2012 YAP Lunar Calendar

Yap Almanac Calendar 2012

Choices and Yap’s Future

The Yap Institute of Natural Science YINS is a small, local, nonprofit organization chartered in 1975, engaged in the collection of ethno biological knowledge and research in natural history, adaptive technology and Eco development, making applications where possible.

We are dedicated to the ideal of maintaining indigenous integrity through the wise sustainable use of local resources, and the search for a valid ethno-ecological lifestyle in the Yap Islands Ecosystem. We hope to fill gaps between pure science, the wealth of knowledge and experience of the people of Yap islands, and practical needs which may be benefitted by scientific knowledge. All too often scientific accomplishment in this area has left with its author. We have the advantage of being permanently on Yap and are therefore able to maintain a continuity of knowledge and application.

YINS, P. O. Box 215, Yap, FM 96943

continued to build on Papa Mau’s teaching and he and the Polynesian Voyaging Society are now planning a voyage around the world on the Hokulea Polynesian voyaging canoe that Mau Piailuk navigated from Hawaii to Tahiti. In a recent address to foresters gathered in Hawaii, Nainoa pointed out that in this era of climate change and resource depletion, Pacific islanders must play a big role in shaping the world of the future, and to do that we must do things that we cannot (yet) do. Shortly thereafter, another son of Hawaii, Makana, presented a Hawaiian approach to the Occupy movement when he performed for the APEC meeting and opened his formal jacket to reveal a T-shirt with the message “Occupy with Aloha”. At a time of climate change and economic uncertainties we must somehow bring the economic world into harmony with the natural world and care for one another in the process. The future of Yapese culture, the future of our children, indeed, the future of the world, will be determined by the choices we make today and the actions we take to become the change we seek.

Welcome to 2012!

Acknowledgements

This years Yap Almanac weaves together multiple themes that relate to choices for Yap’s future. The theme of lunar cycles brings our attention to natural rhythms of island life: of moon phases and the associated pulse of tides. We also celebrate Yapese culture through the new living museum (our cover), canoes and dance, and recognize that the foundation of this culture are natural resources and ways of using these resources without destroying or depleting them.

Culture, like democracy requires care and maintenance lest it slips away and be lost. We can learn from what has happened and from what is happening to other first nation people of the world, among them our Hawaiian neighbors. Dear Debbie Chang who visited Yap some years ago pointed out how fortunate Yapese are to own their own land, speak their own language and eat their own food, something that has been almost lost in Hawaii. Lest we fail to recognize what we have until it is gone, we can take inspiration from Hawaiians who are working to regain what was almost lost. On a recent trip to Hawaii, the Kokua Kalihi Valley group hosted us to wonderful local food and we were inspired by how hard they are working to re-create a Hawaiian landscape in the Ho’oulu ‘Aina Nature Preserve. The effort started as a way to grow more Hawaiian foods to address a health crisis among Hawaiians. This effort should resonate with us for we have our own growing health crisis. Losing health and strength is a first step to losing land, culture and identity, for it compromises our ability to maintain our environment and make wise choices for the future. The themes of food security and health are thus woven into this year’s calendar. While it is important to pass on dance and material culture, it is also important to pass on and enhance technologies of food production and processes for sustainable management of natural resources and to continue to build on the strong foundation of the past. Nainoa Thompson who was a student of our Mau Piailug has

We thank the Western Pacific Fisheries Council for financial support for this year’s calendar. The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional fishery management councils established by Congress, to prevent overfishing, minimize by-catch and protect fish stocks and habitat. For more information visit www.wocouncil.org. In recent years, the council has supported the production of lunar calendars that promote wise use of marine resources. The Yap Sports Association has also contributed to this year’s almanac which includes the 2012 Yap sports calendar. The drawing of Yap’s flag come alive is by the late Stanley Kenrad, the “3 nguchol” by Luke Holoi, May’s Yapese landscape under a footprint and basket by Martin Faimau and July mural by Faimau and Lubuw Falanruw. Photo credits: cover by Laura Koonz of YVB, little dancer at the end of the line in April is by Adam Thompson, July fruit basket by Lamar, September fish: top “Nemo” by Tim Rock, side from left to right, by Rob Myers, Tim Nicholson and Alan James; November top and bottom right canoes by Yap Traditional Navigation Society. Other photos, and writing, are by Margie Cushing Nevarez Falanruw. Digital artistry is by Lonnie Fread. Some fisheries information is from SPC species information sheets and tide predictions are from the University of Hawaii Sea Level Center. Leetun F. Tamag, and Simona and Frankie Cushing helped with logistics. Thanks to all. Any mistakes in this calendar are mine. Margie Falanruw

Like a New Year’s fireworks display in miniature, the flower of Yap’s endemic gumor tree sends out a spectacular spray of stamens.

Yap’s Flag

January 2012 Sunday Sunrise 0703 Sunset 1838

Monday

1

New Year’s Day

0022 0622 1314 1949

4.7 3.0 5.5 3.1

2 0136 0713 1359 2058

4.5 3.3 5.4 3.0

8 0107 0801 1317 1852

The flag of Yap State is a white star encircled by the silhouette of an outrigger canoe under full sail, enclosed in a circle set in a field of blue. The blue represents the ocean, the white, peace and brotherhood. The small circle represents the people unified within the big circle representing stone money, symbol of tradition and culture. The canoe represents the means and ways of accomplishment and the star represents guidance and the determination and goals of Yap State. The canoe is symbolic, for the island of Yap is likened to a canoe on the vast ocean.

At one time Yap sailed its own canoe using the natural power of winds. Today we must find creative and sustainable ways to use natural resources to continue powering our ship of state.

In this year’s almanac we celebrate lunar cycles by shading each calendar date box in proportion to the amount of moonlight; new moon date boxes are all shaded and full moon boxes are unshaded. The dance of the moon and tide and the influence they have are discussed in August.

