2012 Amerika Samoa Lunar Calendar

AmerikaLunarSamoa Calendar

2012

About This Calendar

About the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council

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 Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council was established

by Congress to manage fisheries in federal waters of the US Pacific islands.

It is tasked to protect marine resources while maintaining opportunities for domestic fishing at sustainable levels of effort and yield. The Council has promoted environmentally responsible fishing for 35 years in the State of Hawaii, Territory of American Samoa, Territory of Guam, Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands and the US Pacific remote island areas. Management measures for fisheries in federal waters surrounding American Samoa are contained in the American Samoa Archipelago and Pacific Pelagic Fishery Ecosystem Plans. Traditional knowledge and wide community involvement are integral parts of this place-based, ecosystem approach to fishery management.

This 2012 American 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 calendar includes an explanation of each lunar month provided by the SSI and features a local fish for each month, provided by Selaina Vaitautolu of the American Samoa DMWR and Fini Aitaoto, the WPRFMC on-site coordinator in American Samoa. The tide charts and moon rise and set times are for Pago Pago (Samoa standard time) provided by Barry Smith, University of Guam (retired). New information garnered from the 2010 research is found on the lower right corner of each month. The project was coordinated by Sylvia Spalding, WPRFMC communications officer.

A publication of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council pursuant to NOAA Award No. NA11NMF4410270.

Copyright 2012, Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council ISBN 1-934061-87-5

Shoreline erosion is clearly evident in all islands of the American Samoa group. The American Samoa Government is struggling to secure funding to build shoreline protection seawalls to stop erosion. The rising sea levels coupled with reef system deterioration are factors deemed to contribute to shoreline erosion.

2012 Amerika Samoa Art Contest Winners

Special thanks to those who contributed to the contest

The 2012 Amerika Samoa Lunar Calendar features the winning entries from a student art contest conducted in late 2011 by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council in partnership with the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Services.

The theme of the contest was “Climate change and related traditional knowledge.” The contest was conducted in preparation for the First Stewards Climate Change Symposium scheduled for July 17–20, 2012, in Washington, DC.

Judges: Moira Avapalu Fetuao and Tumau Lokeni of the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency; Trevor Kaitu‘u 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.

DIVISION: K–Level 2 1st

Gideon Finau

Coleman Elementary School

2nd

Candymichael Safune

Manumalo Baptist School

3rd

Leasuone Vaeoso

Coleman Elementary School

1st

Jenny Liang

Manumalo Baptist School

2nd

Kujon Bae

Manumalo Baptist School

3rd

Johnny Su‘a

Pavaiai Elementary School

1st

Filifili Su‘a

Pavaiai Elementary School

2nd

Zachary Pou

Pavaiai Elementary School

3rd

Finiana Finau

Coleman Elementary School

Honorable mention

Sila Mata‘utia

Lupelele Elementary School

Honorable mention

Reinnette Noa

Lupelele Elementary School

DIVISION: Levels 3–5

DIVISION: Levels 6–8

DIVISION: Levels 9–12 1st 2nd 3rd

Saiata Fila Joshua Finau Joe Paselio

Samoana High School Samoana High School Samoana High School

Coastal and beach erosion has been observed in several villages on Tutuila island for several years. The government of American Samoa has constructed seawalls in various villages including Utulei, Nuuuli, Faganeanea, Matu‘u and othes.

“It is safe to assume that only a small fraction of American Samoa’s population understand or is interested to learn about climate change, global warming, Arctic ice melting, rising sea levels, El Nino or the effect of carbon dioxide on global warming. The older generation does experience the change in climate in contrast to their teen years. The young generation does learn about global warming from educational courses and from their reading, but they place little value on investigating the issues further to understand the practical consequences that are being experienced today and the real threat to the future of the world. Since the young generation will be directly affected by global warming consequences, it is imperative that they are systematically engaged in the process of finding solutions. The young generation must be made to understand the fact that their future is uncertain because of the direct effects of climate change.”

—Tufele Li‘amatua, Secretary of Samoan Affairs, Manu‘a Paramount Chief and member of the team organizing the Pacific Islands Panel to the 2012 First Stewards Climate Change Symposium, who passed away in 2011.

Kujon Bae • Manumalo Baptist School • Second Place, Levels 3–5

January 24-February 21, 2012

Toeutuva¯

Vaitau mulimuli e toe eli ai ufi vao.

Final harvesting of wild yams.

