2019 JAN. 7, 2019–JAN. 24, 2020
Eskaleran Pulan Chamorro Re faluwasch Pápáál Maram
Chenchulu fishing for atulai/peti (bigeye scad) on Rota.
PHOTO COURTESY OF STAN TAISACAN.
About This Calendar The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council has produced traditional lunar calendars for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) since 2007. The intent is to raise awareness about traditional ecological knowledge and enhance community involvement in fishery management. The calendar features previous contributions and advice from the CNMI lunar calendar committees (Chamorro: Adolfo S. Calvo, Anicet H. Mundo, Estanislao M. Taisacan; and Reafaluwasch: Lino Olopai and Cecilio Raiukiulipiy). This 2019 Eskaleran Pulan Chamorro/2019 Refaluwasch Pápáál Maram highlights traditional fishing practices of the Chamorro and Refaluwasch, the indigenous people of the Mariana Archipelago. Chamorro and Refaluwasch, along with English, are the official languages of the CNMI. The calendar provides traditional fishing information for a different species each month, highlighting methods, gears, seasons and legends. The Chamorro names
for the fish species, lunar months and moon phases are in black, and the Refaluwasch names are in green. The calendar reflects continued work with the CNMI community to create a calendar that recognizes the importance of island cultures and traditional fishing practices in managing fishery resources and to foster opportunities for their participation, which is one of the Council’s seven Guiding Principles. The moon phases in this calendar are for Saipan as calculated by the HM Nautical Almanac (astro.ukho.gov.uk/websurf). The tide charts with moon rise and set times are in Chamorro time for Saipan and were provided by OceanFun Publshing, NZ. Front cover photo: Sheela Saraff, who participated in the Council-sponsored Fisheries and Marine Science High School Summer Course, with the mafute’ (emperor fish) she caught outside the reef. Photo by Jack Ogumoro.
A publication of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council pursuant to NOAA Award NA14NMF4520236. © 2018, Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council ISBN 978-1-944827-32-8
Umagahaf ‹› Tumur January
Sinahi Uno • Sighauru
7
MON 6
R S
07:26 19:01 N
6
Sinahi Dos • Eling
8
TUE
R S
6
08:12 19:51 N
6
Sinahi Tres • Meseling
9
WED 6
R S
08:55 20:41 N
6
Mesóól
10 THU
R S
6
January 7–February 5, 2019
Mesáfúú
09:36 21:29 N
6
11 FRI
R S
6
Mesáwan
10:15 22:17 N
6
12 SAT
R S
6
Mesátiw
10:52 23:04 N
6
13 SUN
R S
6
Emetan
11:30 23:52 N
6
14
R
MON 6
Kuåtto Presente Eschúw
12:08 N
6
15 TUE
S R
6
00:41 12:47 N
6
Epey
16
WED 6
S R
01:31 13:30 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Arobwoghúw
17 THU
S R
6
02:25 14:17 N
6
Olobwuwey
18 FRI
S R
6
03:23 15:09 N
6
Olomwaay
19 SAT
S R
6
Gualåfon Umang Emmasch
04:24 16:06 N
6
20 SUN
S R
6
05:27 17:09 N
6
Gualåfon • Úúr
21
MON 6
S R
06:29 18:14 N
6
Henemhon Uno Letiw
22 TUE
S R
6
07:29 19:20 N
6
Henemhom Dos Ghiney
23
WED 6
S R
08:25 20:24 N
6
Henemhon Tres • Ara
24 THU
S R
6
09:17 21:25 N
6
Sópásch
25 FRI
S R
6
Arosa
10:05 22:23 N
6
26 SAT
S R
6
10:50 23:19 N
6
3 2 1 0
Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh
27 SUN
3 2 1 0 -1
6
S
11:33 N
6
Sópásch Me Emwiir
28
MON 6
R S
00:13 12:16 N
6
Osáláng
29 TUE
6
R S
Emwalú
01:06 12:59 N
6
30
WED 6
R S
Schomwan Fán
01:59 13:44 N
6
31 THU
6
Hinecog • Arofú
Afánágh
February
-1
R S
02:52 14:30 N
6
1
FRI
6
R S
03:43 15:18 N
6
2
SAT
6
R S
04:34 16:07 N
6
Eyú
3
SUN
6
R S
Efeng
05:23 16:56 N
6
4
MON 6
R S
Ascaif
06:09 17:46 N
6
5
TUE
6
R S
06:53 18:36 N
6
In the old days, people caught botague/sapór (dorado, dolphinfish, mahimahi) and other pelagic fish by tying together coconut palms or bamboo rafts and deploying them outside the reef where it was not too deep to be anchored. These floating objects were anchored so they wouldn’t float away with the wind or current. After several days the fishermen would fish around these objects to catch mahimahi or other pelagic fishes using spears and gaffs. The deployment of these floating objects outside the reefs is similar to the modern day fish aggregation devices (FADs), which attract small fish which in turn attract larger fish for the fishermen to catch. Pictured above Capt. Carl Reyes of Podre de Familia and crew display their winning catch during the Mahimahi Derby. PHOTO BY JACK OGUMORO.