0311 0820 1449 2203

1.4 5.7 3.5 5.9

15 5.2 2.9 5.9 2.7

22 0053 0746 1308 1850

1.5 5.7 3.6 6.1

0136 0824 1354 1936

1.4 5.9 3.4 6.1

29 0500 1136 1754 2343

2.8 5.8 3.0 5.0

0131 0701 1332 2035

0312 0815 1433 2153

1.4 6.1 3.2 6.1

0041 0612 1246 1945

4.7 3.5 5.4 3.0

0328 1011 1549 2130

4.8 3.8 5.7 2.2

1.4 6.0 3.2 6.0

1.5 6.1 3.1 6.0

1.7 6.0 3.0 5.8

1.7 6.1 3.0 5.8

14 0441 1119 1719 2308

2.0 6.0 2.9 5.5

20

21 0003 0702 1215 1757

0608 5.2 1108 3.9 1654 5.8

26 0324 1004 1553 2137

1.8 5.3 3.7 5.6

13 0404 1044 1631 2216

4.9 3.9 5.7 1.9

7 0029 0726 1236 1812

0647 5.0 1148 3.8 1728 5.4

19 0454 0945 1543 2304

Saturday

6

12

25 0251 0933 1515 2058

31

4.8 3.9 5.3 2.1

18

24 0215 0900 1436 2019

0557 1050 1639 2347

1.3 5.9 3.3 6.0

Friday

5

11 0253 0938 1510 2048

4.9 3.4 5.8 2.5

30 0533 3.1 1209 5.6 1844 3.0

4.5 3.8 5.3 2.4

17

23 Chinese (lunar) New Year

0446 0938 1544 2300

1.3 5.8 3.4 6.0

16 0010 0606 1241 1920

0521 2.4 1158 6.0 1814 2.8

4.4 3.6 5.3 2.7

Thursday

4

10 0218 0906 1433 2009

Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday

Wednesday

3

9 0143 0834 1356 1931

1.6 5.5 3.7 5.7

Tuesday

1.7 5.5 3.8 5.9

27 0356 1035 1631 2216

2.0 6.1 3.0 5.6

New Year’s Resolutions

28 0428 1105 1710 2257

2.4 6.0 3.0 5.3

The Third Nguchol

February 2012 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

“We are mindful that our environment and our natural resources are all important, for they are the foundation of our economies, our cultures and our identities as Pacific Islanders.”

Declaration. First Micronesian Traditional Leadership Conference

5

Current discussions about development tend to emphasize economic and social considerations. We do not hear as much about environmental concerns. This is largely because we do not have enough people trained in environmental management. Environmental safeguards are basic to sound, sustainable development. In the olden days the three paramount political subdivisions on Yap were likened to the three stones supporting a cooking pot (nguchol), and the importance of balance between these three nguchol was pointed out. Likewise, as we shape Yap’s future it is vital that we consider “the third nguchol”: environment, for if this nguchol is damaged or left out, the pot will fall.

Most of Yapese culture was related to the allocation, sharing and exchanging of natural resources. Today outside money enables Yap to take part in the world’s economic system.

Sustainable economic development however remains subject to ecological limitations. We must avoid “boom and bust” type of development where resources are sold for a brief “boom” followed by a “bust” that leaves people worse off; without income and without the resources needed to meet their basic needs.

0000 0701 1217 1750

6 0042 0734 1300 1836

2.1 5.3 3.9 5.5

1.8 5.6 3.6 5.8

12 0420 1043 1659 2305

2.4 6.3 2.3 5.7

0041 0726 1305 1849

2.0 5.8 3.4 5.9

26 0357 1018 1633 2236

2.8 6.1 2.7 5.5

5.3 3.3 6.0 2.4

20 Washington’s Birthday

Mardi Gras

0120 0759 1345 1932

1.9 6.0 3.2 6.0

3.1 5.9 2.7 5.3

0309 0758 1404 2133

Ash Wednesday 2.0 6.2 3.0 6.1

29 0005 0531 1142 1842

5.0 3.7 5.5 2.9

4.7 4.1 5.1 2.4

0307 0937 1532 2126

4.9 4.1 5.5 2.5

Like a dewdrop on a taro leaf, Yap must be handled with care, lest it slip away and be lost.

11 0343 1009 1613 2213

2.0 6.3 2.4 6.0

17 0451 0945 1532 2252

2.1 6.2 2.8 6.0

0622 5.0 1122 4.0 1655 5.3

1.7 6.3 2.6 6.2

18 0559 1117 1656 2353

5.0 4.2 5.4 2.3

23 0228 0858 1454 2048

4

10

16

22 0155 0830 1420 2011

0526 1005 1547 2311

1.5 6.2 2.9 6.2

Saturday

3

9 0232 0906 1453 2043

5.0 3.7 5.8 2.5

28 0457 3.4 1111 5.7 1751 2.8

4.5 4.1 5.1 2.7

15 0125 0638 1255 2008

Friday

2 0351 0827 1434 2209

1.5 6.0 3.1 6.2

21

27 0426 1044 1709 2316

4.5 3.8 5.3 2.9

14 0006 0543 1202 1853

1

8 0157 0836 1415 2000

St. Valentine’s Day

19 0647 5.6 1218 3.7 1759 5.7

1.6 5.8 3.4 6.0

13 0459 2.8 1120 6.2 1751 2.3

0201 0705 1333 2056

7 0120 0806 1338 1919

Lincoln’s Birthday

Sunrise 0703 Sunset 1838

Thursday

5.3 4.0 5.5 2.1

24 0258 0926 1527 2123

2.3 6.2 2.7 5.9

25 0328 0952 1559 2159

2.5 6.2 2.7 5.8

Yapese Dance

March 2012 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday Sunrise 0703 Sunset 1838

1

Yap Day

0111 0615 1222 1947

Yapese dance develops fitness, flexibility, agility and coordination. It also develops discipline, respect, cooperation, and at the same time, both modesty and pride. Dancers must move as if connected by a common nervous system. While dancers each do their best, they also strive to be in harmony with one another. Often the best dancer is not the most noticeable dancer, but the one who almost dissolves into the dance, becoming the dance itself.