Ianuari 24 – Fepuari 21, 2012

Masina Tofilofilo

Masina Tolu

Masina Faalao

Masina Salefuga

Masina Tulalupe

Masina Motuega

Masina Aufasa

Masina Matuatua

Masina Loloatai

January

February

Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia

07:31 24 Rise Set 20:11 TUE

6

N

25

WED

6

6

Rise 08:22 Set 20:51 N

09:11 26 Rise Set 21:29 THU

6

6

N

09:59 27 Rise Set 22:07 FRI

6

6

N

10:47 28 Rise Set 22:45 SAT

6

6

N

11:34 29 Rise Set 23:25 SUN

6

6

N

30 MON

6

6

Rise 12:23 Set None N

13:12 31 Rise Set 00:06 TUE

6

6

N

1

WED

6

6

Rise 14:03 Set 00:51 N

6

2

THU

Rise 14:54 Set 01:38 6

N

6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Malupeaua

3

FRI

Rise 15:45 Set 02:29 6

N

6

Masina Mātofitofi

4

SAT

Rise 16:35 Set 03:22 6

N

6

Masina Aiaina

5

SUN

6

Rise 17:24 Set 04:17 N

6

Masina Punifaga

6

MON

6

Rise 18:12 Set 05:12 N

6

Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina

7

TUE

Rise 18:58 Set 06:09 6

N

6

Masina Le‘ale‘a

8

WED

6

Rise 19:43 Set 07:05 N

6

Masina Feetetele

9

THU

Rise 20:28 Set 08:01 6

N

6

Masina Ataatatai

21:13 10 Rise Set 08:58

FRI

6

N

6

Masina Fagaeleele

Rise 22:00 11 Set 09:56 SAT 6

N

6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Nauna

23:42 13 Rise Set 11:55

MON

6

N

6

Masina Usunoa

None 14 Rise Set 12:55

TUE

6

N

6

Masina Motusaga

00:38 15 Rise Set 13:55 1 WED

6

N

6

Masina Tatelega

01:35 16 Rise Set 14:52 THU

6

N

6

Masina Faasagafulu

02:34 17 Rise Set 15:46

FRI

6

N

6

2 1 0 –1

Savane (Blueline snapper) E maua tele i le tu‘utu‘u i le tele o masina.

Very common in bottomfish catches throughout the year.

Vaitaimi e faanoa ai le gatala.

The grouper are laying eggs.

Masina Tāfaleu

03:31 18 Rise Set 16:37

SAT

6

N

6

Masina Fataleu

04:28 19 Rise Set 17:23 SUN

6

N

6

Masina Mitiloa

05:21 20 Rise Set 18:06 MON

6

N

6

Masina Maunā

06:13 21 Rise Set 18:47 TUE

6

N

6

Masina Sulutele

12 SUN

6

Rise 22:50 Set 10:55 N

6

Saiata Fila • Samoana High School • First Place, Levels 9–12

February 22 - March 22, 2012 Fepuari 22 – Mati 22, 2012

Masina Tofilofilo

Masina Tolu

Masina Faalao

Masina Salefuga

Masina Tulalupe

Masina Motuega

Masina Aufasa

Masina Matuatua

Masina Loloatai

March

February

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.

