AmerikaLunarSamoa Calendar
2013
About the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council
2013 Annual Catch Limits for Federally Managed Species in American Samoa
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council was established by Congress in 1976 to manage fisheries in the offshore waters surrounding Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Hawai‘i and the U.S. Pacific remote island areas. The fisheries in federal waters surrounding American Samoa are managed under the American Samoa Archipelago and Pacific Pelagic Fishery Ecosystem Plans. Traditional knowledge and wide community involvement are integral parts of the ecosystem-based approach to fishery management. The 2006 reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires that federally managed fisheries are regulated through annual catch limits (ACLs).
Fishery
Management unit species (MUS)
ACL (in lbs)
Bottomfish
Bottomfish multi-species stock complex
101,000
Crustaceans
Deepwater Shrimp Spiny Lobster Slipper Lobster Kona Crab
Precious Coral
Black Coral American Samoa Exploratory Area
Coral Reef Ecosystem (CRE)
Acanthuridae—surgeonfish Carangidae—jacks Selar crumenophthalmus—atule or bigeye scad Lethrinidae—emperors Scaridae—parrotfish Mollusks—turbo snail; octopus; giant clams Lutjanidae—snappers Serranidae—groupers Mugilidae—mullets Crustaceans—crabs Holocentridae—squirrelfish Bolbometopon muricatum—bumphead parrotfish Cheilinus undulatus—Humphead (Napoleon) wrasse Carcharhinidae—Reef Sharks All Other CREMUS combined
80,000 2,300 30 3,200 1,742 2,205 19,516 9,490 8,396 7,350 8,145 16,694 18,839 5,600 2,857 2,248 2,585 235 1,743 1,309 18,910
Note: ACLs are not specified for most pelagic species because they are subject to international fishing agreements or have life cycles of less than a year and are thus exempted from the ACL requirement. Anae gutu-mumu (Red-lipped mullet) is an indicator species for the health of the lagoon fishery. It was common in October-December during its spawning migration period but now has become relatively rare in American Samoa. Pictured is the same species taken on Guam. Photo by John Calvo.
A publication of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council pursuant to NOAA Award No. NA11NMF4410270. Copyright 2013, Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council ISBN 1-934061-97-2
Front cover art: Isaia Nguyen, Lauli‘i Elementary School, Grade 8
About This Calendar The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) has produced traditional lunar calendars for American Samoa since 2007. The initial productions were based on information from books written about Samoa by scholars such as Brother Henry, Kramer, Turner and Stair, as well as information collected by Talking Chief Teleiai Ausage. A more elaborate interview with Rev. Elder Oka Fauolo helped complete all the names of the moon phases, as well as the names of the months. When the 2009 Amerika Samoa Lunar Calendar was distributed, the community gave much positive feedback and also asked for definitions of Samoan terms used in the calendar. To improve on the lunar calendar, the WPRFMC convened a workshop on the island of Tutuila, American Samoa, in partnership with the Samoan Studies Institute (SSI) of the American Samoa Community College, American Samoa’s Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) and the Office of Samoan Affairs. The workshop involved participants from other American Samoa organizations, fishermen, elders and members of the general public as well as the Apia Fisheries Division in the Independent State of Samoa.
The illustrations in the calendar are the winning entries of the student art contest held in American Samoa on the theme of “Climate Change Impacts on the Traditional Places that Sustain Our Cultural and Food Security.” This theme encouraged class lessons and discussion on how climate change has or may impact the traditional places and practices that promote sustainable use of natural resources to ensure the island’s food security and the wellbeing of the indigenous culture. It was chosen in preparation of the 2013 First Stewards Symposium “United Indigenous Voices Address Sustainability: Climate Change and Traditional Places” to be held at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC (www.firststewards.org). The first-place Grades 6–8 poster will be displayed at the event. A special thanks to those who judged the art contest: Soloi McMullin and Leifiloa C. Tanoi of the American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group and Lusila Minoneti, Sa‘opapa Taifane and Maria Vaofanua of the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources.