Yap’s many kinds of dances are generally grouped as: bamboo, marching, standing and sitting. The bamboo dance is fast paced and exciting. Marching dances are energetic and fun.

Standing dances can be graceful, stately or naughty, depending on the type. Sitting dances are classical and relate history.

Traditional dance, obligatory for many, shows the strength and spirit of a village. Dancing is Yap’s highest art. At the same time it connects generations and serves as a guardian of culture. Some countries have armies. Yap dances.

4 0536 1057 1625 2323

5.1 4.1 5.2 2.4

5

0322 0933 1555 2213

0402 1009 1641 2307

2.5 6.5 1.8 6.1

5.4 3.8 5.3 2.6

2.9 6.4 1.8 5.8

3.0 6.1 2.3 5.8

5.5 3.6 5.9 2.3

21 0057 0724 1328 1927

2.5 6.0 2.9 5.9

27 0401 0958 1634 2300

3.4 5.9 2.4 5.5

3.6 5.7 2.5 5.3

0507 3.9 1054 5.5 1756 2.7

10 0245 0859 1513 2124

2.2 6.5 2.0 6.3

17 St. Patrick’s Day

0427 0957 1533 2232

5.1 4.2 5.3 2.7

5.2 4.1 5.2 2.7

23 0203 0819 1430 2039

29

4.8 4.3 5.0 2.7

16 0258 0803 1351 2110

2.6 6.2 2.6 6.0

28 0432 1024 1711 2345

2.0 6.4 2.3 6.4

22 0131 0752 1400 2004

0431 0923 1455 2224

9 0208 0828 1433 2037

5.2 4.0 5.6 2.5

3 International Women’s Day

4.7 4.2 5.1 2.9

15 0124 0635 1232 1945

Equinox

2.5 5.9 3.2 5.7

26 3.2 6.0 2.3 5.7

14 0008 0533 1134 1832

0247 0728 1324 2107

1.9 6.2 2.6 6.3

Saturday

2

8 0130 0756 1354 1952

2.0 6.0 3.1 6.1

20 0019 0652 1253 1846

0615 5.6 1212 3.5 1759 5.6

0331 0934 1601 2222

0052 0725 1316 1907

0444 3.3 1048 6.2 1732 2.0

4.8 4.0 5.3 2.9

7

13

19

25 0302 0910 1530 2147

2.2 5.7 3.5 5.8

12

18 0530 1119 1659 2333

0011 0653 1237 1821

0618 5.4 1154 3.8 1729 5.5

11

6

Friday

2.7 6.2 2.5 6.0

24 0233 0845 1500 2113

2.8 6.2 2.4 5.9

30 Micronesian Culture & Tradition Day 0043 5.1 0553 4.1 1133 5.3 1853 2.8

31 0159 0704 1234 2005

5.0 4.2 5.1 2.9

Earth Day

April 2012 Sunday Sunrise 0703 Sunset 1838

Monday

1

Palm Sunday

0324 0848 1412 2126

5.1 4.2 5.0 2.9

2 0432 1022 1553 2236

5.3 4.0 5.1 2.7

8 Easter Sunday

Our lives and welfare depend on the Earth’s natural resources, and in April we celebrate Earth Day. This is a day to appreciate and take actions to protect the natural environment. Historically the world’s second Earth Day was observed on Yap. Now some 500 million people in 175 countries celebrate this important occasion. As compact funding decreases, there is a danger that compact funds will be replaced with unsustainable endeavors that could deplete Yap’s natural resources and damage the system that produces these resources. This would make Yapese dependant on the outside world. To protect our children’s future, we must protect Yap’s environmental quality.

There are many practical actions that you can take: conserve natural resources, and habitats, grow local food sustainably, respect fishing traditions and MPA’s, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, use less air conditioning, reduce use of machines, plant and protect trees, protect watersheds and our beautiful blue waters, reduce the waste that goes into our landfills.

Reduce hazardous wastes like, used motor oil, transmission fluid, pesticides, fertilizers, bleach, drain cleaner, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and electronic items such as televisions, VCRs, DVD players, cell phones, computers, and microwave ovens that contain corrosive chemicals like mercury, and lead.

Support Yap’s new waste management strategy!

0222 0823 1454 2123

2.7 6.6 1.4 6.3

0304 0901 1538 2214

Earth Day 3.3 6.1 2.0 5.9

5.3 4.1 5.1 2.8

0528 1151 1749 2346

5.7 3.2 5.3 3.0

23 0240 0832 1505 2139

3.4 6.0 2.0 5.8

29 0123 0650 1213 1917

17

0310 0858 1536 2214

30 0227 0815 1343 2030

5.4 4.0 5.0 2.9

24 3.5 5.9 2.0 5.7

3.7 5.8 2.1 5.6

2.4 6.4 2.0 6.3

0027 0640 1304 1919

0115 0639 1220 1920

3.1 6.0 2.6 5.7

5.4 3.9 5.4 2.5

0103 0711 1335 1956

3.8 5.7 2.2 5.5

Protect our children’s future: Develop food security, protect marine areas, support Yap’s new waste management strategy, plant and protect trees, reduce, reuse and recycle!

