Micronesian Fishing • 2 EDITORS PERSPECTIVE: Partnering to Meet the Micronesia Challenge, Moving Toward Conservation

Home , Caroline Islands, Chuuk State, Ngulu Atoll, Pohnpei State, Yap State

MICRONESIAN Journal of FISHING Special Edition

Protecting the Biodiversity of Ngulu Atoll

INSIDE: Man and Turtle in the Caroline Islands Grass roots efforts to combat dynamite fishing in Chuuk and more ... CONTENTS

MICRONESIANJournal of FISHING Cover Photo: Heading out to begin the installa- tion of a surveillance radar tower to protect the recently established Ngulu Atoll Marine Protected Area from illegal fishing vessels. Photo Courtesy of Yap Community Action Program.

Editors: Peter Houk Lisa Huynh Eller Man and Turtle in the PAGE 10 Contributors: Central Caroline Islands Mike McCoy Lino Olopai Andrew Rapo Berna Gorong Vanessa Fread Dalina Nero Simon Ellis Page Designer: Lisa H. Eller

This journal issue was partially Nimpal Channel Marine funded under a PAGE 4 European Union Conservation Area grant awarded to support conservation efforts in the Federated States of Micronesia. Editor’sPerspective - PAGE 4 Funding through the EU program has Protecting the Biodiversity of Ngulu Atoll - PAGE 6 directly supported all of the programs in Ngulu, Yap, Chuuk, and Kosrae that Making Change in Chuuk - PAGE 8 are described in this issue. The final From Catch to Kitchen - PAGE 14 article on Man and Turtle in the Central Carolines was developed by external Sustaining Livehoods in Pohnpei - PAGE 15 contributors, and not supported through EU funding.

Journal of Micronesian Fishing • 2 EDITORS PERSPECTIVE: Partnering to meet the Micronesia Challenge, moving toward conservation

The European Union (EU) provided selected for funding. Sem), Marine and Environmental Re- to the FSM a total allocation of search Institute of Pohnpei (MERIP), €6.2 million under the 9th European It is with great pride to see the results College of Micronesia-FSM National Development Fund (2002-2008). A of the many achievements of the Campus Marine Science Program, portion of this amount (15% of A En- CEPP programme. More than 40 Pohnpei Farmers Association (PFA), velope) was mainstreamed for activi- job opportunities were provided, and Chuuk Conservation Society (CCS), ties in the areas of conservation and projects were implemented within Chuuk Women Council (CWC), environmental protection. 44 Areas of Biological Significance Society for Historic Investigation and (ABS) thus contributing significantly Preservation (SHIP), Yap Community On May 15, 2007, the Micronesia to the Micronesia Challenge. Action Program (YapCAP), Kaday Conservation Trust (www.ourmicro- Community & Cultural Development nesia.org) was awarded the services All NSAs associated with the pro- Organization (KC&CDO), Yap Insti- contract to administer the Conserva- gramme have an improved technical tute of Natural Science (YINS), and tion and Environmental Protection capacity in areas of conservation Yap Networker News (YNN) for their Programme (CEPP) and, since then, and environmental protection and, exceptional work in implementing the has met its objective to conserve and it is quite evident, that they have projects despite the many challenges protect the nation’s environment also achieved much in their efforts faced. through strengthening the delivery to create awareness for conservation of services by Non-State Actors and environmental protection issues It is not the projects themselves that (NSA) in the area of conservation and facing our islands today. More signifi- bring success; rather it is strength of environmental protection. cant, they have shared in the struggle will and a determined mind. to combat these issues head-on. Through a Call for Proposals (CFPs), Kulo Mulalap, Kalahngan en kupwu- a technical grant procedure, NSAs Thus, I would like to take this oppor- romwail, Kinisou Chapur, Kammagar, were able to submit full proposals tunity to congratulate the grantees Thank you very much! for projects that addressed the FSM for their hard work and determina- National Biodiversity Strategy & Ac- tion. Kosrae Conservation & Safety Fabian Nimea tion Plan (NBSAP) thematic areas in Organization (KCSO), Yela Environ- National Authorizing Officer ecosystem management and human ment Landowners Authority (YELA), National Government resources & institutional develop- Conservation Society of Pohnpei Federated States of Micronesia ment. A total of 14 projects were (CSP), Micronesian Seminar (Mic-