07:03 22 Rise Set 19:25 WED

6

N

6

23

THU

6

Rise 07:51 Set 20:04 N

6

24 FRI

6

Rise 08:39 Set 20:42 N

6

25 SAT

6

Rise 09:27 Set 21:21 N

6

26 SUN

6

Rise 10:15 Set 22:02 N

6

11:04 27 Rise Set 22:45 MON

6

N

6

28 TUE

6

Rise 11:54 Set 23:31 N

6

12:44 29 Rise Set None WED

6

N

6

1

THU

6

Rise 13:34 Set 00:19 N

6

2

FRI

Rise 14:24 Set 01:10 6

N

6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Malupeaua

3 SAT

Rise 15:13 Set 02:03 6

N

6

Masina Mātofitofi

4 SUN 6

Masina Aiaina

Rise 16:01 Set 02:57

5 MON

6

6

N

Rise 16:47 Set 03:53 N

Masina Punifaga

6 TUE

6

Rise 17:33 Set 04:49 6

N

Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina

7 WED

6

6

Rise 18:19 Set 05:46 N

Masina Le‘ale‘a

8 THU

6

Rise 19:05 Set 06:44 6

N

6

Masina Feetetele

9 FRI

Rise 19:53 Set 07:43 6

N

Masina Ataatatai

Rise 20:44 10 Set 08:44 SAT

6

6

N

6

Masina Fagaeleele

11 SAT 6

Rise 21:37 Set 09:45 N

6

Masina Sulutele

12 Rise Set SUN

6

N

22:33 10:47 6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Nauna

23:31 13 Rise Set 11:49

TUE

6

N

6

Masina Usunoa

None 14 Rise Set 12:48

WED

6

N

6

Masina Motusaga

00:29 15 Rise Set 13:43 THU

6

N

6

Masina Tatelega

01:27 16 Rise Set 14:34 FRI

6

N

6

Masina Faasagafulu

02:23 17 Rise Set 15:21

SAT

6

N

6

Masina Tāfaleu

03:17 18 Rise Set 16:04

SUN

6

N

6

Masina Fataleu

04:08 19 Rise Set 16:45 MON

6

N

6

Masina Mitiloa

20 TUE

6

Rise 04:58 Set 17:24 N

6

Masina Fanoloa

21 WED

6

Rise 05:46 Set 18:02 N

6

Masina Maunā

22 THU

6

Rise 06:34 Set 18:40 N

2 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

Finiana Finau • Coleman Elementary School • Third Place, Levels 6–8

March 23 - April 21, 2012 Mati 23 – Aperila 21, 2012

Masina Tofilofilo

Masina Tolu

Masina Faalao

Masina Salefuga

Masina Tulalupe

Masina Motuega

Masina Aufasa

Masina Matuatua

07:21 23 Rise Set 19:19 FRI

Masina Loloatai

April

March

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.

6

N

6

24 SAT

6

Rise 08:09 Set 19:59 N

6

25 SUN

6

Rise 08:58 Set 20:41

26

6

6

N

MON

Rise 09:47 Set 21:26

27

6

6

N

TUE

Rise 10:37 Set 22:13 N

6

11:27 28 Rise Set 23:02 WED

6

N

6

29 THU

6

Rise 12:16 Set 23:53 N

6

13:04 30 Rise Set None FRI

6

N

6

31 SAT

6

Rise 13:51 Set 00:45 N

6

1

Rise 14:36 Set 01:39

SUN

6

N

6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Malupeaua

2 MON

6

Rise 15:22 Set 02:33 N

6

Masina Mātofitofi

3 TUE

Rise 16:07 Set 03:29 6

N

6

Masina Aiaina

4 WED

6

Rise 16:52 Set 04:25 N

6

Masina Punifaga

5 THU

Rise 17:40 Set 05:24 6

N

6

Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina

6 FRI

Rise 18:30 Set 06:24 6

N

6

Masina Le‘ale‘a

7 SAT

Rise 19:24 Set 07:27 6

N

6

Masina Feetetele

8

SUN

6

Rise 20:21 Set 08:31 N

6

Masina Ataatatai

9 MON

6

Rise 21:20 Set 09:36 N

6

Masina Fagaeleele

10 TUE

6

Rise 22:21 Set 10:38 N

6

Masina Sulutele

11 Rise Set

WED

6

N

23:21 11:37 6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Nauna

None 12 Rise Set 12:30

THU

6

N

6

Masina Usunoa

00:18 13 Rise Set 13:19

FRI

6

N

6

Masina Motusaga

01:13 14 Rise Set 14:04

SAT

6

N

6

Masina Tatelega

02:05 15 Rise Set 14:45

SUN

6

N

6

Masina Faasagafulu

02:55 16 Rise Set 15:24

MON

6

N

6

Masina Tāfaleu

03:43 17 Rise Set 16:02

TUE

6

N

6

Masina Fataleu

04:31 18 Rise Set 16:40

WED

6

N

2 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.

Finiana Finau • Coleman Elementary School • Third Place, Levels 6–8

6

Masina Mitiloa

19 THU

6

Rise 05:18 Set 17:18 N

6

Masina Fanoloa

20 FRI

6

Rise 06:06 Set 17:58 N

6

Masina Maunā

21 SAT

6

Rise 06:54 Set 18:39 N

6

Gideon Finau • Coleman Elementary School • First Place, K–Level 2

April 22 - May 20, 2012 Aperila 22 – Me 20, 2012

Masina Tofilofilo

Masina Tolu

Masina Faalao

Masina Salefuga

Masina Tulalupe

Masina Motuega

Masina Aufasa

Masina Matuatua

Masina Loloatai

May

April

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.