0141 0747 1412 2033

2.5 6.6 1.6 6.4

14 0230 0807 1343 2036

5.3 4.0 5.1 2.8

20

21 0137 0739 1405 2031

3.1 6.0 2.3 5.8

26 0416 0952 1645 2334

7

13

19

25 0342 0924 1609 2251

0100 0712 1331 1944

5.6 3.8 5.8 2.2

18 0607 5.8 1230 2.8 1837 5.5

6

12 0007 0532 1117 1814

Saturday

Good Friday

2.5 6.1 2.5 6.1

11 0437 3.5 1026 6.1 1717 1.8

Friday

5 0018 0637 1250 1855

0601 5.9 1208 3.1 1804 5.8

3.3 6.4 1.5 5.9

Thursday

4

10 0349 0942 1625 2308

5.5 3.5 5.1 3.0

22 0209 0806 1434 2105

5.6 3.6 5.4 2.6

16 0442 1101 1649 2257

5.4 3.8 5.0 3.0

0521 1122 1707 2331

3.0 6.6 1.3 6.2

Wednesday

3

9

15 0343 0948 1525 2154

Tuesday

3.2 6.1 2.2 5.9

27 0455 3.9 1026 5.5 1726 2.4

28 0024 0545 1110 1816

5.4 4.1 5.3 2.6

Ecological Footprints Our future will be full of tough choices, and we must evaluate developments carefully. One way to do this is to consider the “ecological footprint” of a proposed development, that is, the area and natural systems that will be affected. We must be sure that developments do not cost us more in terms of ecological damage than they earn. One example of a development with a big ecological footprint is a golf course.

A golf course affects a big area directly and it also affects downstream watersheds and marine areas that are impacted by erosion and siltation from baring large areas of earth and chemicals used on golf courses. The ecological cost of such a project is great. In contrast, Yap’s betelnut industry has a small ecological footprint. It brings in a considerable amount of money without serious ecological impacts as betelnut is grown in agroforests that mimic natural forests.

May 2012 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Yapese say that there is wisdom in the basket: Before making big decisions, stop, have a chew, and think things over.

6 0116 0711 1352 2030

3.2 6.6 1.0 6.3

13 Mother’s Day

0151 0749 1322 1950

5.6 3.7 5.0 2.9

0249 0913 1455 2058

Solar Eclipse 3.6 5.9 1.9 5.7

27 0003 0534 1100 1749

5.7 3.9 5.5 2.4

0343 1024 1622 2205

3.6 5.9 1.8 5.8

Memorial Day 5.7 3.8 5.3 2.7

0432 1116 1729 2302

5.7 2.9 5.1 3.4

3.7 5.9 1.8 5.8

3.7 5.9 1.8 5.8

29 0139 0743 1320 1942

5.7 3.7 5.1 3.0

5.8 3.3 5.1 3.2

0528 3.7 1105 5.7 1753 2.1

0328 0900 1550 2242

0323 1007 1619 2200

5.9 2.8 5.2 3.4

5.7 3.7 5.3 2.5

19 3.5 5.9 2.1 5.6

25 0405 0934 1626 2321

31

0052 0632 1207 1848

0032 0629 1308 1946

0554 5.8 1235 2.4 1907 5.5

3.8 5.9 1.9 5.7

12

18

24

30 0231 0858 1452 2051

FSM Constitution Day

5.8 2.6 5.3 3.5

3.0 6.4 1.6 6.2

11

17 0515 1158 1822 2350

5 0029 0630 1307 1938

0548 6.2 1223 2.1 1844 5.9

3.6 6.1 1.7 5.8

23 0253 0830 1517 2206

4

10 0432 1012 1701 2356

Saturday

Cinco de Mayo

6.0 2.6 5.6 3.0

16

22 0220 0801 1444 2131

0506 1136 1747 2340

3.5 6.4 1.3 6.0

Friday

3

9 0340 0923 1612 2303

5.6 3.3 4.9 3.4

28 0050 0632 1201 1841

5.7 3.2 5.3 3.0

15

21 0145 0732 1412 2057

0419 1044 1642 2246

3.3 6.5 1.1 6.2

Thursday

2

8 0250 0837 1524 2212

5.6 3.5 4.9 3.2

1

5.5 3.7 5.1 3.0

14

20 0110 0701 1341 2023

0327 0940 1522 2143

7 0203 0753 1437 2121

3.1 6.6 1.2 6.3

Sunrise 0703 Sunset 1838

Wednesday

3.9 5.8 2.0 5.7

26 0446 3.9 1012 5.6 1705 2.2

Tree Planting Day, Environment Week

June 2012 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

This year’s Homecoming Festival on June 16th will commemorate the time that several hundred Chamorros lived on Yap up until 1947. Activities will include a map, tour and displays of “downtown Colonia” during that era along with a special mass, talks and reunions.

3 0001 0555 1248 1934

0055 0644 1336 2026

3.5 6.4 1.3 6.0

3.5 6.5 1.1 6.1

10 In 2004 Governor Anefal combined June 1st, Tree Planting Day and June 5th, FSM Environment Day into Environment Week. Above, he and Lt. Governor Tareg plant a tree at the Makiy Yap Day site. This Environment Week join in planting trees on June 1st and other activities throughout Environment week. Trees are important for many reasons, including: providing shade in hot weather so less energy is needed to cool buildings. Trees help clear the air and produce oxygen that we breathe. They reduce air pollution and lower air temperature.

Trees provide nesting sites and food for birds and fruit bats and birds and fruit bats spread seeds of fruit trees. Trees make land more beautiful and valuable. Trees help keep rivers, streams, and oceans clean. Trees hold soil in place and reduce polluted runoff. Trees fight global warming as they remove carbon dioxide, a main contributor to global warming, from the atmosphere. Trees also reduce the need for burning fossil fuels to generate electricity for heating and cooling. Trees provide food and building materials. Trees are needed for canoes!

