know
19
33.33
8
14.04
2
3.51
No No answer
57 Table A2.37. Why do people fish illegally? No. of responses
% of responses
No answer
30
52.63
They want more or bigger fish They are ignorant, irresponsible or disrespectful
23
40.35
4
7.02
Total
57
Table A2.41. If no, why are restrictions not effective? No. of responses
% of responses
Poor enforcement or size monitoring
4
36.36
No respect for laws
4
36.36
3
27.27
Less or smaller fish
11 Table A2.38. Are the laws restricting fishing effective? No. of responses
% of responses
Yes
20
35.09
Don’t know
20
35.09
No
17
29.82
Total
57
Why not? w Because not enough enforcement day and night w Fishers bring home more than they need
Table A2.42. Are there species that are threatened and not protected?
Yes
No. of responses
% of responses
39
68.42
No Answer
9
15.79
Don’t Know
5
8.77
4
7.02
No Total
57
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 27
Table A2.43. Species that are threatened (need protection) no. of responses
% of responses
% of respondents
uluu
25
2.05
43.86
kelat
18
1.47
31.58
all
17
1.39
29.82
mesekelat
10
0.82
17.54
klesebuul
8
0.66
14.04
chum
6
0.49
10.53
kemedukl
5
0.41
8.77
keremlal
5
0.41
8.77
maml
4
0.33
7.02
cherangel
2
0.16
3.51
meas
2
0.16
3.51
mellemau
2
0.16
3.51
bebael
1
0.08
1.75
budech
1
0.08
1.75
fruit bat
1
0.08
1.75
imirichorch
1
0.08
1.75
land crab
1
0.08
1.75
most fish
1
0.08
1.75
not kemedukl
1
0.08
1.75
not meas
1
0.08
1.75
not temekai
1
0.08
1.75
not tiau
1
0.08
1.75
sardines
1
0.08
1.75
smach
1
0.08
1.75
small fish and eggs
1
0.08
1.75
suld
1
0.08
1.75
temekai
1
0.08
1.75
tiau
1
0.08
1.75
uel
1
0.08
1.75
Total
121
Table A2.44. Are there general problems with fishing/gathering in the Rock Islands? No. of responses
% of responses
Yes
19
33.33
No answer
18
31.58
Don’t Know
17
29.82
3
5.26
No Total
57
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 28
Figure A2.10. Problems with sites within the Rock Islands
fish
trash and pollution water
boat traffic miscellaneous fungus
coral
Figure A2.11. Problems with fishing and the Rock Islands
collecting behaviors
corals
boat traffic and safety oil and gas pollution
water
illegal activities fungus
``
tourists conservation? enforcement legislation
fish and invertebrates
fire trash
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 29
Table A2.45. Problems with sites (categories) no. of responses
%
coral
35
41.67
trash and pollution
20
23.81
fish
15
17.86
water
8
9.52
boat traffic
2
2.38
miscellaneous
2
2.38
fungus
2
2.38
Total
84
Table A2.46. Problems with fishing (categories) no. of responses
%
trash
32
26.67
fish and invertebrates
21
17.50
water
16
13.33
corals
15
12.50
collecting behaviors
11
9.17
boat traffic and safety
9
7.50
oil and gas pollution
5
4.17
illegal activities
2
1.67
fungus
2
1.67
tourists
2
1.67
no conservation
2
1.67
enforcement
1
0.83
legislation
1
0.83
1
0.83
fire Total
120
Table A2.47. Solutions to problems associated with fishing and gathering no. of responses
%
conservative gathering (take what you need)
8
20.51
don't pollute, litter
7
17.95
legislation
7
17.95
general conservation
5
12.82
ban boats, jet skis
3
7.69
oil and engine leak prevention
3
7.69
enforcement
2
5.13
don't know
2
5.13
aquaculture
1
2.56
1
2.56
safety Total
38
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 30
Table A2.48. Species showing decline in numbers no. of responses
% of % of responses respondents
all species
11
10.38
19.30
kelat
10
9.43
17.54
uluu
10
9.43
17.54
mesekelat
9
8.49
15.79
chum
6
5.66
10.53
keremlal
6
5.66
10.53
kemedukl
5
4.72
8.77
don't know
4
3.77
7.02
klsebuul
4
3.77
7.02
meas
4
3.77
7.02
mellemau
3
2.83
5.26
most species
3
2.83
5.26
ngiaoch
3
2.83
5.26
cherangel
2
1.89
3.51
ibuchel
2
1.89
3.51
maml
2
1.89
3.51
temekai
2
1.89
3.51
babael
1
0.94
1.75
bang
1
0.94
1.75
budech
1
0.94
1.75
buitiang
1
0.94
1.75
cheled
1
0.94
1.75
clams
1
0.94
1.75
katuu tiau
1
0.94
1.75
kesuk
1
0.94
1.75
kikoi
1
0.94
1.75
lobster
1
0.94
1.75
mechur
1
0.94
1.75
melangmud
1
0.94
1.75
mertebetabek
1
0.94
1.75
metengui
1
0.94
1.75
molech
1
0.94
1.75
nguit
1
0.94
1.75
otord
1
0.94
1.75
reked
1
0.94
1.75
sea cucumber
1
0.94
1.75
tiau
1
0.94
1.75
Total
106
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 31
Table A2.49. Fish species said to be increasing and/or decreasing in number decrease no. of responses
ai bang bebael beduut berdebed besechaml bikl budech chedorobh cherangel chesengel chudech chum desachel edui erablel erobk iaus itotech katsuo kedesau kelat kemedukl keremlal keskas klesebuul komud kotikou masech maml meas mechur meia melangmud mellemau mertebetabek mesekuuk metengui
Sphyraena barracuda Parupeneus sp. Siganus punctatus Siganus argenteus Bolbometopon muricatum Monotaxis grandoculis Plectorhinchus albovittatus Choerodon anchorago ? Naso lituratus Acanthurus nigricauda Lethrinus obsoletus Naso unicornis Sargocentron spinferum Symphorichthys spilurus ? Caranx ignobilis Plectorhinchus lineatus Lethrinus harak Katsuwonus pelamis Lutjanus bohar Moolgarda seheli Bolbometopon muricatum Lutjanus gibbus Acanthocybium solandri Siganus lineatus Kyphosus vaigiensis Gerres oyena Acanthurus nigrosis Cheilinus undulatus Siganus canaliculatus Lethrinus xanthochilus Sphyraena forsteri Lethrinus olivaceus Cetoscarus sp. ? Acanthurus xanthopterus Pristipomoides filamentosus
Plectropomus spp.