Tumaiguini ‹› Méél February
Sinahi Uno • Sighauru
6
WED 6
R S
07:35 19:25 N
6
Sinahi Dos • Eling
7
THU
R S
6
08:14 20:13 N
6
Sinahi Tres • Meseling
8
FRI
R S
6
08:52 21:01 N
6
Mesóól
9
SAT
R S
6
February 6– March 7, 2019
Mesáfúú
09:29 21:48 N
6
10 SUN
R S
6
Mesáwan
10:07 22:36 N
6
11
MON 6
R S
Mesátiw
10:45 23:25 N
6
12 TUE
R
6
Emetan
11:25 N
6
13
WED 6
S R
Kuåtto Presente Eschúw
00:16 12:09 N
6
14 THU
S R
6
01:09 12:57 N
6
Epey
15 FRI
S R
6
02:07 13:49 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Arobwoghúw
16 SAT
S R
6
03:07 14:47 N
6
Olobwuwey
17 SUN
S R
6
04:08 15:50 N
6
Olomwaay
18
MON 6
S R
Gualåfon Umang Emmasch
05:08 16:55 N
6
19 TUE
S R
6
06:06 18:00 N
6
Gualåfon • Úúr
20
WED 6
S R
07:01 19:04 N
6
Henemhon Uno Letiw
21 THU
S R
6
07:52 20:06 N
6
Henemhom Dos Ghiney
22 FRI
S R
6
08:39 21:05 N
6
Henemhon Tres • Ara
23 SAT
S R
6
09:25 22:02 N
6
Sópásch
24 SUN
S R
6
Arosa
10:10 22:58 N
6
25
MON 6
S R
10:55 23:53 N
6
3 2 1 0
Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh
26 TUE
6
S
11:40 N
6
Sópásch Me Emwiir
27
WED 6
R S
00:46 12:27 N
6
Osáláng
28 THU
6
Emwalú
Schomwan Fán
March
-1
R S
01:39 13:14 N
6
1
FRI
6
R S
02:30 14:03 N
6
2
SAT
6
R S
03:20 14:53 N
6
Hinecog • Arofú
Afánágh
3
SUN
6
R S
04:07 15:43 N
3 2 1 0 -1
Mahimahi are curious fish, which make them vulnerable because they seek food at moving or stationary objects in the water.
6
4
MON 6
R S
04:52 16:32 N
6
Eyú
5
TUE
6
R S
Efeng
05:34 17:21 N
6
6
WED 6
R S
Ascaif
06:14 18:09 N
6
7
THU
6
R S
06:52 18:57 N
6
Sisi’ok/Sara (squirrelfish) is used for medicinal and ceremonial purposes. It is used to heal people who became ill from swimming or canoe sailing across the ocean. People are served it during the last day of the healing process, which usually takes a week or two to complete. The fish is caught using fishing line, fish trap or spear. The fish is available year round, and harvesting it is best during low tide because the fish lives in deep waters. Pictured are squirrel fish from the Northern Islands. PHOTO BY JACK OGUMORO.
Maimo ‹› Máilap March
Sinahi Uno • Sighauru
8
FRI
R S
6
07:30 19:45 N
6
Sinahi Dos • Eling
9
SAT
R S
6
08:07 20:33 N
6
Sinahi Tres • Meseling
10 SUN
R S
6
08:45 21:22 N
6
March 8–April 5, 2019
Mesóól
11
MON 6
R S
Mesáfúú
09:24 22:12 N
6
12 TUE
R S
6
Mesáwan
10:06 23:04 N
6
13
WED 6
R S
Mesátiw
10:52 23:58 N
6
14 THU
R
6
Emetan
11:41 N
6
15 FRI
S R
6
Kuåtto Presente Eschúw
00:54 12:35 N
6
16 SAT
S R
6
01:54 13:34 N
6
Epey
17 SUN
S R
6
02:53 14:35 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Arobwoghúw
18
MON 6
S R
03:50 15:39 N
6
Olobwuwey
19 TUE
S R
6
04:45 16:42 N
6
Olomwaay
20
WED 6
S R
Gualåfon Umang Emmasch
05:36 17:44 N
6
21 THU
S R
6
06:25 18:45 N
6
Gualåfon • Úúr
22 FRI
S R
6
07:13 19:44 N
6
Henemhon Uno Letiw
23 SAT
S R
6
07:59 20:42 N
6
Henemhom Dos Ghiney
24 SUN
S R
6
08:45 21:39 N
6
Henemhon Tres • Ara
25
MON 6
S R
09:31 22:35 N
6
Sópásch
26 TUE
S R
6
Arosa
10:19 23:30 N
6
3 2 1 0
Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh
28 THU
3 2 1 0 -1
6
R S
00:24 11:57 N
6
Sópásch Me Emwiir
29 FRI
6
R S
01:15 12:47 N
6
Osáláng
30 SAT
6
R S
Emwalú
02:03 13:37 N
6
31 SUN
6
Schomwan Fán
April
-1
R S
02:49 14:27 N
6
1
MON 6
R S
03:32 15:16 N
6
Hinecog • Arofú
Afánágh
2
TUE
6
R S
04:13 16:05 N
6
3
WED 6
R S
04:52 16:52 N
6
Eyú
4
THU
6
R S
Ascaif
05:30 17:40 N
6
5
FRI
6
R S
06:07 18:28 N
6
27
WED 6
S
11:07 N
6
Perhaps the most respected sea animal in the ocean, haggan/wong (green sea turtles) are harvested for ceremonial and medicinal purposes. Turtle meat is also a delicacy and traditionally known as good for curing asthma, epilepsy and low blood pressure. Turtle eggs are said to increase young mother’s milk and keep babies strong and healthy. Turtle shells are used for traditional attire such as beads, bracelets and belts worn by high clans and navigators. They also provide protection from bad spirits. Pictured is Felix Sasamoto explaining about green sea turtles during the annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament. PHOTO BY JACK OGUMORO.