0019 0610 1145 1811

0549 5.7 1242 2.1 1933 5.5

3.8 5.8 1.9 5.6

24 0431 1005 1645 2335

3.7 5.8 2.1 6.0

3.5 6.6 1.0 6.2

5.8 3.4 4.8 3.3

3.5 6.5 1.1 6.2

0241 0932 1538 2102

5.7 3.2 4.8 3.6

0123 0703 1352 2045

3.8 5.9 1.8 5.7

6.0 3.5 5.4 2.8

3.5 6.3 1.3 6.1

3.8 6.0 1.7 5.9

6.0 3.3 5.2 3.1

6.0 3.0 5.1 3.5

0505 6.3 1158 1.8 1837 5.7

3.5 6.1 1.7 6.0

9 0513 3.5 1050 5.7 1726 2.1

15

16 Homecoming Festival

0506 1203 1851 2358

5.7 2.6 5.1 3.8

5.7 2.3 5.3 3.8

22 0313 0846 1533 2224

3.8 6.0 1.8 5.9

28 0143 0823 1429 2006

2

8

0420 1121 1800 2308

Solstice

1

6.1 2.3 5.5 3.5

21 0237 0811 1459 2151

Saturday

Tree Planting Day

0414 1105 1733 2303

0420 0959 1641 2333

5.7 2.9 4.9 3.8

27 0056 0712 1302 1902

Sunrise 0703 Sunset 1838

14 0331 1031 1657 2208

3.8 5.9 1.7 5.8

26 0013 0610 1150 1810

0329 0910 1556 2248

20 0201 0737 1426 2118

Friday

7

13

19

25 0517 3.6 1052 5.7 1725 2.4

0239 0821 1510 2202

12

18 0043 0628 1318 2010

6

Transit of Venus (across sun)

0147 0733 1424 2115

0153 0823 1409 1957

5.9 3.5 5.0 3.0

17 Father’s Day

5

11 0106 0713 1249 1900

6.0 3.5 5.4 2.6

Like the moon, some trees blossom at night.

4 Partial Lunar Eclipse

Thursday

23 0351 0923 1608 2259

3.8 6.0 1.9 6.0

29 0235 0934 1602 2120

6.1 2.6 5.1 3.8

30 0332 1040 1725 2234

6.1 2.2 5.3 3.9

Our Islands, Our Food, Our Health

July 2012 Sunday Sunrise 0703 Sunset 1838

0433 1140 1832 2341

Monday

1

6.2 1.8 5.6 3.9

2

Pictured to the right is a basket of local fruits. Picture to the left shows Yap’s arai banana that the late dear Dr. Lois Engelberger revealed as being extremely rich in provitamin A carotenoids that protect against chronic diseases, some cancers, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Also shown are a local food basket decorated with flowers and delicious bird’s nest fern tips.

0449 1030 1653 2339

3.3 5.8 2.3 6.2

15 0420 1130 1829 2326

5.6 2.5 5.2 4.1

22 0333 0915 1548 2226

3.5 6.2 2.0 6.2

29 0304 1023 1722 2222

6.0 2.3 5.3 4.1

0018 0559 1254 1949

3.3 6.1 2.3 6.3

6.0 2.0 5.6 4.0

5.9 3.2 4.9 3.5

3.9 5.9 1.8 5.8

24 0456 1046 1701 2335

3.2 5.9 2.6 6.3

0525 6.2 1224 1.8 1916 5.9

3.5 6.5 1.3 6.3

0141 0832 1441 1959

0316 0858 1536 2222

5.8 3.2 4.7 3.8

3.4 6.4 1.6 6.3

0229 0938 1613 2110

3.8 6.0 1.7 6.0

6.2 2.9 5.3 3.4

0402 0944 1615 2300

5.6 3.0 4.8 4.0

3.4 6.1 1.9 6.3

14 0323 1038 1732 2223

5.6 2.8 4.9 4.1

20 0219 0757 1440 2125

21 0256 0835 1513 2155

3.7 6.2 1.7 6.1

26 0015 0645 1250 1832

7

13

19 0142 0719 1406 2054

Saturday

6

12

25 0546 3.0 1142 5.6 1743 3.0

31

0227 0810 1455 2142

18 0103 0641 1331 2022

4.0 5.8 2.0 5.6

30 0417 1129 1826 2337

0057 0728 1319 1900

Friday

5

11

17

23 0413 0958 1623 2259

3.7 6.5 1.2 6.2

World Population Day

6.1 3.3 5.2 3.1

16 0513 5.6 1215 2.2 1912 5.4

0137 0721 1411 2101

10 0017 0630 1213 1813

Thursday

4 Independence Day

3.8 6.4 1.3 6.1

9 0537 3.3 1118 5.5 1732 2.7

Wednesday

3 0042 0629 1324 2016

0532 6.3 1235 1.5 1928 5.9

8 Yap and the rest of the FSM are experiencing a health crisis that is largely due to changes in diet, alcohol abuse and sedentary lifestyles. Non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, coronary artery disease (angina, heart attacks), stroke, and cancer take an immense toll on individuals, families, society and Yap’s economy. Huge amounts are spent on imported foods and on treating sicknesses that could be prevented. At a time when Compact funds are declining and sea levels rising, we need to focus on food security and the fitness we need to meet challenges of the future. The drawing above, prepared in celebration of the first FSM games, celebrates our athletes and the island foods that fuel them. Yap’s ability to navigate its own future may well begin with food security, health and the quality of Yap’s best ally: a bio diverse and productive environment. This year’s calendar features eco-events, health and sports events that contribute to the total fitness of our island and ourselves. Major events are featured in monthly date boxes and the 2012 Yap Sports Calendar can be found at the end of this almanac.

Tuesday

3.6 6.2 1.8 6.2

27 0102 0753 1417 1936

6.1 2.8 5.1 3.8

28 0158 0908 1556 2056

6.0 2.6 5.1 4.1

Dance of the Moon and Tides

August 2012 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Sunrise 0703 Sunset 1838

Enhalus sea grass tends to release pollen-bearing flowers after especially low tides on warm afternoons around full and new moons. In the old days these white flowers were likened to grated coconut thrown on the waters by the full moon after it anointed itself with coconut milk and rose shinning on the high tide.