This 2013 Amerika Samoa Lunar Calendar takes into account recommendations from the workshop as well as research conducted by Okenaisa Fauolo, Teleiai Ausage and Apisaloma Toleafoa of the SSI in 2010 with villagers throughout Tutuila as well as with the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme, Samoa’s Fishery Division and Meteorological Office, and tautai (experts of the seas), including High Chief Mulipola Perenise of Manono Tai and High Talking Chief Levaa Sauaso of Apolima Tai, and High Chief Faasavalu, on the islands of Upolu and Manono in Samoa. The 2013 calendar also includes the annual catch limits for federally managed fisheries in American Samoa. The Council will continue to work with the American Samoa community to improve and enhance in future calendars. The explanations of each lunar month in the calendar were provided by the SSI. Information on the local fish for each month was provided by Selaina Vaitautolu of the American Samoa DMWR and Fini Aitaoto, the WPRFMC on-site coordinator in American Samoa. The tide charts, moon phases, and moon rise and set times are for Pago Pago (Samoa standard time) provided by Barry Smith, University of Guam (retired). The project was coordinated by Fini Aitaoto and Sylvia Spalding, WPRFMC communications officer.
Traditional fishing hooks on display at American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources office.
Avetonulemaotafonoialataua Iliganoa Patu • Leone Midkiff Elementary School • First Place, Grades K–2
February 10- March 11, 2013
Toeutuva¯
Vaitau mulimuli e toe eli ai ufi vao. Final harvesting of wild yams.
Fepuari 10 – Mati 11, 2013
Masina Tofilofilo
Masina Tolu
Masina Faalao
Masina Salefuga
Masina Tulalupe
Masina Motuega
Masina Aufasa
Masina Matuatua
Masina Loloatai
February
Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia
10 SUN
6
N
6
MON
6
13
12
11 N
6
TUE
6
N
6
WED
6
14 N
6
THU
6
15 N
6
FRI
6
17
16 N
6
SAT
6
N
6
SUN
6
19
18 N
6
MON
6
N
6
TUE
6
N
6
2 1 0
Masina Malupeaua
Masina Mātofitofi
Masina Aiaina
Masina Punifaga
Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina
Masina Le‘ale‘a
Masina Feetetele
Masina Ataatatai
Masina Fagaeleele
Masina Sulutele
March
–1
20 WED 6
N
6
21 THU 6
N
6
22 FRI 6
N
6
23 SAT 6
N
6
24 SUN 6
N
6
25 MON 6
26 N
6
TUE
6
28
27
N
6
WED
6
N
6
THU
6
1 N
6
FRI
6
N
6
2 1 0 –1
Masina Nauna
2
6
N
6
SUN
6
Masina Motusaga
4
3
2
SAT
Masina UsunoaMay
N
6
MON
6
Masina Tatelega
6
5
N
6
TUE
Masina Faasagafulu
6
N
6
WED
6
7
N
6
1 0 –1
Alogo (Lined surgeonfish) I‘a pito i ta‘atele i a‘au ma aloalo, faapea fagotaga Alogo is very common in near-shore reefs and is the most caught species by near-shore free divers.
Masina Tāfaleu
Vaitaimi e faanoa ai le gatala. The grouper are laying eggs.
THU
6
Masina Fataleu
8
N
6
FRI
Masina Mitiloa
9 6
N
6
SAT
Masina Fanoloa
10 6
N
6
SUN
6
Masina Maunā
11 N
6
MON
6
N
6
Noah Sitala • Manumalo Baptist School • First Place, Grades 3–5
March 12 - April 9, 2013 Mati 12 – Aperila 9, 2013
Masina Tofilofilo
Masina Tolu
Masina Faalao
Masina Salefuga
Masina Tulalupe
Masina Motuega
Masina Aufasa
Masina Matuatua
Masina Loloatai
March
Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia
Fa‘aafu
O le vaitau e foliga pula ai ufi ma laau. E amata toto ai toaga fou. The period when yams and crops’ leaves begin to turn yellowish in color. Also indicates time to grow new crops.