Umatalaf ‹› Séétá April
Sinahi Uno • Sighauru
6
SAT
R S
6
06:45 19:18 N
6
Sinahi Dos • Eling
7
SUN
R S
6
07:24 20:08 N
6
Sinahi Tres • Meseling
8
MON 6
R S
08:05 21:00 N
6
Mesóól
9
TUE
R S
6
April 6– May 5, 2019
Mesáfúú
08:50 21:54 N
6
10
WED 6
R S
Mesáwan
09:38 22:50 N
6
11 THU
R S
6
Mesátiw
10:30 23:47 N
6
12 FRI
R
6
Emetan
11:26 N
6
13 SAT
S R
6
Kuåtto Presente Eschúw
00:44 12:25 N
6
14 SUN
S R
6
01:42 13:26 N
6
Epey
15
MON 6
S R
02:36 14:27 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Arobwoghúw
16 TUE
S R
6
03:27 15:28 N
6
Olobwuwey
17
WED 6
S R
04:15 16:28 N
6
Olomwaay
18 THU
S R
6
Gualåfon Umang Emmasch
05:02 17:26 N
6
19 FRI
S R
6
05:47 18:25 N
6
Gualåfon • Úúr
20 SAT
S R
6
06:33 19:22 N
6
Henemhon Uno Letiw
21 SUN
S R
6
07:19 20:20 N
6
Henemhom Dos Ghiney
22
MON 6
S R
08:07 21:17 N
6
Henemhon Tres • Ara
23 TUE
S R
6
08:56 22:12 N
6
Sópásch
24
WED 6
S R
Arosa
09:47 23:06 N
6
25 THU
S R
6
10:38 23:57 N
6
3 2 1 0
Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh
26 FRI
6
S
11:30 N
6
Sópásch Me Emwiir
27 SAT
6
R S
00:44 12:20 N
6
Osáláng
28 SUN
6
R S
Emwalú
01:29 13:10 N
6
29
MON 6
R S
Schomwan Fán
02:10 13:59 N
6
30 TUE
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Turtles in the CNMI usually mate in March and April and from May to July. Then in October and November, the females go on land to lay their eggs.
Hinecog • Arofú
Afánágh
May
-1
R S
02:50 14:46 N
6
1
WED 6
R S
03:28 15:34 N
6
2
THU
6
R S
04:05 16:22 N
6
Eyú
3
FRI
6
R S
Efeng
04:43 17:11 N
6
4
SAT
6
R S
Ascaif
05:21 18:01 N
6
5
SUN
6
R S
06:02 18:54 N
6
Mahongang/Yuur (lobsters) are traditionally caught during the full moon from May to June. They’re caught using green coconut leaves, which float on the water and attract the lobsters. A cultural aspect of this delicacy is that when one wants to learn something from the elders, he or she would use this technique to catch lobsters to share with the person from whom they wished to gain knowledge. After the lobster is cooked and shared, the lesson will begin. Pictured is the CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife measuring confiscated lobsters.
Lumuhu ‹› Naa May
Sinahi Uno • Sighauru
6
MON 6
R S
06:46 19:48 N
6
Sinahi Dos • Eling
7
TUE
R S
6
07:34 20:45 N
6
Sinahi Tres • Meseling
8
WED 6
R S
08:26 21:43 N
6
May 6–June 3, 2019
Mesóól
9
THU
R S
6
Mesáfúú
09:21 22:41 N
6
10 FRI
R S
6
Mesáwan
10:20 23:37 N
6
11 SAT
R
6
Mesátiw
11:20 N
6
12 SUN
S R
6
Emetan
00:31 12:21 N
6
13
MON 6
S R
Kuåtto Presente Eschúw
01:23 13:20 N
6
14 TUE
S R
6
02:11 14:18 N
6
Epey
15
WED 6
S R
02:57 15:15 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Arobwoghúw
16 THU
S R
6
03:41 16:12 N
6
Olobwuwey
17 FRI
S R
6
04:25 17:09 N
6
Olomwaay
18 SAT
S R
6
Gualåfon Umang Emmasch
05:10 18:06 N
6
19 SUN
S R
6
05:57 19:02 N
6
Gualåfon • Úúr
20
MON 6
S R
06:45 19:59 N
6
Henemhon Uno Letiw
21 TUE
S R
6
07:36 20:54 N
6
Henemhom Dos Ghiney
22
WED 6
S R
08:27 21:47 N
6
Henemhon Tres • Ara
23 THU
S R
6
09:19 22:37 N
6
Sópásch
24 FRI
S R
6
Arosa
10:11 23:23 N
6
3 2 1 0
Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh
26 SUN
3 2 1 0 -1
6
R S
00:07 11:51 N
6
Sópásch Me Emwiir
27
MO N 6
R S
00:47 12:39 N
6
Osáláng
28 TUE
6
R S
Emwalú
01:25 13:27 N
6
29
WED 6
R S
Schomwan Fán
02:02 14:14 N
6
30 THU
6
R S
02:39 15:02 N
6
Hinecog • Arofú
Afánágh
31 FRI
6
June
-1
R S
03:17 15:51 N