07:43 22 Rise Set 19:23 SUN

6

N

6

23 MON

6

Rise 08:32 Set 20:09 N

6

24 TUE

6

Rise 09:22 Set 20:58 N

6

25 WED

Rise 10:11 Set 21:48

6

N

6

26 THU

6

Rise 10:59 Set 22:39 N

6

11:45 27 Rise Set 23:31 FRI

6

N

6

28 SAT

Rise 12:30 Set None

6

N

6

13:14 29 Rise Set 00:23 SUN

6

N

6

30 MON

6

Rise 13:57 Set 01:16 N

6

1

TUE

Rise 14:41 Set 02:10 6

N

6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Malupeaua

2 WED

6

Rise 15:27 Set 03:06 N

6

Masina Mātofitofi

3 THU

6

Rise 16:15 Set 04:04 N

6

Masina Aiaina

4 FRI

Rise 17:07 Set 05:05 6

N

6

Masina Punifaga

5 SAT

Rise 18:02 Set 06:09 6

N

6

Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina

6 SUN

6

Rise 19:02 Set 07:14 N

6

Masina Le‘ale‘a

7 MON

6

Rise 20:04 Set 08:20 N

6

Masina Feetetele

8

TUE

Rise 21:07 Set 09:22

6

N

6

Masina Ataatatai

9 WED

6

Rise 22:08 Set 10:20 N

6

Masina Fagaeleele

10

THU

6

Rise 23:06 Set 11:13 N

6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Nauna

Masina Usunoa

None 12 Rise Set 12:44

00:51 13 Rise Set 13:24

SAT

6

N

6

SUN

6

N

6

Masina Motusaga

01:41 14 Rise Set 14:03 MON

6

N

6

Masina Tatelega

02:28 15 Rise Set 14:40

TUE

6

N

6

Masina Faasagafulu

03:16 16 Rise Set 15:18

WED

6

N

6

Masina Tāfaleu

04:03 17 Rise Set 15:57 THU

6

N

6

Masina Fataleu

04:51 18 Rise Set 16:38

FRI

6

N

6

Masina Mitiloa

19 SAT

6

Rise 05:39 Set 17:21 N

6

Masina Maunā

20 SUN

6

Rise 06:29 Set 18:07 N

6

2 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.

Masina Sulutele

None 11 Rise Set 12:00 FRI

6

N

6

Joshua Finau • Samoana High School • Second Place, Levels 9–12

May 21 - June 19, 2012

Oloa¯manu

O le vaitau e olo ma tausani fiafia ai manu felelei Season of birds singing and calm weather.

Me 21 – Juni 19, 2012

Masina Tofilofilo

Masina Tolu

Masina Faalao

Masina Salefuga

Masina Tulalupe

Masina Motuega

Masina Aufasa

Masina Matuatua

Masina Loloatai

May

Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia

07:19 21 Rise Set 18:55 MON

6

N

6

22 TUE

6

Rise 08:08 Set 19:44 N

6

23 WED

6

Rise 08:56 Set 20:35 N

6

24 THU

6

Rise 09:43 Set 21:27 N

6

25 FRI

6

Rise 10:28 Set 22:18 N

6

11:12 26 Rise Set 23:10 SAT

6

N

6

27 SUN

6

Rise 11:54 Set None N

6

12:36 28 Rise Set 00:02 MON

6

N

6

29 TUE

6

Rise 13:19 Set 00:55 N

6

30 WED

6

Rise 14:04 Set 01:50 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

June

–1

Rise 14:53 31 Set 02:48 THU 6

N

6

1 FRI

Rise 15:45 Set 03:48 6

N

6

2SAT

6

Rise 16:42 Set 04:52 N

6

3 SUN

6

Rise 17:43 Set 05:57 N

6

4 MON

6

Rise 18:46 Set 07:02 N

6

5 TUE

Rise 19:50 Set 08:03 6

N

6

6

WED

6

Rise 20:51 Set 09:00 N

6

7 THU

6

Rise 21:49 Set 09:52 N

6

8

FRI

Rise 22:43 Set 10:38 6

N

6

9

SAT

6

Rise 23:35 Set 11:21 N

6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Nauna

None 10 Rise Set 12:01 SUN

6

N

6

Masina Usunoa

00:24 11 Rise Set 12:40 MON

6

N

6

Masina Motusaga

01:12 12 Rise Set 13:18 TUE

6

N

6

Masina Tatelega

01:59 13 Rise Set 13:57

WED

6

N

6

Masina Faasagafulu

02:47 14 Rise Set 14:37

THU

6

N

6

Masina Tāfaleu

03:35 15 Rise Set 15:19

FRI

6

N

6

Masina Fataleu

04:25 16 Rise Set 16:04

SAT

6

2 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 share.

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

Masina Mitiloa

17 SUN

6

Rise 05:14 Set 16:51 N

6

Masina Fanoloa

18 MON

6

Rise 06:04 Set 17:40 N

6

Masina Maunā

19 TUE

6

Rise 06:53 Set 18:31 N

6

Jenny Liang • Manumalo Baptist School • First Place, Levels 3–5

June 20 - July 18, 2012

Pa¯lolomua

Matalatala fuga o laau, pāpā foi o fatu laau Initial period for budding of flowering seeds and the blooming of flowers.