12 TUE
6
6
WED
6
15
14
13
N
N
6
THU
6
N
6
FRI
6
16 N
6
SAT
6
17 N
6
SUN
6
19
18 N
6
MON
6
N
6
TUE
6
21
20 N
6
WED
6
N
6
THU
6
N
6
2 1 0 –1
Masina Malupeaua
SAT N
6
6
Masina Aiaina
24
23
22
FRI
6
Masina Mātofitofi
25
SUN N
6
6
Masina Punifaga
26
MON N
6
6
Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina
6
6
WED N
6
6
Masina Feetetele
28
27
TUE N
Masina Le‘ale‘a
6
6
FRI N
6
6
Masina Fagaeleele
30 SAT
29
THU N
Masina Ataatatai
N
6
6
Masina Sulutele
31 N
6
SUN
6
N
2 1 0 –1
Masina Usunoa
Masina Motusaga
Masina Tatelega
Masina Faasagafulu
Masina Tāfaleu
Masina Fataleu
Masina Mitiloa
Masina Maunā
April
Masina Nauna
2
6
3
2
1
MON
N
6
TUE
6
N
6
WED
6
5
4 N
6
THU
6
N
6
FRI
6
6
N
6
SAT
7 6
N
6
SUN
6
8 N
6
MON
6
9 N
6
TUE
6
N
6
1 0 –1
Filoa (Emperor fish) E tele ituaiga o lenei i‘a e maua i le tu‘tu‘u. Several species are caught by bottomfish gear and very common in bottomfish landings.
One must be aware of the tides, ocean currents and wind patterns anytime one goes fishing. The typical easterly is fine for fishing as long as it is not too strong to create high swells. It is unlike the Tuaoloa, which is a strong cold wind that creates high swells when it blows consistently. The Fiaga is okay, despite blowing, because the ocean is usually calm.
Some names have different meanings in different regions. Winds such as Vaitoelau, Mataupolu, Tuaoloa and Lai are understood by all. However, Pitonuu and Vainuu have localized meanings. People living in one region have their Pitonuu wind, which is different from those living in another region.
6
Cher Nomura • Pacific Horizons School • First Place, Grades 6–8
April 10 - May 9, 2013 Aperila 10 – Me 9, 2013
Masina Tofilofilo
Masina Tolu
Masina Faalao
Masina Salefuga
Masina Tulalupe
Masina Motuega
Masina Aufasa
Masina Matuatua
Masina Loloatai
April
Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia
Lo
O le vaitau e ae ai le ia o le lo Month when the lo (rabbitfishes or large school of juveniles) is in large quantity and ideal for fishing.
10 WED
6
N
6
6
13
12
11
THU
N
6
FRI
6
N
6
SAT
6
14 N
6
SUN
6
15 N
6
MON
6
17
16 N
6
TUE
6
N
6
WED
6
19
18 N
6
THU
6
N
6
FRI
6
N
6
2 1 0 –1
Masina Malupeaua
SUN N
6
6
Masina Aiaina
22
21
20
SAT
6
Masina Mātofitofi
23
MON N
6
6
Masina Punifaga
24
TUE N
6
6
Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina
6
6
THU N
6
6
Masina Feetetele
26
25
WED N
Masina Le‘ale‘a
6
6
SAT N
6
6
Masina Fagaeleele
28 SUN
27
FRI N
Masina Ataatatai
N
6
6
Masina Sulutele
29 MON N
6
6
N
6
2 1 0
Masina Nauna
Masina UsunoaMay
Masina Motusaga
Masina Tatelega
Masina Faasagafulu
Masina Tāfaleu
Masina Fataleu
Masina Mitiloa
Masina Fanoloa
Masina Maunā
May
–1
2
6
2
1
30
TUE
N
6
WED
6
N
6
THU
6
4
3 N
6
FRI
6
N
6
SAT
5
6
N
6
SUN
6 6
N
6
MON
6
7 N
1 0 –1
Palu-malau (Red snapper fish) O se i‘a mumu e maua i le tu‘utu‘u ma e taugata pe a fa‘atau mai. Red and relatively expensive fish.
Tai fula refers to the sea tide that is not totally low and not totally high.
6
TUE
8 6
N
6
WED
6
9
N
6
THU
6
N
6
Sophia Vaeoso • Samoana High School • First Place, Grades 9–12
May 10 - June 8, 2013 Me 10 – Iuni 8, 2013
Masina Tofilofilo
Masina Tolu
Masina Faalao
Masina Salefuga
Masina Tulalupe
Masina Motuega
Masina Aufasa
Masina Matuatua
Masina Loloatai
May
Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia
Aununu
O le masina e nunu ai le toau o ufi. O le tuaoi o timuga ma mugala. Month the cultivated yams are matured. Intermediary month between rainy and sunny season.