Journal of Micronesian Fishing • 3 Nimpal Channel Marine Conservation Area Surveillance & Enforcement Supported by the European Union Development Fund

(Above) The surveillance team for the Nimpal Channel Marine Conservation Area. Photo courtesy of Nimpal community. by berna gorong even by local, non-commercial surveillance teams but it provides Located on the central west side fishermen. The conservation area for a more effective measure in of Yap’s main island lies the Nim- encompasses the most productive preventing unintentional intru- pal channel, one of eight major grounds including the Nimpal sion by community fishermen channels around the main island Channel, adjacent outer reefs and while fishing for family suste- of Yap. The villages of Okaw and inner reef flats as well. The total nance. Kaday within the Weloy munici- estimate area conserved is 77.5 pality own and share traditional hectares. In order to make the The Nimpal initiative strives to fishing rights within and around community decision public, a dec- strengthen traditional village al- the Nimpal channel, the commu- laration of the conservation area liances and revitalize traditional nity’s traditional fishing grounds. was signed by the village chiefs in practices of resource manage- May 2008. ment. This is done by support- Responding to observances that ing and empowering traditional the fishing grounds are no longer So who enforces the community village communities to meld new as bountiful as in the past, the two decision and ensures community techniques and methods with age villages pulled together to address imposed guidelines are respected? old environmentally sustainable overfishing within their fishing The communities themselves. methods of resource manage- grounds and took action in locally Through funding assistance from ment. Thus this project not only managing their marine resources. the European Commission, the protects the natural environment communities have installed solar that is slowly becoming misused The joint community initiative powered marine beacons to aid by a majority of people, but also established the Nimpal Channel visibility of the protected area the social and traditional ways Marine Conservation Area, set- boundaries, especially at night of the Yapese culture that are ting aside about one-third of its when most fishing activities are constantly pressured by waves of fishing grounds as a conservation done in Yap. These night visible outside influences. p zone where no fishing is allowed, markers not only aid community

Journal of Micronesian Fishing • 4 Solar surveillance lamps at the Nimpal Channel Marine Conservation Area “These night visible markers not only aid community surveillance teams but it provides for a more effective measure in preventing unintentional intrusion by community fishermen while fishing for family sustenance.”

(Clockwise from left) Solar surveillance lamps at the Nimpal Channel Marine Conservation Area. Children of the community; conservation work aims to protect resources for generations to come. Photos courtesy of Nimpal.

Journal of Micronesian Fishing • 5 Protecting the Biodiversity of Ngulu Atoll Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia

(Above) Team heads out to Ngulu Atoll Marine Managed Area. Photo courtesy of Yap Community Action Program (CAP). By Vanessa Fread ery from natural disturbances that continue to influence Ngulu’s coral Ngulu is a large (438 km2) coral reefs, that could eventually compro- reef atoll located in the southwest mise the building blocks of the coral of Yap State’s waters, geographically reef ecosystem. between Yap and Palau, and politically belonging to Yap, Federated States Today, in addition to the sparse popu- of Micronesia (FSM). Major features lation living on the atoll, many people include five islands, a small number from Ngulu live on the main island of patch reefs, 16 passes, and a large of Yap for better public services and submerged eastern reef edge. The economic opportunities, frequenting five islands support native coastal the atoll during the summer months. vegetation as well as nesting sea bird Despite the distributed human popu- and sea turtle populations. Due to lation, a strong involvement of the its geographic isolation and geology, traditional leaders of Ngulu who are only 167 corals and 379 fish species concerned about the management of have been recorded, however flourish- Ngulu Atoll and its resources, re- ing populations of both exist. Abun- mains. It was this traditional leader- dances of many marine resources are ship body that first requested for Yap rarely found in- such high densities Community Action Program (Yap throughout most of the other Caro- CAP, a non-governmental organiza- (Above) Chief Mike Ragmau of Ngulu line Islands. tion based on Yap to assist the people) Atoll. Photo courtesy of Yap CAP. to begin assisting the local communi- The location of the atoll, the distribu- that the coral reef habitats of Ngulu ty improve the management of Ngulu tion of landmasses, and sparse human Atoll remain healthy and intact, how- in 2005. Community participation and settlement create ideal opportunities ever the fisheries resources were be- support for any proposed project is vi- for conservation. However, the prox- ing influenced by overharvesting from tal on Yap, as nearly all land and near- imity of the atoll to southeast Asian both unchecked and/or unauthorized shore reefs are privately owned. Yap fishing fleets provides for the great- vessels. Like any ecosystem, take away CAP typically serves as the conduit est illegal fishing threats. The most one major component and the result is between local communities wanting recent ecological assessment indicated reduced resiliency, or reduced recov- enhanced environment programs and