6
1
SAT
6
R S
03:57 16:43 N
6
Eyú
2
SUN
6
R S
Ascaif
04:40 17:37 N
6
3
MON 6
R S
05:26 18:35 N
6
25 SAT
6
S
11:02 N
6
Gådao/Saiyaw (grouper) is caught for chiefs when they have ceremonies to welcome new chiefs. The ceremony is usually held during calm season in the summer and at full moon. The fish is usually big, with some weighing more than 500 pounds. Only chiefs and the elders are allowed to eat this fish. If the fish is smaller, it is shared with the people in the communities. The fish is prepared in many ways, depending on one’s preference. PHOTO OF MOON COURTESY OF RICHARD GOH.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES BORJA
Makmamao ‹› Ghúúw June
Sinahi Uno • Sighauru
4
TUE
R S
6
06:17 19:33 N
6
Sinahi Dos • Eling
5
WE D 6
R S
07:13 20:33 N
6
Sinahi Tres • Meseling
6
THU
R S
6
08:12 21:31 N
6
Mesóól
7
FRI
R S
6
Mesáfúú
09:13 22:28 N
6
8
SAT
R S
6
Mesáwan
10:15 23:20 N
June 4–July 3, 2019
6
9
SUN
R
6
Mesátiw
11:15 N
6
10
MON 6
S R
Emetan
00:10 12:14 N
6
11 TUE
S R
6
Kuåtto Presente Eschúw
00:56 13:10 N
6
12
WED 6
S R
01:40 14:06 N
6
Epey
13 THU
S R
6
02:23 15:01 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Arobwoghúw
14 FRI
S R
6
03:06 15:57 N
6
Olobwuwey
15 SAT
S R
6
03:51 16:52 N
6
Olomwaay
16 SUN
S R
6
Gualåfon Umang Emmasch
04:38 17:48 N
6
17
MON 6
S R
05:27 18:44 N
6
Gualåfon • Úúr
18 TUE
S R
6
06:17 19:38 N
6
Henemhon Uno Letiw
19
WED 6
S R
07:10 20:29 N
6
Henemhom Dos Ghiney
20 THU
S R
6
08:02 21:17 N
6
Henemhon Tres • Ara
21 FRI
S R
6
08:53 22:02 N
6
Sópásch
22 SAT
S R
6
Arosa
09:44 22:43 N
6
23 SUN
S R
6
10:32 23:23 N
6
3 2 1 0
Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh
24
MO N 6
3 2 1 0 -1
S R
11:20 00:00 N
6
Sópásch Me Emwiir
25 TUE
6
S
12:07 N
6
Osáláng
26
WED 6
R S
Emwalú
00:36 12:54 N
6
27 THU
6
R S
Schomwan Fán
01:13 13:42 N
6
28 FRI
6
R S
01:51 14:32 N
6
Hinecog • Arofú
Afánágh
29 SAT
6
R S
02:32 15:24 N
6
30 SUN
6
Eyú
Efeng
July
-1
R S
03:16 16:20 N
6
1
MON 6
R S
04:05 17:18 N
6
2
TUE
6
R S
Ascaif
04:59 18:19 N
6
3
WED 6
R S
05:58 19:19 N
6
Tarakitu/Etam (trevally) is culturally important for its role during the seasonal runs for goatfish and rabbitfish. The fish is known for chasing these juvenile fishes to shore where fishermen catch them with throw nets. Because of this role, the people usually do not catch them during April to July or when these juvenile fishes make their runs. Those who disobeyed this rule would get scolded, especially by the talayeros (throw-net fishermen) who catch these juvenile fishes along the beach. Pictured is Richard Ogumoro with a big trevally caught in the Northern Islands. PHOTO BY JACK OGUMORO.
Mananaf ‹› Uul July
Sinahi Uno • Sighauru
4
THU
R S
6
07:00 20:18 N
6
Sinahi Dos • Eling
5
FRI
R S
6
08:03 21:13 N
6
Sinahi Tres • Meseling
6
SAT
R S
6
09:06 22:05 N
6
July 4–August 1, 2019
Mesóól
7
SUN
R S
6
Mesáfúú
10:07 22:54 N
6
8
MON 6
R S
Mesáwan
11:06 23:39 N
6
9
TUE
R
6
Mesátiw
12:02 N
6
10
WED 6
S R
Emetan
00:23 12:57 N
6
11 THU
S R
6
Kuåtto Presente Eschúw
01:06 13:52 N
6
12 FRI
S R
6
01:50 14:47 N
6
Epey
13 SAT
S R
6
02:35 15:42 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Arobwoghúw
14 SUN
S R
6
03:22 16:37 N
6
Olobwuwey
15
MO N 6
S R
04:12 17:31 N
6
Olomwaay
16 TUE
S R
6
Gualåfon Umang Emmasch
05:03 18:22 N
6
17
WE D 6
S R
05:55 19:12 N
6
Gualåfon • Úúr
18 THU
S R
6
06:46 19:58 N