Juni 20 – Julai 18, 2012

Masina Tofilofilo

Masina Tolu

Masina Faalao

Masina Salefuga

Masina Tulalupe

Masina Motuega

Masina Aufasa

Masina Matuatua

Masina Loloatai

June

Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia

07:41 20 Rise Set 19:23 WED

6

N

6

21

THU

6

Rise 08:27 Set 20:15 N

6

22 FRI

6

Rise 09:11 Set 21:07 N

6

23 SAT

6

Rise 09:54 Set 21:59 N

6

24 SUN

6

Rise 10:36 Set 22:51 N

6

11:18 25 Rise Set 23:44 MON

6

N

6

26 TUE

6

Rise 12:01 Set None N

6

12:46 27 Rise Set 00:39 WED

6

N

6

28 THU

6

Rise 13:35 Set 01:36 N

6

29 FRI

6

Rise 14:28 Set 02:36 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

July

–1

Rise 15:26 30 Set 03:39 SAT 6

N

6

1 SUN

Rise 16:27 Set 04:42 6

N

6

2 MON 6

Rise 17:30 Set 05:45 N

3 TUE

6

Rise 18:32 Set 06:44 6

N

4 WED

6

6

Rise 19:33 Set 07:38 N

5 THU

6

Rise 20:30 Set 08:28 6

N

6

6 FRI

Rise 21:24 Set 09:14 6

N

7 SAT

6

Rise 22:15 Set 09:56 6

N

6

8SAT

Rise 23:05 Set 10:36 6

N

6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Nauna

None 10 Rise Set 11:54

TUE

6

N

6

Masina Usunoa

00:41 11 Rise Set 12:34

WED

6

N

6

Masina Motusaga

01:30 12 Rise Set 13:16 THU

6

N

6

Masina Tatelega

02:19 13 Rise Set 13:59 FRI

6

N

6

Masina Faasagafulu

03:08 14 Rise Set 14:46

SAT

6

N

6

Masina Tāfaleu

03:58 15 Rise Set 15:34

SUN

6

N

6

Masina Fataleu

04:48 16 Rise Set 16:25 MON

6

N

2 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

Masina Mitiloa

17 TUE

6

Rise 05:36 Set 17:17 N

6

Masina Maunā

18 WED

6

Rise 06:24 Set 18:10 N

6

9

SUN

6

Rise 23:53 Set 11:15 N

6

Candymichael Safune • Manumalo Baptist School • Second Place, K–Level 2

July 19 - Augus 17, 2012

Pa¯lolomuli

Matalatala mulimuli o fuga o laau Final budding of flowering seeds and blooming of flowers.

Julai 19 – Aukuso 17, 2012

Masina Tofilofilo

Masina Tolu

Masina Faalao

Masina Salefuga

Masina Tulalupe

Masina Motuega

Masina Aufasa

Masina Matuatua

Masina Loloatai

July

Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia

07:09 19 Rise Set 19:02 THU

6

N

6

20 FRI

6

Rise 07:53 Set 19:55 N

6

21 SAT

6

Rise 08:36 Set 20:48 N

6

22 SUN

6

23

Rise 09:18 Set 21:41 N

MON

6

6

Rise 10:01 Set 22:35 N

6

10:45 24 Rise Set 23:31 TUE

6

N

6

25 WED

6

Rise 11:32 Set None N

6

12:22 26 Rise Set 00:29 THU

6

N

6

27 FRI

6

Rise 13:16 Set 01:29 N

6

28 SAN

6

Rise 14:14 Set 02:30 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

August

–1

Rise 15:15 29 Set 03:31 SUN 6

N

6

Rise 16:16 30 Set 04:30 MON 6

N

6

Rise 17:17 31 Set 05:26 TUE 6

N

6

1 WED

6

2 THU

Rise 18:15 Set 06:17 N

6

Rise 19:11 Set 07:05 6

N

6

3 FRI

Rise 20:04 Set 07:49 6

N

6

4

SAT

Rise 20:55 Set 08:30 6

N

6

5 SUN

Rise 21:45 Set 09:11 6

N

6

6

MON

6

Rise 22:34 Set 09:50 N

6

7

TUE

6

Rise 23:23 Set 10:30 N

6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Nauna

8

Rise None Set 11:12

WED

6

N

6

Masina Usunoa

9

Rise 00:12 Set 11:55

THU

6

N

6

Masina Motusaga

01:01 10 Rise Set 12:40 FRI

6

N

6

Masina Tatelega

01:51 11 Rise Set 13:27 SAT

6

N

6

Masina Faasagafulu

02:40 12 Rise Set 14:17 SUN

6

N

6

Masina Tāfaleu

03:29 13 Rise Set 15:08

MON

6

N

6

2 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.