Journal of Micronesian Fishing • 6 (Above from left) Community center and tower; Installing the radar system; Top of the radar tower. (Below) Moving the cement mixer. Photos courtesy of Yap CAP. outside donors that can provide financial and technical support. Through this vector, Ngulu begun receiving assistance from the Eurpoean Union Conservation and Environmental Protection Program, administered by the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT), to improve their local management strategies and their ability to identify and report illegal fishing.

With these funds we first completed a management plan for the Ngulu Atoll Marine Managed Area that was driven by local, community-level and the world. It is our sincere hope actions. For Ngulu, the reduction decisions. The top priority activity that the success of our combined, of marine resource theft and unsus- identified in the plan was to develop current efforts in Ngulu might also tainable and/or destructive fishing a radar-based surveillance system at be applied to other outer islands of practices will certainly benefit marine Ngulu Atoll; indeed our most ambi- Yap State, FSM. The keys to success biodiversity and coral reef resiliency. tious project to date. In addition to were: 1) initiating community-based bringing the technology to Ngulu, a management efforts to better protect In today’s world where unpredict- strategy for the surveillance and en- marine resources at the local level, 2) able consequences of climate change forcement program was also complet- identifying pressing needs that are be- threaten our normal weather patterns ed. Building upon this success support yond the capacity of the local commu- and bring more frequent disturbance by EU funds, a second grant was nities, 3) gaining positive partnerships to our reefs, it is imperative that local awarded from the German Ministry with Yap CAP, and 4) gaining techni- stressors are minimized. Accordingly, for the Environment Nature Conser- cal and financial resources needed to these efforts aim to keep our function- vation and Nuclear Safety for project implement the needed management al fish stocks healthy. p implementation and the radar system training and operation. In late 2009, the radar tower and all associated About Yap Community Action Program support equipment were installed at The Yap Community Action Program was founded in 1979, in Yap State, the site. Remaining activities include FSM, with the goal of helping rural communities raise their standard finalizing the operation of the radar of living. In recent years, with the many complications of modern life station and training local residents in pounding on Yap’s shores, the organization’s mission has grown as the its use and adequate record keeping. demands on those same communities have grown. Yap CAP is a regis- tered non-government, non-profit organization, originally established The Ngulu community and leadership as a federally funded non-government organization under the UN Trust are most grateful for the support and Territory of the US. financial assistance they are receiving for this effort. A conservation effort Yap Community Action Program (Yap CAP) they strongly feel is important and is P.O. Box 426/ Colonia, Yap State, FM 96943 worth investing in and developing for Phone: 691-350-2198/ Fax: 691-350-2381/ E-mail: [email protected] the future of their people, children,

Journal of Micronesian Fishing • 7 Making change in Chuuk Shaping a future with locally managed marine areas