6
Henemhon Uno Letiw
19 FRI
S R
6
07:37 20:40 N
6
Henemhom Dos Ghiney
20 SAT
S R
6
08:26 21:20 N
6
Henemhon Tres • Ara
21 SUN
S R
6
09:14 21:58 N
6
Sópásch
22
MON 6
S R
Arosa
10:01 22:35 N
6
3 2 1 0
Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh
24
WED 6
3 2 1 0 -1
S R
11:35 23:48 N
6
Sópásch Me Emwiir
25 THU
6
S
12:23 N
6
Osáláng
26 FRI
6
R S
Emwalú
00:26 13:13 N
6
27 SAT
6
R S
Schomwan Fán
01:08 14:06 N
6
28 SUN
6
R S
01:53 15:02 N
6
Hinecog • Arofú
Afánágh
29
MON 6
R S
02:44 16:01 N
6
30 TUE
6
R S
03:40 17:02 N
6
Eyú
31
WED 6
Ascaif
August
-1
R S
04:40 18:02 N
6
1
THU
6
R S
05:44 18:59 N
6
23 TUE
6
S R
10:48 23:11 N
6
Hachuman/PayĂşr (mackerel scad) is a tasty fish to eat, be it fried, boiled or pickled. It is caught using a poiu (fishing stone). The poiu is made of a spherical sinker of limestone that has been smoothed into the shape of an egg and bored with holes. On top of it, an inverted half coconut shell about the same size or slightly smaller than the limestone is attached with cordage. The coconut half is filled with mashed or ground meat of young coconut, similar to chum, to attract the fish. The device is tied with a longer cord about 50 or 60 feet in length so it can be lowered into deeper water to feed the fish. The poiu is first placed on the sea bed and then moved closer to the surface over a period of about a month. The fish are eventually caught with a scoop net when they reach the surface. NOAA PHOTO BY LT. CMDR. ERIC JOHNSON
Semo ‹› Elúyél August
Sinahi Uno • Sighauru
2
FRI
R S
6
06:49 19:54 N
6
Sinahi Dos • Eling
3
SAT
R S
6
07:53 20:46 N
6
Sinahi Tres • Meseling
4
SUN
R S
6
08:55 21:34 N
6
August 2–30, 2019
Mesóól
5
MON 6
R S
Mesáfúú
09:54 22:20 N
6
6
TUE
R S
6
Mesáwan
10:51 23:04 N
6
7
WED 6
R S
Mesátiw
11:47 23:48 N
6
8
THU
R
6
Emetan
12:43 N
6
9
FRI
S R
6
Kuåtto Presente Eschúw
00:33 13:38 N
6
10 SAT
S R
6
01:20 14:33 N
6
Epey
11 SUN
S R
6
02:09 15:26 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Arobwoghúw
12
MON 6
S R
02:59 16:18 N
6
Olobwuwey
13 TUE
S R
6
03:50 17:08 N
6
Olomwaay
14
WED 6
S R
Gualåfon Umang Emmasch
04:41 17:55 N
6
15 THU
S R
6
05:32 18:38 N
6
Gualåfon • Úúr
16 FRI
S R
6
06:22 19:19 N
6
Henemhon Uno Letiw
17 SAT
S R
6
07:10 19:58 N
6
Henemhom Dos Ghiney
18 SUN
S R
6
07:58 20:34 N
6
Henemhon Tres • Ara
19
MON 6
S R
08:44 21:11 N
6
Sópásch
20 TUE
S R
6
Arosa
09:31 21:47 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh
22 THU
3 2 1 0 -1
6
S R
11:06 23:03 N
6
Sópásch Me Emwiir
23 FRI
6
S R
11:57 23:46 N
6
Osáláng
24 SAT
6
S
Emwalú
12:50 N
6
25 SUN
6
R S
Schomwan Fán
00:33 13:46 N
6
26
MON 6
R S
01:25 14:44 N
6
Hinecog • Arofú
Afánágh
27 TUE
6
R S
02:22 15:44 N
6
28
WED 6
R S
03:23 16:43 N
6
Eyú
29 THU
6
R S
Ascaif
04:27 17:39 N
6
30 FRI
6
R S
05:32 18:33 N
6
21
WED 6
S R
10:18 22:24 N
6
Tiรกo/Wischigh (goatfish) is a fish that is culturally harvested throughout its life cycle both as a juvenile and an adult. It is harvested by nets, gigao (traps) and spear. During its juvenile run, people go to the beaches with cast nets and pole and line to catch them. The best time to catch this juvenile fish are from April to July. Tiรกo is deep fried or prepared as anestukun (salt pickle) or kelaguin (similar to ceviche). Pictured is a young talayero with his catch during the Marianas Fishing and Seafood Festival. PHOTO BY JACK OGUMORO.