10 FRI
6
N
6
SAT
6
13
12
11 N
6
SUN
6
N
6
MON
6
14 N
6
TUE
6
15 N
6
WED
6
17
16 N
6
THU
6
N
6
FRI
6
19
18 N
6
SAT
6
N
6
SUN
6
N
6
2 1 0 –1
Masina Malupeaua
21
20
MON
6
Masina Mātofitofi
N
6
TUE
6
N
6
Masina Aiaina
22 WED 6
Masina Punifaga
23
N
6
THU
6
Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina
24
N
6
FRI
6
Masina Le‘ale‘a
26
25
N
6
SAT
6
Masina Feetetele
N
6
SUN
6
Masina Ataatatai
28
27
N
6
MON
6
Masina Fagaeleele
N
6
TUE
6
Masina Sulutele
29
N
6
WED
6
N
6
2 1 0
Masina Nauna
Masina UsunoaMay
Masina Motusaga
Masina Tatelega
Masina Faasagafulu
Masina Tāfaleu
Masina Fataleu
Masina Mitiloa
Masina Fanoloa
Masina Maunā
June
–1
2
6
1
31
30
THU
N
6
FRI
6
N
6
SAT
3
2
6
N
6
SUN
6
N
6
MON
6
4
N
6
TUE
5
6
N
6
WED
6
6 N
6
THU
6
7 N
6
FRI
8
6
N
6
1 0 –1
Sa‘ula-lele (Sailfish) E maua i le toso, e maua ai fo‘i fa‘ailoga i tauvaga faigafaiva. Caught by trolling and a prized fish during fishing tournaments.
Aununu refers to when new soil and natural fertilizers are piled at the root of the cultivated yam. Accordingly, aununu of the yam should never be done in the morning because dewdrops are still on the leaves. Aununu is done in the evening.
In catching a large fish, it is best to tie a noose tightly on its tail and have it on the iato (outrigger) side of the canoe. Then, let it struggle until it is tired and you can either lift it onto your canoe or pull it ashore.
SAT
6
N
6
Francis Damien Savelio Vaofanua • Siliga Elementary School • Second Place, Grades K–2
June 9 - July 7, 2013
Oloa¯manu
O le vaitau e olo ma tausani fiafia ai manu felelei Season of birds singing and calm weather.
Iuni 9 – Iulai 7, 2013
Masina Tofilofilo
Masina Tolu
Masina Faalao
Masina Salefuga
Masina Tulalupe
Masina Motuega
Masina Aufasa
Masina Matuatua
Masina Loloatai
June
Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia
9
SUN
6
N
6
MON
6
12
11
10 N
6
TUE
6
N
6
WED
6
13 N
6
THU
6
14 N
6
FRI
6
16
15 N
6
SAT
6
N
6
SUN
6
18
17 N
6
MON
6
N
6
TUE
6
N
6
2 1 0 –1
Masina Malupeaua
19 WED 6
N
6
Masina Mātofitofi
20 THU 6
N
6
Masina Aiaina
21 FRI 6
N
6
Masina Punifaga
22 SAT 6
N
6
Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina
23 SUN 6
N
6
Masina Le‘ale‘a
24 MON 6
Masina Feetetele
25 N
6
TUE
6
Masina Ataatatai
27
26
N
6
WED
6
Masina Fagaeleele
N
6
THU
6
28 N
6
2 1 0
Masina Nauna
Masina Usunoa
Masina Motusaga
Masina Tatelega
Masina Faasagafulu
Masina Tāfaleu
Masina Fataleu
Masina Mitiloa
Masina Maunā
July
–1
SAT
2
6
1
30
29 N
6
SUN
6
N
6
MON
6
3
2
N
6
TUE
6
N
6
WED
6
4
N
6
THU
6
5
N
6
FRI
6 6
1 0 –1
Atule (Bigeye scad) E maua i le ofe po‘o le lau a le nu‘u, ma sa fa‘asa ona fa‘aatau. Caught by bamboo rods, rod and reel or the village’s traditional “lau” and not supposed to be sold but shared.
Samoa’s fishes are the same all year around with the exception of seasonal fish that certain villages have, like the atule (bigeye scad), pinelo (juvenile rabbitfish) or pala‘ia (juvenile surgeonfish).