(Above from left) Local fishermen in mangroves;Saramen Chuuk Academy students with parrotfish. Photos courtesy of the Federated States of Micronesia’s National Government. by Dalina Nero Chuuk Academy (SCA) who have Our initial approach was to get sup- been instrumental in developing radio Dynamite fishing using the unex- port from the communities in Chuuk programs on the negative impacts of ploded World War II ordnance left to begin to approach the dynamite dynamite fishing. in Chuuk’s Lagoon continues to be a fishing problem. Stakeholder meet- major problem for our state. Destruc- ings and community consultations Our goal for the campaign is to in- tive dynamite fishing not only leads were held with participants ranging crease the local communities’ under- to unselective, overharvesting of fish from municipal government mayors, standing of their role in addressing populations, but also destroys the village chiefs, resource owners, local the negative impacts of dynamite coral habitat that provide food and fishermen, market owners, community fishing. We promote enhanced tradi- shelter for the fish themselves. And, based organizations and youth and tional and sustainable marine conser- as many know, changing bad habitats women groups. At these initial meet- vation through the establishment of that provide personal gain is very dif- ing our first goal was to improve their things like Locally Managed Marine ficult to do. understanding of the situation and Areas (LMMAs), that rely upon com- gain support for desirable, improved munity-based decisions. Traditional At Chuuk’s Earth Day celebration conditions. After one year of informal marine conservation is still done in we launched an awareness campaign consultations we officially launched Chuuk through “mechen” or closure against dynamite fishing in the lagoon our public awareness campaign at of harvesting in marine areas when waters. The campaign was funded Earth Day 2010. the resources need time to grow. The through the European Union and concept of the LMMA integrates managed by the Federated States of At the festivities Chuuk Conserva- scientific approaches with traditional Micronesia’s National Government tion Society (CCS) joined efforts with conservation practices. This is par- under the Conservation and Environ- several other non-profit partners ticularly relevant for Chuuk because ment Protection Program which is and government agencies. Notably, marine resources are all community housed by the Micronesia Conserva- this outreach event also included owned. The scientific aspects include, tion Trust. the staff and students of Saramen but are not limit to, underwater Journal of Micronesian Fishing • 8 (Above) Napoleon Wrasse mascot for project. (Below counterclockwise) Community center; sponge farm; students from Saramen Chuuk Academy; local fishermen.Photos courtesy of the Federated States of Micronesia’s National Government. surveys, data analysis, and zoning. Based on these data, communities CCS mission statement: will understand where successes have Protecting and preserving become evident and where challenges Chuuk’s natural resources still reside. to sustain community The expected output of our initial EU livelihoods by working with funded efforts is to establish Parem community partners. island as the first Locally Managed Marine Area in Chuuk State. Parem is located on the southwest of Weno, the capital of Chuuk State. It is also one of the Areas of Biodiversity Significance (ABS) stated in the FSM Blueprint for Conserving Biodiversity with an ABS size of 665.20 square hectares. An aquaculture feasibility study, also funded by the European Union and done by the Marine & Environmental Research Institute of Pohnpei (MERIP), was recently com- lagoon. LMMA sites are based on development of their management pleted to support alternative income interested community-based organi- and monitoring plans, and survey generation. Parem is now the first to zations that have already submitted trainings. Making change happen have a locally managed sponge farm concept papers to our small grants little by little, through community that will hopefully provide for finan- program, which is also housed by involvement, is our thoughtful ap- cial benefits. The long-term outcome Micronesia Conservation Trust. CCS proach to begin combating one of the for the entire campaign is to establish and appropriate government agencies largest issues facing Chuuk’s natural four additional LMMAs in Chuuk continue to provide assistance for the resources. p Journal of Micronesian Fishing • 9 Manand Turtle in the Central Caroline Islands Word by mike mccoy, lino olopai & Andrew rapo; edited by peter houk

Stretching from 131° to 163° E, the Caroline Islands comprise a se- ries of high volcanic and low coral islands and atolls, encompassing the political boundaries of the Feder- ated States of Micronesia (Yap, Truk, Ponape, and Kosrae) and Palau. The easternmost boundary is represented by the high volcanic island of Kosrae, while the west is bounded by the small coral island of Tobi. The oceanic region repre- sents a vast 3.4 million km2, however the shallow-water coral habitats are merely 8,546 km2, and land only makes up 1,193 km2. Sprinkled throughout this expanse of ocean are a few uninhabited atolls and islands that serve as nesting beaches for green, and to a lesser extent, hawksbill turtles. While turtles represent a major part of the diet, culture, and traditional knowledge for outer island societies, limited information exists regarding their population levels and life history, and less of their ability to with- stand current exploitation.