Tenhos ‹› Maal August
31 SAT
Sinahi Dos • Eling
September
Sinahi Uno • Sighauru
R S
6
06:36 19:22 N
6
1
SUN
R S
6
07:38 20:10 N
6
Sinahi Tres • Meseling
2
MON 6
R S
08:38 20:57 N
6
August 31–September 29, 2019
Mesóól
3
TUE
R S
6
Mesáfúú
09:37 21:42 N
6
4
WED 6
R S
Mesáwan
10:34 22:29 N
6
5
THU
R S
6
Mesátiw
11:31 23:16 N
6
6
FRI
R
6
Emetan
12:27 N
6
7
SAT
S R
6
Kuåtto Presente Eschúw
00:05 13:22 N
6
8
SUN
S R
6
00:55 14:15 N
6
Epey
9
MON 6
S R
01:46 15:06 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Arobwoghúw
10 TUE
S R
6
02:38 15:53 N
6
Olobwuwey
11
WED 6
S R
03:29 16:37 N
6
Olomwaay
12 THU
S R
6
Gualåfon Umang Emmasch
04:19 17:19 N
6
13 FRI
S R
6
05:07 17:58 N
6
Gualåfon • Úúr
14 SAT
S R
6
05:55 18:35 N
6
Henemhon Uno Letiw
15 SUN
S R
6
06:42 19:11 N
6
Henemhom Dos Ghiney
16
MON 6
S R
07:28 19:47 N
6
Henemhon Tres • Ara
17 TUE
S R
6
08:15 20:24 N
6
Sópásch
18
WED 6
S R
Arosa
09:03 21:02 N
6
19 THU
S R
6
09:52 21:43 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh
20 FRI
3 2 1 0 -1
6
S R
10:44 22:28 N
6
Sópásch Me Emwiir
21 SAT
6
S R
11:38 23:16 N
6
Osáláng
22 SUN
6
S
Emwalú
12:34 N
6
23
MON 6
R S
Schomwan Fán
00:10 13:31 N
6
24 TUE
6
R S
01:07 14:28 N
6
Hinecog • Arofú
Afánágh
25
WED 6
R S
02:08 15:24 N
6
26 THU
6
R S
03:11 16:18 N
6
Eyú
27 FRI
6
R S
Efeng
04:14 17:09 N
6
28 SAT
6
R S
Ascaif
05:17 17:57 N
6
29 SUN
6
R S
06:18 18:44 N
6
Atulai/Peti (bigeye scad) is a seasonal run fish which usually swims in schools when they visit the islands or as they make their way south, passing Saipan on their way to the islands of Tinian, Rota and Guam, the southernmost island in the Mariana Archipelago. In the old days these fish would come into the lagoon and stay for up to three months. Fishermen would use chenchulu (a traditional surround net) to catch them for subsistence purposes. The catch would then be distributed to the people in the community. Today, with so many activities occurring inside Saipan’s lagoon, the atulai hardly come in the lagoon anymore. Fishermen catch them outside the reef using pole and line during their seasonal runs. Human activities and pollution from men and nature are exacerbating the demise of this cultural fishing practice. Pictured are Tanapag fishermen demonstrating the use of chenchulu. PHOTO COURTESY OF CNMI DIVISION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE.
Lumamlam ‹› Itch 30
MON 6
Sinahi Dos • Eling
October
September
Sinahi Uno • Sighauru
R S
07:19 19:31 N
6
1
TUE
R S
6
08:19 20:18 N
6
Sinahi Tres • Meseling
2
WED 6
R S
09:18 21:07 N
6
Mesóól
3
THU
R S
6
September 30–October 28, 2019
Mesáfúú
10:17 21:56 N
6
4
FRI
R S
6
Mesáwan
11:14 22:48 N
6
5
SAT
R S
6
Mesátiw
12:09 23:40 N
6
6
SUN
R
6
Emetan
13:01 N
6
7
MON 6
S R
Kuåtto Presente Eschúw
00:33 13:50 N
6
8
TUE
S R
6
01:24 14:36 N
6
Epey
9
WED 6
S R
02:15 15:18 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Arobwoghúw
10 THU
S R
6
03:04 15:58 N
6
Olobwuwey
11 FRI
S R
6
03:52 16:35 N
6
Olomwaay
12 SAT
S R
6
Gualåfon Umang Emmasch
04:39 17:12 N
6
13 SUN
S R
6
05:25 17:48 N
6
Gualåfon • Úúr
14
MON 6
S R
06:12 18:24 N
6
Henemhon Uno Letiw
15 TUE
S R
6
07:00 19:02 N
6
Henemhom Dos Ghiney
16
WED 6
S R
07:49 19:43 N
6
Henemhon Tres • Ara
17 THU
S R
6
08:40 20:26 N
6
Sópásch
18 FRI
S R
6
Arosa
09:34 21:13 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh
20 SUN
3 2 1 0 -1
6
S R
11:25 22:59 N
6
Sópásch Me Emwiir
21
MO N 6
S R
12:21 23:58 N
6
Osáláng
22 TUE
6
S
Emwalú
13:16 N
6
23
WED 6
R S
Schomwan Fán
00:58 14:08 N
6
24 THU
6
R S
01:59 14:58 N
6
Hinecog • Arofú
Afánágh
25 FRI
6
R S
02:59 15:46 N
6
26 SAT
6
R S
03:59 16:33 N
6
Eyú
27 SUN
6
R S
Ascaif
04:59 17:19 N
6
28
MON 6
R S
05:59 18:06 N
6
19 SAT
6
S R
10:29 22:04 N
6
Buri’/Fofo (rainbow runner) is caught using shark meat for bait. Sometimes the entire shark carcass is tied below the boat. The fishermen would also squeeze the shark liver, as its juice attracts the fish. The best time to catch rainbow runner is between October and February when the water is choppy or rough. Mothers who just gave birth would usually eat buri’/fofo for at least four days so she and the baby would be strong and healthy. Pictured are rainbow runner from the Northern Islands. PHOTO BY JACK OGUMORO.
