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