N
6
SAT
7 6
N
6
SUN
6
Masina Sulutele
N
6
FRI
6
N
6
Monica Papali‘i • Manumalo Baptist School • Second Place, Grades 3–5
July 8 - August 6, 2013
Pa¯lolomua
Matalatala fuga o laau, pāpā foi o fatu laau Initial period for budding of flowering seeds and the blooming of flowers.
Iulai 8 – Aukuso 6, 2013
Masina Tofilofilo
Masina Tolu
Masina Faalao
Masina Salefuga
Masina Tulalupe
Masina Motuega
Masina Aufasa
Masina Matuatua
Masina Loloatai
July
Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia
8
MON
6
N
6
TUE
11
10
9
6
N
6
WED
6
N
6
THU
6
12 N
6
FRI
6
13 N
6
SAT
6
15
14 N
6
SUN
6
N
6
MON
6
17
16 N
6
TUE
6
N
6
WED
6
N
6
2 1 0 –1
Masina Malupeaua
18 THU 6
N
6
Masina Mātofitofi
19 FRI 6
N
6
Masina Aiaina
20 SAT 6
N
6
Masina Punifaga
21 SUN 6
N
6
Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina
22 MON 6
N
6
Masina Le‘ale‘a
23 TUE 6
Masina Feetetele
24 N
6
WED
6
N
6
Masina Ataatatai
25 THU 6
Masina Fagaeleele
26 N
6
FRI
6
Masina Sulutele
27 N
6
SAT
6
N
6
2 1 0
Masina Nauna
Masina UsunoaMay
Masina Motusaga
Masina Tatelega
Masina Faasagafulu
Masina Tāfaleu
Masina Fataleu
Masina Mitiloa
Masina Fanoloa
Masina Maunā
August
–1
SUN
2
6
30
29
28 N
6
MON
6
N
6
TUE
6
1
31
N
6
WED
6
N
6
THU
2
6
N
6
FRI
3 6
N
6
SAT
6
4 N
1 0 –1
Umelei (Unicornfish) O le masina lenei e lololo tele ai ma manaia i le taumafa lenei i‘a. Fatty and delicious during this period.
The best time for fishing at night is when it is high tide and the moon has just risen, or when there is a full moon. Not only there will be plenty of fish, but also shellfish, such as crabs, aliao (trochus shells) and so forth. However, one must be well aware of the ocean’s currents.
6
SUN
6
5 N
6
MON
6
6
N
6
TUE
6
N
6
Luti Manoa • Manulele Tuasala Elementary School • Second Place, Grades 6–8
August 7 - September 5, 2013
Pa¯lolomuli
Matalatala mulimuli o fuga o laau Final budding of flowering seeds and blooming of flowers.
Aukuso 7 – Setema 5, 2013
Masina Tofilofilo
Masina Tolu
Masina Faalao
Masina Salefuga
Masina Tulalupe
Masina Motuega
Masina Aufasa
Masina Matuatua
Masina Loloatai
August
Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia
7
WED
6
N
6
10
9
8
THU
6
N
6
FRI
6
N
6
SAT
6
11 N
SUN
6
6
12 N
6
MON
6
14
13 N
6
TUE
6
N
6
WED
6
16
15 N
6
THU
6
N
6
FRI
6
N
6
2 1 0 –1
Masina Malupeaua
SUN N
6
6
Masina Aiaina
19
18
17
SAT
6
Masina Mātofitofi
20
MON N
6
6
Masina Punifaga
21
TUE N
6
6
Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina
6
6
THU N
6
6
Masina Feetetele
23
22
WED N
Masina Le‘ale‘a
6
6
SAT N
6
6
Masina Fagaeleele
25 SUN
24
FRI N
Masina Ataatatai
N
6
6
Masina Sulutele
26 N
6
MON 6
N
6
2 1 0
Masina Nauna
Masina UsunoaMay
Masina Motusaga
Masina Tatelega
Masina Faasagafulu
Masina Tāfaleu
Masina Fataleu
Masina Mitiloa
Masina Fanoloa
Masina Maunā
September
–1
2
6
29
28
27
TUE
N
6
WED
6
N
6
THU
6
31
30 N
6
FRI
6
N
6
SAT
6
1
N
6
SUN
2 6
N
6
1 0 –1
I‘amanu (Whale) E masani ona va‘ai i lenei vaitau. Sightings of whales common during this period.
When daytime fishing, one should always fish when it is high tide.