The inhabitants of the Caroline Islands arrived many centuries (Above) Advanced technology used to harvest turtles in Yap State; such tools before the first Europeans. They surfaced in the 1980s, providing an alternative to traditonal methods. Photo cour- had already developed a culture and tesy of John Starmer. society that was based upon explor- ing remote parts of the

Journal of Micronesian Fishing • 10 (Above) Turtles brought back from West Fayu in 1972 being prepared for cooking on Satawal by Steven Annenik, also known as “Recho.” Photo courtesy of Mike McCoy. Pacific by traditional canoe. Wheth- er voyaging for discovery or due to social pressures, the region was well understood and founded by the time the first Spaniards arrived in the sixteenth century. While turtles were most certainly seen and eaten by early visitors and inhabitants alike, we can only speculate on their numbers as little detail in the litera- ture of the early explorers exists.

Since the 1970’s significant turtle nesting activities have been identified on small atolls and islands such as Oroluk, Pikelot, West Fayu, Gaferut, and Helens Reef. Most of these islands do not have a freshwa- ter supply, and thus, are uninhabi- tated for the most part. Due to their isolation from consistent human pressure these islands are often The Caroline Islands (islas Carolinas in spanish) are a widely scattered archi- referred to as “resource” islands that pelago of tiny islands in the western Pacific Ocean, to the north of New Guinea. are frequented by fishermen from Politically they are divided between the Federated States of Micronesia in the other Caroline Islands. Traditional- eastern part of the group, and Palau at the extreme western end. ly, turtle harvesting on these islands was limited by the catch methods

Journal of Micronesian Fishing • 11 (Above) Two participants in the 1972 turtle conservation work at W. Fayu preparing to tag a flipper during the summer of 1972. The two individuals are Andrew Rapo (red thu) and Louis Recheilam, also known as “Matol,” is to his left. Photo courtesy of Mike McCoy.

and the small canoes used to trans- in the mid to late 1970’s, however cieties has remained relatively stable port them between islands. While the hatchery only lasted about five through time, the perceived decreas- resource conservation has always years. He estimates that turtle popu- ing population trends are appar- been an integral part of Carolinian lations remained stable throughout ently being offset by the advances in culture, traditional conservation most of the 1980’s, however, a technology. was augmented in the early 1970’s declining trend has been evident by a Peace-Corps sponsored turtle since then. In the case of Lamotrek Island, hatchery program on West Fayu. 64 km west of Satawal, a diesel- Despite the wealth of local knowl- In the 1980’s technology began to powered skiff was purchased in edge regarding how to catch the improve; harpoons and nets started the mid 1980’s with funds granted turtles and their seasonal nesting to become more available, and large by the District Legislature. In the behavior, some of the basics life- ships from the main islands would ensuing years, the vessel reportedly history characteristics were better understood through work at the West Fayu turtle hatchery. Here they showed that 58 to 60 days were “Ultimately, management of this influential required for hatching. This opened resource lies in the hands of the ~3000 in- the eyes of many people. habitants of the outer Caroline islands, rath- Andrew Rapo, native to Satawal, er than with the ~90,000 residents of the worked for the hatchery protecting main, urbanized islands.” the turtle eggs and newly hatched turtles until they grew enough to improve their chances of survival in the wild. Rapo reflects how the often come to collect turtles for sale. travelled to the atoll of Olimarao in enhanced conservation efforts led Interestingly, the amount of turtle search of turtles, and to Satawal for to increases in turtle populations being caught by the outer island so- trading and social visits.