Masina Fataleu

04:17 14 Rise Set 16:00 TUE

6

N

6

Masina Mitiloa

15 WED

6

Rise 05:03 Set 16:54 N

6

Masina Fanoloa

16 THU

6

Rise 05:48 Set 17:47 N

6

Masina Maunā

17 FRI

6

Rise 06:32 Set 18:41 N

6

Joe Paselio • Samoana High School • Third Place, Levels 9–12

August 18 - September 15, 2012 Aukuso 18 – Setema 15, 2012

Masina Tofilofilo

Masina Tolu

Masina Faalao

Masina Salefuga

Masina Tulalupe

Masina Motuega

Masina Aufasa

Masina Matuatua

Masina Loloatai

August

Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia

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.

07:16 18 Rise Set 19:35 SAT

6

N

6

19 SUN

6

Rise 07:59 Set 20:30 N

6

20 MON

6

Rise 08:44 Set 21:26 N

6

21 TUE

6

Rise 09:31 Set 22:24 N

6

22 WED

6

Rise 10:20 Set 23:24 N

6

11:13 23 Rise Set None THU

6

N

6

24 FRI

6

Rise 12:09 Set 00:24 N

6

13:07 25 Rise Set 01:24 SAT

6

N

6

26 SUN

6

Rise 14:07 Set 02:22 N

6

27

MON 6

Rise 15:06 Set 03:18 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

September

–1

Rise 16:04 28 Set 04:10 TUE 6

N

6

Rise 17:00 29 Set 04:58 WED 6

N

6

Rise 17:53 30 Set 05:42 THU 6

N

6

Rise 18:45 31 Set 06:25 FRI 6

N

6

1 SAT

Rise 19:35 Set 07:06 6

N

6

2 SUN

6

Rise 20:25 Set 07:46 N

6

3

MON

6

Rise 21:14 Set 08:26 N

6

4 TUE

Rise 22:04 Set 09:07

6

N

6

5

WED

6

Rise 22:53 Set 09:50 N

6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Nauna

7

FRI

Rise None Set 11:20 6

N

6

Masina Usunoa

8

SAT

Rise 00:32 Set 12:08 6

N

6

Masina Motusaga

9

Rise 01:20 Set 12:58

SUN

6

N

6

Masina Tatelega

02:08 10 Rise Set 13:50

MON

6

N

6

Masina Faasagafulu

02:55 11 Rise Set 14:42

TUE

6

N

6

Masina Tāfaleu

Rise 03:40 12 Set 15:35

WED

6

N

6

Masina Fataleu

04:24 13 Rise Set 16:29

THU

6

N

6

Masina Mitiloa

14 FRI

6

Rise 05:08 Set 17:23 N

6

Masina Maunā

15 SAT

6

Rise 05:53 Set 18:19 N

2 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.

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

6

THU

6

Rise 23:42 Set 10:34 N

6

Filifili Su`a • Pavaiai Elementary School • First Place, Levels 6–8

September 16 - October 15, 2012

Lotuaga

Amata le vaitau o timuga ma uaga.

Beginning of the rainy season.

September

Setema 16 – Oketopa 15, 2012

Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia

06:38 16 Rise Set 19:16 SUN

6

N

6

Masina Tofilofilo

17 MON

6

Rise 07:25 Set 20:15 N

6

Masina Tolu

18 TUE

6

Rise 08:15 Set 21:16 N

6

Masina Faalao

19 WED

6

Rise 09:08 Set 22:17 N

6

Masina Salefuga

20 THU

6

Rise 10:04 Set 23:18 N

6

Masina Tulalupe

11:03 21 Rise Set None FRI

6

N

6

Masina Motuega

22 SAT

6

Rise 12:02 Set 00:18 N

6

Masina Aufasa

13:01 23 Rise Set 01:14 SUN

6

N

6

Masina Matuatua

24 MON

6

Rise 13:58 Set 02:06 N

6

Masina Loloatai

25 TUE

6

Rise 14:54 Set 02:54 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

October

–1

Rise 15:47 26 Set 03:39 WED 6

N

6

Rise 16:38 27 Set 04:22 THU 6

N

6

Rise 17:28 28 Set 05:02 FRI 6

N

6

Rise 18:18 29 Set 05:42 SAT 6

N

6

Rise 19:07 30 Set 06:22 SUN 6

N

6

1 MON

6

Rise 19:56 Set 07:03 N

6

2

TUE

Rise 20:46 Set 07:45 6

N

6

3 WED

6

Rise 21:35 Set 08:29 N

6

4

THU

Rise 22:25 Set 09:14 6

N

6

5

FRI

Rise 23:13 Set 10:02 6

N

6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Nauna

6

SAT

Rise None Set 10:50 6

N

6

Masina Usunoa

7

SUN

6

Rise 00:01 Set 11:40 N

6

Masina Motusaga

8

MON

6

Rise 00:47 Set 12:31 N

6

Masina Tatelega

9

TUE

Rise 01:31 Set 13:23 6

N

6

Masina Faasagafulu

02:15 10 Rise Set 14:15

WED

6

N

6

Masina Tāfaleu

02:59 11 Rise Set 15:08 THU

6

N

2 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.