Fanggualo’ ‹› Sarobwél 29 TUE
R S
6
06:59 18:53 N
6
Sinahi Dos • Eling
30
WE D 6
R S
07:59 19:43 N
6
Sinahi Tres • Meseling
31 THU
Mesóól
Mesáfúú
November
October
Sinahi Uno • Sighauru
R S
6
08:59 20:35 N
6
1
FRI
R S
6
October 29–November 27, 2019
09:57 21:29 N
6
2
SAT
R S
6
Mesáwan
10:52 22:23 N
6
3
SUN
R S
6
Mesátiw
11:44 23:16 N
6
4
R
MON 6
Emetan
12:32 N
6
5
TUE
S R
6
Kuåtto Presente Eschúw
00:08 13:16 N
6
6
WED 6
S R
00:59 13:56 N
6
Epey
7
THU
S R
6
01:47 14:35 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Arobwoghúw
8
FRI
S R
6
02:34 15:11 N
6
Olobwuwey
9
SAT
S R
6
03:21 15:47 N
6
Olomwaay
10 SUN
S R
6
Gualåfon Umang Emmasch
04:07 16:23 N
6
11
MON 6
S R
04:55 17:01 N
6
Gualåfon • Úúr
12 TUE
S R
6
05:44 17:41 N
6
Henemhon Uno Letiw
13
WED 6
S R
06:35 18:23 N
6
Henemhom Dos Ghiney
14 THU
S R
6
07:29 19:10 N
6
Henemhon Tres • Ara
15 FRI
S R
6
08:24 20:00 N
6
Sópásch
16 SAT
S R
6
Arosa
09:21 20:55 N
6
17 SUN
S R
6
10:17 21:53 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh
18
MON 6
3 2 1 0 -1
S R
11:12 22:52 N
6
Sópásch Me Emwiir
19 TUE
6
S R
12:05 23:51 N
6
Osáláng
20
WED 6
S
Emwalú
12:54 N
6
21 THU
6
R S
Schomwan Fán
00:50 13:41 N
6
22 FRI
6
R S
01:48 14:26 N
6
Hinecog • Arofú
Afánágh
23 SAT
6
R S
02:46 15:11 N
6
24 SUN
6
R S
03:44 15:56 N
6
Eyú
25
MON 6
R S
Efeng
04:42 16:42 N
6
26 TUE
6
R S
Ascaif
05:41 17:30 N
6
27
WED 6
R S
06:41 18:21 N
6
Palakse’/Oscha (parrotfish) is caught year round using pole and line with hermit crab for bait. The fish is given to children and elders or senior citizens because of its soft meat. The fish liver when cooked in young coconut milk, especially over an open fire, is also a healthy and delicious form of baby food. Pictured are spear fishermen with their catch during the Marianas Fishing and Seafood Festival. PHOTO BY JACK OGUMORO.
Sumongsong ‹› Oromoi 28 THU
R S
6
07:40 19:14 N
6
Sinahi Dos • Eling
29 FRI
R S
6
08:38 20:09 N
6
Sinahi Tres • Meseling
30 SAT
Mesóól
Mesáfúú
December
November
Sinahi Uno • Sighauru
R S
6
09:33 21:04 N
6
1
SUN
R S
6
November 28–December 26, 2019
10:24 21:58 N
6
2
MON 6
R S
Mesáwan
11:10 22:50 N
6
3
TUE
R S
6
Mesátiw
11:53 23:41 N
6
4
R
WED 6
Emetan
12:32 N
6
5
THU
S R
6
Kuåtto Presente Eschúw
00:28 13:09 N
6
6
FRI
S R
6
01:14 13:45 N
6
Epey
7
SAT
S R
6
02:00 14:21 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Arobwoghúw
8
SUN
S R
6
02:47 14:58 N
6
Olobwuwey
9
MON 6
S R
03:36 15:36 N
6
Olomwaay
10 TUE
S R
6
Gualåfon Umang Emmasch
04:26 16:18 N
6
11
WED 6
S R
05:19 17:03 N
6
Gualåfon • Úúr
12 THU
S R
6
06:14 17:53 N
6
Henemhon Uno Letiw
13 FRI
S R
6
07:12 18:47 N
6
Henemhom Dos Ghiney
14 SAT
S R
6
08:10 19:45 N
6
Henemhon Tres • Ara
15 SUN
S R
6
09:07 20:45 N
6
Sópásch
16
MON 6
S R
Arosa
10:02 21:46 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh
18
WED 6
3 2 1 0 -1
S R
11:40 23:44 N
6
Sópásch Me Emwiir
19 THU
6
S
12:26 N
6
Osáláng
20 FRI
6
R S
Emwalú
00:40 13:09 N
6
21 SAT
6
R S
Schomwan Fán
01:36 13:52 N
6
22 SUN
6
R S
02:33 14:36 N
6
Hinecog • Arofú
Afánágh
23
MON 6
R S
03:30 15:22 N
6
24 TUE
6
R S
04:28 16:11 N
6
Eyú
25
WED 6
R S
Ascaif
05:26 17:02 N
6
26 THU
6
R S
06:24 17:56 N
6
17 TUE
6
S R
10:53 22:45 N
6
Güga/Mach (flying fish) is caught on the open ocean using a coconut shell that is tied to a small wooden object having the shape of a boomerang. The wood has a hole in the center for the bait, which is usually coconut meat. A 4-foot piece of string connects the shell and the wooden object, before they are deployed. Once the fish bites and swallows the bait, the wooden object gets stuck in the fish’s mouth and the fish is unable to swim away. This fishing practice has two important lessons: one it allows the young fishermen to begin experiencing fishing far away from land and another is for them to start developing their physical and mental strength to paddle their canoes two to three miles out in the open water before returning home. NOAA FISHERIES PHOTO BY BERNARDO ALPS