Great barracuda Goatfish (all) Gold spotted rabbitfish Forktail rabbitfish Bumphead parrotfish Bigeye emperor Giant sweetlips Yellow cheek tuskfish ? Orange spine surgeonfish Blackstreak surgeonfish Orangestripe emperor Unicornfish Sabre squirrelfish Blue lined sea bream ? Giant trevally Lined sweetlips Blackspot emperor Skipjack tuna Twinspot snapper Bluespot mullet Bumphead parrotfish Humpback snapper wahoo Lined rabbitfish Lowfin rudderfish Slenderspine mojarra Blue lined surgeonfish Humphead wrasse rabbitfish Yellowlip emperor barracuda Longface emperor parrotfish parrotfish Yellowfin surgeonfish Pink opakapaka Narrow barred spanish mackerel Longnose parrotfish Bluefin trevally Yellow -spot trevally Steephead parrotfish Pencil streaked rabbitfish groupers grouper
ngelngal
Scomberomorus commerson
ngiaoch oruidel oteot otord reked temekai tiau ulechibetichikl temekai uluu Total
Hipposcarus longiceps Caranx melampygus Caragoides orthogrammus Cetoscarus microrhinos Siganus doliatus
?
grouper
Ellochelon vaigiensis
Squaretail mullet
%
2 2 4 1 2 3 1 4 1 9 1 9 12 1 1 1 3 1 6 1 5 4 2 17 2 8 2 3 3
1.01 1.01 2.01 0.50 1.01 1.51 0.50 2.01 0.50 4.52 0.50 4.52 6.03 0.50 0.50 0.50 1.51 0.50 3.02 0.50 2.51 2.01 1.01 8.54 1.01 4.02 1.01 1.51 1.51
2 12 1 10 9 1 2 4
1.01 6.03 0.50 5.03 4.52 0.50 1.01 2.01
1
0.50
13 4 1 1 1 13 7
6.53 2.01 0.50 0.50 0.50 6.53 3.52
1
0.50
5 199
2.51
increase no. of responses
%
1
1.54
1
1.54
2
3.08
6 1
9.23 1.54
5
7.69
2
3.08
1
1.54
1 1 1
1.54 1.54 1.54
2
3.08
24
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 32
Table A2.50. What should national government do about problems or threats to fishing in the Rock Islands?
Table A2.52. What should traditional leaders do about problems or threats to fishing in the Rock Islands?
No. of responses
% of responses
enforcement
25
40.32
regulate general
15
24.19
education
4
6.45
regulate areas
3
4.84
regulate size
3
4.84
trash (clean)
3
4.84
regulate method
2
3.23
regulate outsiders
2
3.23
aquaculture awareness conserve, use/promote discriminate fishing
1
1.61
1
1.61
regulate boats
1
1.61
regulate invertebrates
1
1.61
regulate time
1
1.61
Total
No. of responses
% of responses
assist local/state gov
19
30.65
education
13
20.97
assist national gov
8
12.90
enforcement
5
8.06
same as national and/or state
4
6.45
demonstrate leadership; role models
3
4.84
traditional law
3
4.84
traditional methods
2
3.23
advisors conserve, use/promote discriminate fishing
1
1.61
1
1.61
include them
1
1.61
no answer
1
1.61
1
1.61
regulate areas
62
Total
Table A2.51. What should state government do about problems or threats to fishing in the Rock Islands?
62
Table A2.53. What should fishers do about problems or threats to fishing in the Rock Islands?
No. of responses
% of responses
enforcement
16
27.59
assist national gov
16
27.59
conserve, use discriminate fishing
38
61.29
14
24.14
comply with laws
11
17.74
4
6.90
trash (clean)
5
8.06
act responsible, with respect
3
4.84
education
1
1.61
enforcement
1
1.61
same as national gov regulate general
No. of % of responses responses
trash (clean)
3
5.17
regulate areas conserve, use/promote discriminate fishing
2
3.45
1
1.72
do not sell inner reef fish (use at home)
1
1.61
regulate invertebrates
1
1.72
regulate size
1
1.61
regulate outsiders
1
1.72
same as others
1
1.61
Total
58
Total
62
Table A2.54. What practical things can people do to protect the Rock Islands? No. of % of responses responses trash (clean)
25
44.64
conserve, use discriminate fishing
22
39.29
act responsible, with respect
7
12.50
education
1
1.79
enforcement
1
1.79
Total
56
Subsistence fishing in the Rock Islands ~ 33