Every 17 years, the palolo rises only once.

6

Masina Fataleu

03:42 12 Rise Set 16:03

FRI

6

N

6

Masina Mitiloa

13 SAT

6

Masina Fanoloa

Rise 04:27 Set 16:59

14

6

6

N

SUN

Rise 05:14 Set 17:58 N

6

Masina Maunā

15 MON

6

Rise 06:03 Set 19:00 N

6

Johnny Su`a • Pavaiai Elementary School • Third Place, Levels 3–5

October 16 - November 13, 2012 Oketopa 16 – Novema 13, 2012

Masina Tofilofilo

Masina Tolu

Masina Faalao

Masina Salefuga

Masina Tulalupe

Masina Motuega

Masina Aufasa

Masina Matuatua

Masina Loloatai

October

Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia

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.

06:57 16 Rise Set 20:03 TUE

6

N

6

17

WED

6

Rise 07:54 Set 21:07 N

6

18 THU

6

Rise 08:53 Set 22:09

19

6

6

N

FRI

Rise 09:54 Set 23:08

20

6

6

N

SAT

Rise 10:55 Set None N

6

11:54 21 Rise Set 00:02 SUN

6

N

6

22 MON

6

Rise 12:50 Set 00:52 N

6

13:43 23 Rise Set 01:38 TUE

6

N

6

24 WED

6

Rise 14:35 Set 02:21 N

6

25 THU

6

Rise 15:24 Set 03:02 N

6

2 1 0

Masina Malupeaua

Rise 16:13 26 Set 03:41 FRI 6

N

Masina Mātofitofi

Rise 17:02 27 Set 04:21 SAT 6

6

N

Masina Aiaina

Rise 17:51 28 Set 05:01 SUN

6

6

N

Masina Punifaga

Rise 18:40 29 Set 05:42 MON

6

6

N

Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina

Rise 19:30 30 Set 06:25 TUE

6

6

N

Masina Le‘ale‘a

Masina Feetetele

Masina Ataatatai

Masina Fagaeleele

Masina Sulutele

November

–1

Rise 20:19 31 Set 07:10 WED

6

6

N

6

1 THU

Rise 21:08 Set 07:57 6

N

6

2 FRI

Rise 21:56 Set 08:45 6

N

3SAT

6

Rise 22:42 Set 09:34 6

N

6

4

SUN

6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Nauna

5

MON

6

Rise None Set 11:14 N

6

Masina Usunoa

6

TUE

Rise 00:09 Set 12:05 6

N

6

Masina Motusaga

7

WED

6

Rise 00:52 Set 12:56 N

6

Masina Tatelega

8

THU

Rise 01:34 Set 13:48 6

N

6

Masina Faasagafulu

9

FRI

Rise 02:16 Set 14:42 6

N

6

Masina Tāfaleu

03:01 10 Rise Set 15:39

SAT

6

N

6

Masina Fataleu

03:48 11 Rise Set 16:38 SUN

6

N

6

Masina Mitiloa

12 MON

6

Masina Maunā

Rise 04:39 Set 17:41

13

6

6

N

TUE

Rise 05:35 Set 18:46 N

6

2 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.

Rise 23:26 Set 10:24 N

6

Leasuone Vaeoso • Coleman Elementary School • Third Place, K–Level 2

November 14 - December 13, 2012

Toetaumafa

Faaiuiu taumafa mai le masina ua tuanai.

Final period of the season for food abundance.