Journal of Micronesian Fishing • 12 During the same time frame on tion mechanisms remain in place success: 1) protect all nesting beach- Oroluk atoll, western Ponape, the today, and turtle populations are es, 2) reduce the by-catch of turtle inhabitants built a stone holding well managed. In the case of Ulithi in major coastal fisheries programs, pen, where turtles would be placed, Atoll turtle harvesting is strictly 3) establish consistent policy actions awaiting a government field trip controlled by a traditional chief across the Pacific, and 4) encourage ship to transport them to cargo to who decides who, when, and how to sustainability in traditional uses. the main islands for trade and sale. harvest the resources for the benefit Even private ships originating from of the people. Efforts at conservation should be Chuuk have been seen harvesting as made with the people of the area many as 50 to 60 turtles for trans- Over the past 5 to 10 years turtle firmly in mind and that assistance port and sale in the “cash economy” tagging, tracking, and genetic should be given to enable them to found on the main islands. To put sequencing programs have begun to better understand the resource. Ul- this into perspective three journeys form roots. The current goals are to timately, management of this influ- using traditional canoes to get tur- use the turtle tag and recapture data ential resource lies in the hands of tle on Pikelot in 1978 returned to to estimate growth rates as well as the ~3000 inhabitants of the outer Satawal carrying 18, 10, and 11 in- population sizes. The tracking data Caroline islands, rather than with dividuals. Another trip in the same are mostly being used to understand the ~90,000 residents of the main, year to West Fayu returned with 11 the migration patterns (seasonal or urbanized islands. Yet, the challenge captured turtles. Each traditional other), and the genetic sequencing presented must be addressed in the canoes can only carry between 2 to data are being used to estimate the very near future if turtles are to 6 turtles, and thus, is seems logical identity, range, and size of individu- remain a viable part of the island that canoe travel provided a buffer al populations. ecosystem. against exploitation. The cumulative analysis of these There is a good chance that without Today, information regarding turtle data will help to understand the adequate stocks of turtles, the ca- populations, migrations, and even current situation in the Pacific. A noe voyaging tradition would suffer, genetic lineages, based upon DNA recent sea turtle workshop by glob- and with it an important component evidence, slowly continues to de- al scientists suggests four paths for of island society. p velop.

A growing body of evidence con- (Below) Turtle meat, a popular regional food source, continues to be harvested firms that turtle populations are not throughout Micronesia and the Pacific. Photo courtesy of John Starmer. “unlimited gifts from the ocean,” rather their slow growth rates and long-lived adulthood translate into an easily over-exploited resource. While this has long been inherently understood in traditional resource conservation practices that are part of the Carolinian culture, today’s generation has less respect for traditional ways and the chiefs who institute them.

But how do local harvesting practices compare with external pressure associated with ship-based poaching and the by-catch of the tuna fishing boats? These answers remain unknown.

Yet, there are several examples where strong traditional conserva-

Journal of Micronesian Fishing • 13 From Catch to Kitchen FISH LUAU SOUP Contributed by Sam Sablan

1 lb. Parrot Fish Fillet, squared chunks 8 oz. Onaga or Mahimahi 8 oz. Mussels, half shell 8 oz. Ham, medium dice 1 large Sweet Potato (Purple), Peeled, squared Chunks 1 bag Fresh Spinach or 1 sm. Box of Frozen Spinach ½ Yellow Onion, diced 3 Cloves Garlic, minced 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil 1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano 1 oz. White Wine 2 Tablespoons Worcester(?) Sauce 2 Tablespoons Tabasco Bring to a boil again and skim off scum (if any) and 3 whole Bay Leaves discard. Bring to a simmer and add Worcester sauce, 2 cups Chicken Stock Tabasco, salt and pepper to taste. Add fish, coconut 2 cups Coconut Milk milk and spinach. Check for seasoning. Simmer for 8 oz. Butter another 3 minutes and remove from oven to prevent 8 oz. Flour further cooking. Check sweet potato cubes for done- Salt and Pepper To taste ness before turning off heat.