MON
6
3 N
6
TUE
4
6
N
6
WED
6
5
N
6
THU
6
N
6
Viliamu Sio • Manu‘a High School • Second Place, Grades 9–12
September 6 - October 4, 2013
September
Setema 6 – Oketopa 4, 2013
Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia
6
FRI
Masina Tofilofilo
6
N
6
6
N
6
SUN
6
Masina Faalao
9
8
7
SAT
Masina Tolu
N
6
Mulifa
Vaitau o mugala. O le masina foi ua afu ai meatoto poo ua matutua lelei. Season of droughts and dry sunny days. Also the time when field crops are maturing.
MON
6
Masina Salefuga
10 N
6
TUE
6
Masina Tulalupe
11 N
6
WED
6
Masina Motuega
13
12 N
6
THU
6
Masina Aufasa
N
6
FRI
6
Masina Matuatua
15
14 N
6
SAT
6
Masina Loloatai
N
6
SUN
6
N
6
2 1 0 –1
Masina Malupeaua
17
16
MON
6
Masina Mātofitofi
N
6
TUE
6
N
6
Masina Aiaina
18 WED 6
Masina Punifaga
19
N
6
THU
6
Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina
20
N
6
FRI
6
Masina Le‘ale‘a
22
21
N
6
SAT
6
Masina Feetetele
N
6
SUN
6
Masina Ataatatai
24
23
N
6
MON
6
Masina Fagaeleele
N
6
TUE
6
25
N
6
2 1 0
Masina Nauna
Masina Usunoa
Masina Motusaga
Masina Tatelega
Masina Faasagafulu
Masina Tāfaleu
Masina Fataleu
Masina Mitiloa
Masina Maunā
Ocotber
–1
2
6
28
27
26
THU
N
6
FRI
6
N
6
SAT
6
30
29
N
6
SUN
6
N
6
MON
6
1
N
6
TUE
2
6
N
6
WED
6
3 N
6
THU
6
4 N
6
FRI
6
N
1 0 –1
Masimasi (Dolphinfish) E maua i le toso, e maua ai fa‘ailoga i tauvaga faigafaiva, ma e lelei i le oka. Caught by trolling, prized fish in tournaments and great for oka.
Mulifa refers to the cultivated yam that is late in harvesting. When cooked, the yam has a watery, dull taste.
Masina Sulutele
Yam is sturdier than the other staple food. Taros tend to die off in long dry spells, and bananas and breadfruits are destroyed in cyclones.
6
WED
6
N
6
Fiamaua Patu • St. Theresa’s Elementary School • Second Place, Grades 9–12
October 5 - Novermber 3, 2013
Lotuaga
Amata le vaitau o timuga ma uaga. Beginning of the rainy season.
Oketopa 5 – Novema 3, 2013
Masina Tofilofilo
Masina Tolu
Masina Faalao
Masina Salefuga
Masina Tulalupe
Masina Motuega
Masina Aufasa
Masina Matuatua
Masina Loloatai
October
Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia
5
SAT
6
N
6
SUN
8
7
6
6
N
6
MON
6
N
6
TUE
6
9 N
6
WED
6
10 N
6
THU
6
12
11 N
6
FRI
6
N
6
SAT
6
14
13 N
6
SUN
6
N
6
MON
6
N
6
2 1 0 –1
Masina Malupeaua
15 TUE 6
N
6
Masina Mātofitofi
16 WED 6
N
6
Masina Aiaina
17 THU 6
N
6
Masina Punifaga
18 FRI 6
N
6
Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina
19 SAT 6
N
6
Masina Le‘ale‘a
20 SUN 6
N
6
Masina Feetetele
21 MON 6
N
6
Masina Ataatatai
22 TUE 6
Masina Fagaeleele
23 N
6
WED
6
Masina Sulutele
24 N
6
THU
6
N
6
2 1 0
Masina Nauna
Masina UsunoaMay
Masina Motusaga
Masina Tatelega
Masina Faasagafulu
Masina Tāfaleu
Masina Fataleu
Masina Mitiloa
Masina Fanoloa
Masina Maunā
November
–1
FRI
2
6
27
26
25 N
6
SAT
6
N
6
SUN
6
29
28
N
6
MON
6
N
6
TUE
6
30 N
6
WED
6
31
N
6
THU
6
1 0 –1
Palolo (polychaete worm) E taua tele i tagata matutua ma e ta ia Oketopa po‘o Novema i tausaga uma.