0037 0624 1312 1958

5 Above, moon watchers on Yap observe the “supermoon” of March 19,2011 when the moons was the closest to earth in 19 years.

The moon and tides dance in a counterpoint rhythm, with Yap’s full moon rising on a high tide and the tide receding as the moon rises to the center of the sky. Tides and types of fishing are determined by the position and phase of the moon in the sky. Many marine species respond to lunar cycles. Different species of corals tend to spawn from 1-7 days after the full moon around the equinoxes. Galip land crabs begin to emerge and head toward the shore to lay their eggs several days before the full moon during summer SW monsoon months. Different species of fish gather to spawn at outgoing tides in specific locations in relation to moon phases. Fishermen familiar with their spawning cycles and sites are able to make big catches when fish are gathered to spawn and less wary. With new technologies of fishing, fish can be wiped out when harvested during this time. The interplay between the gravitational forces of the moon and sun result in a time of the year when the lowest tides come before dawn, and a time when the lowest tides are in the afternoon, and this pattern resulted in seasons for particular fishing methods. As we learn more about lunar cycles we will be better able to develop ways to use marine resources more sustainably.

0338 0928 1545 2220

6 0419 1009 1619 2253

3.1 6.2 2.3 6.4

3.0 5.9 2.6 6.3

12 0225 0948 1652 2143

3.1 6.4 2.0 6.4

0312 0908 1524 2148

2.9 6.4 2.3 6.4

26 0133 0849 1552 2057

5.8 2.6 5.2 4.2

5.5 2.4 5.4 4.0

20

27 0254 1009 1711 2230

5.7 2.5 5.4 4.1

28 0418 1117 1807 2340

5.8 2.4 5.7 3.8

0042 0622 1304 1947

2.5 6.0 3.0 6.4

3.5 6.1 2.1 6.2

11 0127 0837 1520 2016

5.6 3.1 4.8 4.2

18 0158 0745 1415 2047

3.6 6.1 1.9 6.1

3.4 6.3 1.9 6.3

24

31 0118 0711 1334 2004

3.2 6.3 2.2 6.3

25 0029 0730 1416 1925

0621 2.5 1248 5.4 1815 3.7

30 0034 0623 1255 1930

3.2 6.4 2.0 6.4

17 0121 0704 1340 2017

2.5 5.7 3.4 6.2

0257 0845 1510 2147

5.8 3.1 4.9 3.9

23 0524 1139 1722 2338

4

10 0041 0731 1348 1905

3.8 5.9 2.0 5.9

29 0528 6.0 1210 2.2 1851 6.0

3.4 6.5 1.8 6.4

16

22 0435 1042 1639 2257

0215 0802 1434 2113

6.0 3.1 5.1 3.6

Saturday

3

9 0002 0633 1236 1812

0536 5.7 1226 2.2 1915 5.7

2.7 6.2 2.6 6.4

3.6 6.4 1.6 6.3

15

21 0351 0953 1600 2221

0129 0715 1355 2037

0544 3.1 1140 5.4 1731 3.3

Friday

2

8

14 0441 1142 1839 2357

5.4 2.7 5.2 4.2

19 0234 0825 1449 2117

3.0 5.7 3.0 6.2

13 0334 1051 1755 2300

5.4 2.9 4.9 4.3

0500 1053 1654 2326

1

3.8 6.3 1.7 6.1

7

Thursday

6.0 2.6 5.2 4.1

Full moons occur about every 29 1/2 days and do not match up with the calendar that we now use. As a result, every 2-3 years there will be a month or two that has 2 full moons - such as this August.

Protecting Marine Areas

September 2012 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday Sunrise 0703 Sunset 1838

0158 0754 1409 2036

2 Traditionally, all marine areas on Yap were under traditional management. In recent times, however, the traditional management system seems to have been set aside as if negated by the dollar economy. With today’s opportunities to exploit marine resources for economic gain however, it is even more important to strive to manage marine resources on a sustainable basis. A number of communities have taken the initiative to develop updated forms of marine protected areas (MPAs), (also called “locally managed marine areas” ) There are now 9 MPA’s on Yap at various stages of mapping, monitoring and development of management plans. They include sites at: Riken, Nimpol (co-managed by Kaday and Okaw), Ngulu atoll, Reey (co-managed by Malay and Thabeth), Gachepar, Wochlab (2), and Rumung (2). Others are under consideration by their communities. MPAs are valuable to both the communities who own and manage them as well as their neighbors near and far as they provide a safe area for marine life to reproduce and replenish fisheries both within and beyond the MPAs. Pictured to the top left are 3 species of traditionally valued fish that were once culturally managed. These fish were not uncommon just a generation ago, but are now in danger of being wiped out. Indeed, there is world concern for the survival of nmam, gamegul, giant subeku as well as sharks. As this calendar goes to press Yap Legislature is considering bills to protect sharks and rays and to outlaw fishing with SCUBA gear.