Method: Tips: Soup should be as thick as pureed soup but To make a roux, melt butter in pan and add flour. not as thick as chowder. Add a little broth at a time Continue to stir and cook for 2 minutes, set aside. for thinning or more roux for added thickness. Soup thickens as it gets colder. Reheating soup will bring Heat large pot and add olive oil. Sautee Onions, gar- it to desired consistency or if needed, you may add lic, and black pepper for 3 minutes. Make sure there’s broth and seasoning. no color. Add prepared roux and slow cook for 1 minute. Add white wine and cook for 1 minute. Mix Serve with Grilled Bread and garnish with sprinkles in ham, sweet potatoes, dried oregano, bay leaves, of parmesan cheese and red chili flakes. and Chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add mussels.

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Journal of Micronesian Fishing • 14 Sustaining Livelihoods Supporting Conservation

BY SIMON ELLIS MERIP Mission Statement: “To promote sustainable development The Marine and Environmental Re- and livelihoods for Micronesians, search Institute of Pohnpei (MERIP) through natural resource conservation, was originally founded as a not-for- and to research, teach, demonstrate and profit corporation in the FSM in 1997 transfer technologies that allow with the goal of providing education Micronesians to improve their lives and income generating opportunities while maintaining core traditional for rural Micronesians. The organi- values and minimizing impact to the zation ran a number of community- environment.” based extension and aquaculture research and development projects (Above counterclockwise from left) Divers harvesting clams; propogating cor- and was also used for teaching stu- als; MERIP’s facilities. Photos courtesy of MERIP. dents in the Ponape Agriculture and Trade School (PATS) marine science marine ornamental trade; and sponges contract farming method to that of program. In 1999, MERIP was in- for the bath and beauty trade. Thanks the coral farms. Grow out time for the corporated into the PATS administra- to innovative collaboration between sponges is 2-3 years but they require tion and was later re-established as a private, non-profit and government little maintenance, allowing farmers stand-alone NGO in 2005. agencies, this work is beginning to to engage in other traditional and in- pay rewards to grass root farmers. come generating activities. Nearly all The current focus of MERIP’s activi- sponges are currently sold through a ties is to work with individuals and MERIP is now working with 13 local fair trade organization in New Zea- families in rural, coastal communities farmers to produce 5 species of soft land called New Zealand TradeAid. to develop small aquaculture busi- and hard corals. Using a simple form In order to be able to sell sponges nesses. Most of this work takes place of contract farming, MERIP provides through this conduit, MERIP had with communities in Pohnpei who are substantial technical and marketing to qualify the sponges as a sustain- involved with the Marine Protected assistance to farmers, while maintain- able, fair trade item, thereby ensuring Areas program, as a means of income ing their own central farm that helps greater returns to the farmers for replacement from decreased fishing to guarantee consistent production. their product. activities. The Conservation Society By expanding the product line, more of Pohnpei and Pohnpei State Divi- farmers can be supported and over- MERIP has received funding from sion of Fisheries and Aquaculture all production can be increased. It is many organizations to support its are major collaborators with MERIP hoped that more than 30 farmers in work. Some of the recent donors in these activities. MERIP also has Pohnpei may eventually participate in are the European Union Conserva- strong links with the University of the program. tion and Environmental Protection Hawaii system and other regional Programme (EU CEPP) managed organizations working on sustainable In addition to coral farming, MERIP by Micronesia Conservation Trust development and aquaculture issues. also promotes farming of the Micro- (MCT), United Nations Micronesia nesian wool sponge (Cosinoderma Small Grants Programme, United The two main areas of product matthewsi) with MPA communities States Department of Agriculture development at MERIP are: corals, in Pohnpei. 19 community members and the David and Lucille Packard giant clams and other species for the now run simple farms using a similar Foundation. p

Journal of Micronesian Fishing • 15 Journal of Micronesian Fishing is published by the:

PACIFIC MARINE RESOURCES INSTITUTE (PMRI) PMB 1156 PO BOX 10003 SAIPAN MP, 96950

PMRI is a locally incorpo- rated, non-profit environmental organization based in Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

It is dedicated to working in partnership with Pacific nations, states, and communities to assess, moni- tor, and manage their pre- cious biological resources for sustainable use.

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