Delicacy especially for the elderly, seined in October and/or November each year.
1 N
6
FRI
2 6
N
6
SAT
3 6
N
6
SUN
6
N
6
Jenny Liang • Manumalo Baptist School • Third Place, Grades 3–5
November 4 - December 2, 2013
November
Novema 4 – Tesema 2, 2013
Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia
4
MON
6
Masina Tofilofilo
N
6
6
N
6
WED
6
Masina Faalao
7
6
5
TUE
Masina Tolu
N
6
THU
Masina Salefuga
8 6
Taumafamua
Taimi e tele ai mea taumafa, aemaise le maua o le ia o le palolo. Initial period of the season of food abundance, especially with the palolo fish.
N
6
FRI
Masina Tulalupe
9 6
N
6
SAT
Masina Motuega
11
10 6
N
6
SUN
6
Masina Aufasa
N
6
MON
6
Masina Matuatua
13
12 N
6
TUE
6
Masina Loloatai
N
6
WED
6
N
6
2 1 0 –1
Masina Malupeaua
14 THU 6
N
6
Masina Mātofitofi
15 FRI 6
N
6
Masina Aiaina
16 SAT 6
N
6
Masina Punifaga
17 SUN 6
N
6
Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina
18 MON 6
N
6
Masina Le‘ale‘a
19 TUE 6
Masina Feetetele
20 N
6
WED
6
N
6
Masina Ataatatai
21 THU 6
Masina Fagaeleele
22 N
6
FRI
6
Masina Sulutele
23 N
6
SAT
6
2 1 0
Masina Nauna
Masina Usunoa
Masina Motusaga
Masina Tatelega
Masina Faasagafulu
Masina Tāfaleu
Masina Fataleu
Masina Mitiloa
Masina Maunā
December
–1
SUN
2
6
26
25
24 N
6
MON
6
N
6
TUE
6
28
27
N
6
WED
6
N
6
THU
6
29
N
6
FRI
6
30 N
6
SAT
6
1 N
6
SUN
6
2 N
6
MON
6
N
6
1 0 –1
Malau (Squirrelfish) E masani ona tele ma fa‘atau i tafaala i lenei vaitau. Many usually caught during this period, and “strings of malau” are sold at roadsides.
After the palolo fish, the seasonal fish pinelo (juvenile rabbitfish) is common. Momoga tuitui. Sea urchins are meaty and fleshy.
Faamaui is a fishing expedition that is carried out at night when there is full moon. The preparation of the net is done in the evening, and it is usually for the malau fish. The saying “si au lua lau ma si au le sau, si au afatala ma si au faiaga” stems from this expedition because, when the catch was taken ashore, some people would take some fish for themselves before the whole catch was given to the village.
N
6
Fortress Ali‘ia‘ana • Manulele Tuasala Elementary School • Third Place, Grades 6–8
December 3, 2013- January 1, 2014
Toetaumafa
Faaiuiu taumafa mai le masina ua tuanai. Final period of the season for food abundance.
December
Tesema 3, 2013 – Ianuari1, 2014
Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia
3
TUE
Masina Tofilofilo
N
6
WED
6
N
6
THU
Masina Faalao
6
5
4
6
Masina Tolu
6
N
6
FRI
Masina Salefuga
7 6
N
6
SAT
Masina Tulalupe
8 6
N
6
SUN
6
Masina Motuega
10
9 N
6
MON
6
Masina Aufasa
N
6
TUE
6
Masina Matuatua
12
11 N
6
WED
6
Masina Loloatai
N
6
THU
6
N
6
2 1 0 –1
Masina Malupeaua
SAT N
6
6
Masina Aiaina
15
14
13
FRI
6
Masina Mātofitofi
16
SUN N
6
6
Masina Punifaga
17
MON N
6
6
Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina
6
6
WED N
6
6
Masina Feetetele
19
18
TUE N
Masina Le‘ale‘a
6
6
FRI N
6
6
Masina Fagaeleele
21 SAT
20
THU N
Masina Ataatatai
N
6
6
Masina Sulutele
22 N
6
SUN
6
N
6
2 1 0
Masina Nauna
Masina UsunoaMay
Masina Motusaga
Masina Tatelega
Masina Faasagafulu
Masina Tāfaleu
Masina Fataleu
Masina Mitiloa
Masina Fanoloa
Masina Maunā
January
–1
2
6
25
24
23
MON
N
6
TUE
6
N
6
WED
6
27
26 N
6
THU
6
N
6
FRI
6
28
N
6
SAT
6
29 N
6
SUN
6
30 N
6
MON
6
31 N
6
TUE
6
1 N
6
WED
6
N
6
1 0 –1
Atu (Skipjack) O le i‘a e maua so‘o i le toso a‘o fa‘aaogaina paopao i aso anamua, e fa‘aaoga tele i le oka Samoa. The most common fish in trolling landings using “paopao” in the past and the preferred fish for oka.