0236 0834 1443 2107

3 Labor Day

0311 0913 1515 2136

2.8 6.3 2.5 6.5

2.7 6.2 2.7 6.4

9 0026 0736 1429 1936

2.8 6.3 2.2 6.4

0211 0817 1424 2036

2.4 6.4 2.4 6.5

2.5 6.1 2.8 6.3

30

0249 0902 1501 2109

0121 0828 1535 2110

5.5 2.6 5.4 4.0

5.3 2.7 5.5 3.8

0330 0950 1540 2144

5.4 2.7 5.5 3.8

1.9 6.3 2.9 6.5

5.5 2.7 5.8 3.4

2.8 5.3 3.8 5.6

0415 1042 1623 2224

0017 0604 1231 1901

1.9 6.0 3.3 6.3

0634 2.9 1307 5.1 1825 4.0

15 0056 0650 1310 1933

3.5 5.8 2.3 6.0

3.1 6.1 2.2 6.2

21 0505 1140 1712 2310

22 Equinox

2.0 5.7 3.6 6.1

27 0529 5.7 1148 2.6 1817 6.0

8

14

20

26 0423 1056 1735 2337

0543 1204 1735 2342

0514 5.5 1150 2.5 1828 5.8

3.0 6.3 2.3 6.4

7

13

19

25 0255 0949 1643 2236

2.7 5.5 3.5 5.9

12 0411 1102 1751 2333

2.1 6.4 2.6 6.6

6 0501 1114 1656 2307

2.7 5.8 3.2 6.1

18

24

0007...5.8 0709...2.4 1411...5.3 2110...4.0

0422 1031 1621 2235

5.2 2.9 5.2 4.1

17

23

0138 0747 1343 1956

2.6 6.0 3.0 6.3

5

11 0249 1002 1704 2236

5.2 3.0 5.0 4.3

16 0133 0733 1347 2004

0346 0952 1548 2206

10 0127 0849 1558 2111

5.4 3.0 5.0 4.2

4

1

0602 2.2 1249 5.5 1812 3.9

28 0024 0622 1231 1853

3.1 5.9 2.6 6.2

29 0103 0707 1308 1926

2.8 6.0 2.7 6.3

Trochus

October 2012

Yogyog or Trochus niloticus, are used locally for their meat. Trochus Sunday Monday shells are also valued outside of Yap to make Sunrise 0703 Sunset 1838 The beautiful pearl shell buttons. An “mother of pearl� export industry has de- layer of a trochus shell can be veloped resulting in the revealed by soaking the 0211 2.3 depletion of trochus in outside shell in a many islands. Yap is no weak acid like 0825 6.1 1416 2.9 vinegar. exception. If we are to 2025 6.3 maintain this source of food, and income, we need to manage trochus better. The legal size for export is 3-4 inches as smaller trochus Columbus Day have not yet reproduced and larger trochus are more valuable 0547 2.6 1236 5.2 0641 2.8 alive as they produce many times more larvae. It is important 1758 4.0 1345 5.1 that illegal size trochus be put back in the ocean so that they 2333 5.3 1907 4.2 can spawn and replenish stocks. MPAs where no harvest of trochus is allowed are important as it helps to have a dense population of trochus to improve spawning success. Male and female trochus may gather to spawn and the larvae may drift up to 5 days before settling on hard rocky surface and growing 0028 2.5 0107 2.0 0723 6.2 0635 5.9 to reproductive size in about 2 years. Trochus that are protect1237 2.6 1318 2.6 ed in MPAs contribute larvae to areas beyond the MPA as well. 1846 6.3 1921 6.4 It will take some years for Yap’s trochus populations to recover from the last 2 commercial harvests and reach a population size that can withstand harvesting at a rate of about 30 - 40% of the number of legal size trochus. To make optimal use of our trochus resource it is better to harvest fewer and process 0544 1.9 1242 5.6 0647 2.3 the shell into jewelry rather than harvesting large numbers to 1813 3.8 1351 5.5 sell as cheap raw materials for other countries.

2354 5.5 1933 3.8

Tuesday

1

7

2.2 6.1 3.1 6.2

0034 0748 1458 2038

2.1 5.8 3.1 6.1

2.2 5.9 3.2 6.1

0203 0902 1603 2203

World Food Day

0147 0810 1359 1957

1.6 6.3 2.7 6.5

0229 0859 1441 2035

1.3 6.3 2.9 6.5

30 0148 0818 1352 1948

1.9 5.8 3.2 6.0

0312 0949 1525 2116

5.0 2.8 5.6 3.3

31 Halloween

0219 0853 1426 2017

1.8 5.9 3.3 6.0

2.3 5.6 3.7 5.7

0448 1107 1734 2347

5.3 2.7 5.8 3.0

5.1 3.0 5.7 3.0

2.4 5.4 3.9 5.5

13 0545 5.6 1154 2.6 1811 6.1

20 0449 1139 1708 2252

1.3 6.0 3.4 6.2

25 0417 1023 1653 2321

0502 1141 1709 2251

19 0358 1042 1614 2201

1.2 6.2 3.2 6.4

6

12

18

24 0248 0915 1602 2224

0424 1055 1629 2218

5.0 2.8 5.6 3.5

Saturday

5

11 0337 1011 1653 2302

United Nations Day

5.2 2.6 5.5 3.6

2.2 5.8 3.4 5.9

17

23 0112 0758 1501 2106

0349 1016 1554 2149

4.9 2.9 5.3 3.9

Friday

4

10

16

29 0116 0741 1318 1918

0316 0938 1521 2121

5.1 2.9 5.2 4.1

Thursday

3

9

22

28 2.3 5.7 3.1 6.0

0244 0902 1449 2054

15

21

0042 0701 1242 1847

2

8

14

Wednesday

1.5 5.8 3.6 5.9

26 0524 5.3 1117 3.0 1735 5.9 Value added to trochus shell made into a bracelet (left) and a trochus shell (right) that is pierced at the top so that it can be blown like a trumpet shell. The string allowed performers at the Guam lunar festival to wear the shell around their neck.

27 0005 0616 1202 1813

2.6 5.5 3.0 6.0

Canoe Festival

November 2012 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday Sunrise 0703 Sunset 1838

1

All Saints Day

Bats...

Yap’s canoe festival begins with an ancient chant and flotilla of traditional canoes and continues with displays of canoe carving, sailing and special techniques along with traditional canoe races. Other events include international outrigger paddling races, races of “totang” tin canoes built by local youth and toy canoe races by children. Canoe and voyaging films are shown and booths provide food, refreshments and handicraft. Evenings are filled with traditional and modern dancing and events for visitors. In the photo below, an oceangoing canoe lies anchored while coach Harong oversees paddling competition, medium size traditional canoes race in the background, and the DB girls team await their race in the foreground. There’s a lot going on during Yap’s canoe festival.

plant trees...