November

Novema 14 – Tesema 13, 2012

Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia

06:35 14 Rise Set 19:51 WED

6

N

6

Masina Tofilofilo

15

THU

6

Rise 07:38 Set 20:54 N

6

Masina Tolu

16 FRI

6

Masina Faalao

Rise 08:41 Set 21:53

17

6

6

N

SAT

Masina Salefuga

Rise 09:43 Set 22:46

18

6

6

N

SUN

Rise 10:42 Set 23:35 N

6

Masina Tulalupe

11:38 19 Rise Set None MON

6

N

6

Masina Motuega

20 TUE

6

Rise 12:31 Set 00:20 N

6

Masina Aufasa

13:22 21 Rise Set 01:02 WED

6

N

6

Masina Matuatua

22 THU

6

Masina Loloatai

Rise 14:11 Set 01:42

23

6

6

N

FRI

Rise 14:59 Set 02:21 N

6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Malupeaua

15:48 24 Rise Set 03:01 SAT 6

N

Masina Mātofitofi

16:37 25 Rise Set 03:41 SUN

6

6

N

Masina Aiaina

Rise 17:26 26 Set 04:23 MON

6

6

N

Masina Punifaga

18:15 27 Rise Set 05:08 TUE

6

6

N

Masina Atoa/ Atoa Li‘o le Masina

19:04 28 Rise Set 05:54 WED

6

6

N

Masina Le‘ale‘a

19:52 29 Rise Set 06:41 THU

6

6

N

6

Masina Feetetele

20:39 30 Rise Set 07:31 FRI 6

N

Masina Ataatatai

1 SAT

6

Rise 21:24 Set 08:20 6

N

6

Masina Fagaeleele

2SAT

Rise 22:07 Set 09:10 6

N

6

Masina Sulutele

3

SUN

6

Rise 22:49 Set 10:00 N

6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Nauna

4

Rise 23:30 Set 10:50

TUE 6

N

6

Masina Usunoa

5

WED

6

Rise None Set 11:40 N

6

Masina Motusaga

6

THU

6

Rise 00:11 Set 12:31 N

6

Masina Tatelega

7

FRI

Rise 00:53 Set 13:24 6

N

6

Masina Faasagafulu

8

SAT

Rise 01:37 Set 14:20 6

N

6

Masina Tāfaleu

9

SUN

Rise 02:25 Set 15:19 6

N

6

Masina Fataleu

03:16 10 Rise Set 16:22 MON

6

N

6

Masina Mitiloa

11 TUE

6

Rise 04:13 Set 17:26 N

6

Masina Fanoloa

12 WED

6

Rise 05:14 Set 18:31 N

6

Masina Maunā

13 THU

6

Rise 06:19 Set 19:34 N

6

2 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.

Zachary Pou • Pavaiai Elementary School • Second Place, Levels 6–8

December 14 2012 - January 11, 2013

December

Tesema 14, 2012– Januari 11, 2013

Masina Fou/ Faatoavaaia

07:23 14 Rise Set 20:32 FRI

6

N

6

Masina Tofilofilo

15 SAT

6

Rise 08:26 Set 21:25 N

6

Masina Tolu

16 SUN

6

Rise 09:26 Set 22:14 N

6

Masina Faalao

17 MON

6

Rise 10:22 Set 22:58 N

6

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.

Masina Salefuga

18 TUE

6

Rise 11:15 Set 23:40 N

6

Masina Tulalupe

12:06 19 Rise Set None WED

6

N

6

Masina Motuega

20 THU

6

Rise 12:56 Set 00:20 N

6

Masina Aufasa

13:44 21 Rise Set 01:00 FRI

6

N

6

Masina Matuatua

22 SAT

6

Rise 14:33 Set 01:40 N

6

Masina Loloatai

23 SUN

6

Rise 15:22 Set 02:22 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

January

–1

16:11 24 Rise Set 03:05 MON 6

N

17:00 25 Rise Set 03:51 TUE

6

6

N

Rise 17:49 26 Set 04:38 WED

6

6

N

18:36 27 Rise Set 05:27 THU

6

6

N

19:22 28 Rise Set 06:16 FRI

6

6

N

20:07 29 Rise Set 07:07 SAT

6

6

N

20:49 30 Rise Set 07:57 SUN

6

6

N

6

21:30 31 Rise Set 08:47 MON 6

N

1

TUE

6

Rise 22:11 Set 09:37 6

N

6

2 1 0 –1

Masina Nauna

3

THU

Rise 23:34 Set 11:18 6

N

6

Masina Usunoa

4

FRI

Rise None Set 12:11 6

N

6

Masina Motusaga

5

SAT

Rise 00:18 Set 13:07 6

N

6

Masina Tatelega

6

SUN

Rise 01:06 Set 14:06 6

N

6

Masina Faasagafulu

7

Rise 01:58 Set 15:07

MON

6

N

6

Masina Tāfaleu

8

TUE

Rise 02:55 Set 16:10 6

N

6

Masina Fataleu

9

Rise 03:56 Set 17:12

WED

6

N

6

Masina Mitiloa

10 THU

6

Rise 05:00 Set 18:13 N

2 1 0 –1

Sa‘ulā-oso (Blue marlin) E maua i le toso ae maise fo‘i tauvaga faigafaiva.

Caught by trolling and usually targeted in fishing tournaments.

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

Masina Maunā

11 FRI

6

Rise 06:04 Set 19:09 N

6

2

WED

6

Rise 22:52 Set 10:27 N

6

American Samoa Contacts Council Member Stephen Haleck Phone: (684) 699-4950 Council Member William Sword Phone: (684) 633-4101 Email: sword.william@gmail.com Council Member Ray Tulafono 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

Front cover art: Sila Mata‘utia, Lupelele Elementary School, Honorable Mention, Levels 6–8

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 Reinnette Noa, Lupelele Elementary School, Honorable Mention, Levels 6–8 ISBN 1-934061-87-5