Another seasonal fish is igaga (small apofu or sleeper gobies).
Faamoa is a fishing expedition for the village men. At the early morning when all have gathered at a maota, the blinds would be raised, with the exception of two blinds in the front of the house that will remain shut. The elders would then provide words of caution for the tautai and their helpers, “Be careful and make sure there are no holes at the oa or the taloa” (aua nei mama i oa pe mama i taloa). Taloa is a three-foot stick shaped like an axe. The oa is the bottom of the net. This type of fishing is for the fish called tuuu (angelfishes and damselfishes). It is said that the elders knew that there were holes in either taloa or oa when one of the closed blind breaks.
Alex Sega • Manu‘a High School • Third Place, Grades 9–12
January 2 - 30, 2014 Ianuari 2 – 30, 2014
Masina Tofilofilo
Masina Tolu
Masina Faalao
Masina Salefuga
Masina Tulalupe
Masina Motuega
Masina Aufasa
Masina Matuatua
Masina Loloatai
January
Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia
Utuva¯mua
Vaitau e eli ai ufi vao a o le‘i oo i le taimi e afu ai ufi totō. Initial harvesting of wild yams prior to the maturation of cultivated yams.
2
THU
6
6
FRI
5
4
3 N
6
N
6
SAT
6
N
6
SUN
6
6 N
6
MON
6
7 N
6
TUE
9
8 6
N
6
WED
6
N
6
THU
6
11
10 N
6
FRI
6
N
6
SAT
6
N
6
2 1 0 –1
Masina Malupeaua
12
SUN
6
N
6
Masina Mātofitofi
13 MON 6
Masina Aiaina
14
N
6
TUE
6
Masina Punifaga
15
N
6
WED
6
N
6
Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina
16 THU 6
N
6
Masina Le‘ale‘a
17 FRI 6
N
6
Masina Feetetele
18 SAT 6
N
6
Masina Ataatatai
19 SUN 6
Masina Fagaeleele
20 N
6
MON
6
21 N
6
2 1 0 –1
Masina Nauna
2
6
N
6
THU
6
Masina Motusaga
24
23
22 WED
Masina Usunoa
N
6
FRI
6
Masina Tatelega
26
25 N
6
SAT
6
Masina Faasagafulu
N
6
SUN
6
Masina Tāfaleu
27 N
6
MON
6
Masina Fataleu
28 N
6
TUE
6
Masina Mitiloa
29 N
6
WED
6
1 0 –1
I‘asina (young goatfish) Masani ona tele i le vaitau o Oketopa–Aperila. Commonly caught during October–April.
Masina Maunā
30 N
Matalilii is a fishing expedition that is different from Faamoa in that it is done throughout the whole day. It was also carried out on the reefs using what is called lauloa, which is created from coconut leaves that are braided together. Each canoe contained these braided coconut leaves. The people then splashed and hit the ocean so the fish would come to where the canoes were. Then the lauloa were emptied into the canoe. This action was done repeatedly.
6
THU
6
Masina Sulutele
N
6
TUE
6
N
6
Isaia Nguyen • Lauli‘i Elementary School, Grade 8
American Samoa Contacts Council Member William Sword Phone: (684) 633-4101 Email: sword.william@gmail.com
Council Member Director of American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Phone: (684) 633-5102
Council On-Site Coordinator Fini Aitaoto Phone: (684) 633-5892 or 633-5102 Email: fini.aitaoto@noaa.gov
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1400 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Phone: (808) 522-8220 Fax: (808) 522-8226 Email: info.wpcouncil@noaa.gov Web : www.wpcouncil.org
ISBN 1-934061-97-2