4 0432 1123 1648 2216

2.2 5.4 3.9 5.2

11 0524 1114 1722 2359

0621 5.7 1204 3.0 1803 6.2

1.3 5.8 3.4 5.7

0043 0714 1251 1845

0525 1221 1803 2340

1.7 5.7 3.5 5.3

2.1 5.3 3.4 5.8

1.0 6.1 3.1 6.5

20

26 0018 0652 1214 1810

14 0127 0805 1337 1927

27 0053 0733 1255 1845

1.8 5.5 3.4 5.8

0212 0855 1425 2011

0.8 6.2 3.2 6.5

1.7 5.6 3.4 5.8

4.8 2.9 5.6 3.1

1.5 5.6 3.5 5.8

0356 1041 1608 2143

1.9 5.6 3.7 5.6

10 0418 1018 1638 2313

5.0 3.0 5.8 2.6

16

17 0345 1035 1606 2146

0.8 6.1 3.2 6.3

0.9 6.0 3.3 6.1

23 0354 0935 1602 2252

4.8 3.2 5.6 2.7

29 0159 0845 1407 1949

3

9

0258 0945 1514 2057

4.8 3.0 5.6 3.0

28 0126 0810 1332 1918

1.8 5.7 3.6 5.8

22 0222 0825 1511 2153

Partial Lunar Eclipse

0323 1004 1533 2113

0256 0913 1552 2222

Thanksgiving Day

5.0 2.6 5.6 3.3

FSM Independence Day

15

21 0052 0718 1415 2038

0619 2.2 1318 5.6 1916 3.4

4.8 2.9 5.4 3.5

Saturday

2

8 0119 0800 1459 2117

0653 2.7 1402 5.3 1956 3.8

1.5 5.9 3.0 6.4

1.8 5.8 3.4 5.9

7

13

19

25 0605 5.1 1129 3.4 1732 5.7

2.5 5.3 3.9 5.0

12

18 0434 1127 1701 2240

6 0558 1303 1838 2357

FSM Veterans of Foreign Wars Day

5.3 2.9 6.0 2.0

used for canoes.

5 0512 1209 1737 2258

2.0 5.5 3.8 5.4

0251 0928 1459 2045

Friday

0508 1037 1649 2338

30 0231 0918 1441 2019

1.5 5.7 3.5 5.8

24 4.9 3.3 5.7 2.4

Yap’s Museum Comes Alive!

December 2012 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

While a group from mainland China proposes to build huge resorts where Yapese villages now lie nestled in their agroforests, Yap has opened the first phase of its living museum in downtown Colonia. Much thanks to France for providing the majority of funding along with contributions from Yap Government and other sources. The opening ceremony for the museum featured dances from Gagil and Weloey. Above, dancers in the standing “yipil” part of the Gagil dance as they leave the malal. Below, some of the young dancers participating at the end of the line of dancers. The future of these dancers, the future of their children, and perhaps the future of Yapese culture itself will be determined by choices made today.

0335 1026 1551 2121

3 0409 1102 1630 2157

1.6 5.6 3.6 5.6

1.8 5.6 3.6 5.5

9 0346 0926 1544 2239

0331 1020 1555 2136

0.9 6.1 3.2 6.1

0245 0934 1500 2034

30

1.5 5.7 3.5 5.8

0441 0946 1559 2306

4.6 3.6 5.4 2.4

2.0 5.6 3.7 5.3

1.3 6.0 3.1 5.7

31

1.5 5.8 3.4 5.8

2.2 5.5 3.6 5.1

0500 1150 1741 2320

0024 0709 1230 1819

1.7 5.9 3.1 5.3

1.2 5.7 3.3 6.3

0641 5.0 1148 3.7 1737 5.5

0.9 5.9 3.3 6.4

19

25

0022 0632 1323 1951

1.9 5.3 3.6 5.6

0159 0848 1414 1957

4.9 2.7 5.7 3.1

1.7 5.4 3.6 5.7

8 0214 0813 1452 2137

4.7 3.1 5.7 2.8

15 0245 0935 1504 2046

0.7 6.1 3.2 6.4

0.7 6.1 3.2 6.3

21 0139 0727 1413 2104

4.6 3.1 5.6 2.9

27 0107 0759 1315 1855

1.5 5.7 3.6 5.7

14

20

26 0031 0723 1234 1818

4.8 2.8 5.6 3.2

13 0112 0800 1323 1908

1

7 0044 0706 1400 2026

0610 2.5 1309 5.5 1912 3.5

0545 2.2 1235 5.8 1842 3.1

Christmas Day

6

12

18

24

1053 3.7 1651 5.4 2351 2.1

5 0524 1223 1807 2333

0611 5.4 1134 3.4 1728 6.1

Yap State Constitution Day 0550 4.8

0317 1005 1535 2108

Saturday

0303 0952 1516 2049

11

17 0416 1104 1646 2226

23

0445 1140 1714 2239

5.1 3.3 5.9 1.7

16

Friday

Sunrise 0703 Sunset 1838

4

10 0505 1034 1637 2333

4.8 3.2 5.8 2.3

Thursday

The ancient Mayan civilization developed an accurate and complex calendar with short and longer cycles of time.

Some scholars calculate that the “long count” thought to be 5,125 years long will begin a new cycle around December 22, 2012.

The Mayan Calendar

2

Wednesday

22 0312 0833 1505 2211

Solstice 4.5 3.4 5.5 2.7

28 0141 0832 1352 1929

1.5 5.6 3.6 5.7

29 0214 0904 1426 2002

1.5 5.7 3.5 5.8

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