Umayangan ‹› Schoow 27 FRI
R S
6
07:20 18:51 N
6
Sinahi Dos • Eling
28 SAT
R S
6
08:13 19:46 N
6
Sinahi Tres • Meseling
29 SUN
R S
6
09:02 20:39 N
6
Mesóól
30
MON 6
R S
Mesáfúú
09:47 21:31 N
6
31 TUE
Mesáwan
Mesátiw
January
December
Sinahi Uno • Sighauru
December 27, 2019–January 24, 2020
R S
6
10:28 22:21 N
6
1
WED 6
R S
11:06 23:09 N
6
2
THU
R S
6
Emetan
11:43 23:55 N
6
3
FRI
R
6
Kuåtto Presente Eschúw
12:18 N
6
4
SAT
S R
6
00:41 12:54 N
6
Epey
5
SUN
S R
6
01:26 13:31 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Arobwoghúw
6
MON 6
S R
02:15 14:10 N
6
Olobwuwey
7
TUE
S R
6
03:06 14:53 N
6
Olomwaay
8
WED 6
S R
Gualåfon Umang Emmasch
04:00 15:41 N
6
9
THU
S R
6
04:57 16:33 N
6
Gualåfon • Úúr
10 FRI
S R
6
05:56 17:31 N
6
Henemhon Uno Letiw
11 SAT
S R
6
06:55 18:32 N
6
Henemhom Dos Ghiney
12 SUN
S R
6
07:52 19:34 N
6
Henemhon Tres • Ara
13
MON 6
S R
08:46 20:36 N
6
Sópásch
14 TUE
S R
6
Arosa
09:37 21:37 N
6
3 2 1 0 -1
Kuåtto Menguante Arosan Efnágh
16 THU
3 2 1 0 -1
6
S R
11:09 23:32 N
6
Sópásch Me Emwiir
17 FRI
6
S
11:52 N
6
Osáláng
18 SAT
6
R S
Emwalú
00:29 12:36 N
6
19 SUN
6
R S
Schomwan Fán
01:25 13:20 N
6
20
MON 6
R S
02:21 14:07 N
6
Hinecog • Arofú
Afánágh
21 TUE
6
R S
03:18 14:56 N
6
22
WED 6
R S
04:15 15:48 N
6
Eyú
23 THU
6
R S
Ascaif
05:11 16:42 N
6
24 FRI
6
R S
06:05 17:36 N
6
15
WED 6
S R
10:24 22:35 N
6
About the Council
Tanapag fishermen preparing to go chenchulu fishing. PHOTO BY JACK OGUMORO.
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, Hawaii and the US Pacific remote island areas. The fisheries in federal waters surrounding CNMI are managed under the Mariana Archipelago and Pacific Pelagic Fishery Ecosystem Plans. Traditional knowledge and wide community involvement are integral parts of the ecosystem-based approach to fishery management.
CNMI Contacts Council Vice Chair John Gourley
Antonio Magofna shows participants of the Council-sponsored Fisheries and Marine Science High School Summer Course how to use throw net. PHOTO BY JACK OGUMORO.
Chenchulu fishermen showing off their mafute' Phone: (670) 322-7289 catch. PHOTO BY MIKE TENORIO. Email: john.e.gourley@gmail.com
FISHERMEN CODE OF CONDUCT Kodigun Konduktun Peskadot Allégh me Mwóghutughut Sóu liyap 1. RESPECT NATURE and your place in it. RISPETA I NATURE yan i sanhalum na lugåt-mu. Awóóy alúllúl falúw me sáát me igha U lo iye. 2. SEEK ADVICE of experts with generational knowledge of the local resources. ALIGÅO ABISU gi manmåolik gi generational knowledge gi guinahan tånu’. Mwuuri sángiir me schókka re repiya meeta óutol faluwasch, iye yaasch bwe ammweleesch. 3. SHOW REGARD to spawning seasons and juvenile fish. NA’ANNUK REGARD gi para tiempun manmañåda’ yan i nuebu nai manmafañågu na guihan. Sibwe ascheleghil rel yaal ghúúllong tiillil iigh.
4. DO NOT WASTE. Take only what is needed. MUNGNGA MUNA’LÅSTIMA. Chuli’ atyu ha’ i håfa un nisista. Óutte soolap. Bwughi schagh mille U bwe yááyá. 5. KEEP SAFE people, property and resources. NASÅFU’ I TAOTÅO, propiedåt yan guinaha siha. Amwaala ghatchúúr aramas, falúw me schowaarasch. 6. OBEY fishing laws and rules. OSGI i lai yan I areklamentun pumeska siha. Attabweey mwóghutughutúl allégh. 7. USE PROPER gear and techniques. USA I PROPIU na ramenta yan manera siha. Yááyá schowaar kka e fill.
Council Member Ray Roberto CNMI Department of Land and Natural Resources Phone: (670) 322-9834 Email: raysaipan@gmail.com
8. PICK UP YOUR TRASH. HOKKA I BASULÅ-MU. Úrúghúló peipeyúmw. 9. SHARE YOUR CATCH. NA’FAÑAGI ni kininne’-mu. Áileti ló liyappómw. Chamorro translation by Siñora Bernie Sablan Trinanslåda as: Siñora Bernie Sablan Refaluwasch translation by Esther S. Seman. Selátiyal: Esther S. Seman.
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 978-1-944827-32-8