&&&••

THE FISHERIES BTOUSTRY OF THE COOK ISLAMS

H. VAN PEL Fisheries Officer, South Pacific Commission.

Noumea South Pacific Commission 1955 'J,J'OVd Hj np; ! J. u v. * ~'" ' " CONTENTS T, A«Vj,Jg| •; Page INTRODUCTION • 2 . GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATOLOGY 3 Geographical data 3 Climatological data 4

THE PRESENT FISHERIES INDUSTRY OF THE COOK ISLANDS 6 General 6 Imports and exports of fisheries products 6 Rarotonga 7 The fringing reef 7 Sea fisheries 8 Tnlnnd fisheries 9 Aitutaki 9 The lagoon 9 The reef and tidal pools 10 Sea fisheries 11 Inland fisheries 11 Penrhyn 12 General 12 Sea fisheries 12 Lagoon fisheries 12 P_i£cte^a_nmr^rjLtifera_ 13 Fish • 15 05 Pipi pearlshell 16 Cfc CL Giant clam 16 Sea weed 16 35ft Inland fisheries 16 Manihiki 16 Lagoon fisheries 17 Pearling 17 Previous transplantations of pearl oysters .20 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF FISHERIES RESOURCES 22 Rarotonga 22 Traps Reef and tidal pools Fish farming Conclusions Aitutaki Reef and lagoon Tro_chus allotious Fish farming • Conclusions Penrhyn Pearling Trochus_ nilpticus_ Seaweed Conclusions Mariihlki '• • Pearling Reef and lagoon TRANSPLANTATION OF PEARL OYSTERS TO RAKAHANGA Detailed account of operations Collectors Further recommendations Puka Puka Equipment for oyster transplantation Instructions for further transplantation Tank Oysters Water circulation Transfer from ship to lagoon CONCLUSIONS AQUATIC FAUNA OF THE COOK ISLANDS AVERAGE RAINFALL IN THE COOK ISLANDS ' r

167 165° 160°¥. 156°

+ Penrhyn

+ Rakal anera 10°S. + Man: hiki + Pul a Puka

+ Nassau

N.

+ Suwarrow

15u

+ Palmeraton

+ Aitutakl + Manuae

Takutea + + Mitiaro u T •*-)!* 1—_: 1 20 Atiu + MavkB

+ Rarotonga + Mangaia

23

COOK ISLANDS THE FISHERIES INDUSTRY OF THE COOK ISLANDS

Introduction

At the request of the Cook Islands Administration I have made a

general investigation of fisheries in. both the southern and northern groups

of that territory. My actual stay in the territory was from April 15 till

June 3.

The foremost interest of the Administration was the transfer of

pearl-oysters from Manihiki to Puka Pulca. However, since no hoat connec­

tion with Puka Puka was available, I was requested to carry out an all-round

survey of fisheries and to give directions regarding the proposed transfer of

pearl-oysters.

I was not quite as free as would havo been desirable to move from

island to island, since I was unavoidably tied down to the schedule, of the

inter-island cargo vessel on which I was travelling. My work on shore, reef and

lagoon had to be done in the time it took for loading and unloading. However,

the unfailing CD-operation received from officers of the. Administration,-

particularly tho Director of Agriculture and'his staff, from the members of

the Economic Survey Mission from New Zealand, from Mr. R. Powell, from owners

of pearling-boats, from members of the island council, and generally from all

Cook Islanders, made it possiblw for me to obtain quito a good picture of

existing conditions and to foresee the main steps which should bo taken for the

development and conservation of fisheries resources.

. It is a great pleasure to me that .even before the close of my visit,

some concrete realizations could be achioved through the building of a trial fish pond in Rarotonga and the experimental transfer of pearl-oysters from

Penrhyn and Manihiki to tho Rakahanga lagoon.

Fisheries resources are of great importance for the Cook Islands and it is high time that adequate attention was paid to them.

Geographical and climatolbgical data will be found in the first part of this report. The existing fisheries industry has been dealt with the noxt part} together with statistics of imports and exports and I have gone into details as much as I could. Finally, the suggestions and the recommen­ dations made for the development and conservation of the fishery resources have been embodied in part III. GEOGRAPHY-.AM .OLMATOLOGY

Geographical data

The territory of the Cook Islands comprises two distinct areas, the Southern and the Northern Groups. The Southern or Lower Group includes

8 islands or island clusters, of which Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mitiaro,

Maulce and Mangaia are permanently settled. The two other islands in this group are Takutea and Manuae. Seven island clusters are included in the

Northern Group: Penrhyn, Manihiki, Rakahanga, Puka Puka and Palmerston which are permanently inhabited, and Suwarrow and Nassau. Some of these islands are of volcanic origin, others are a part of coral atolls. In fact the number of islands is much greater: the Manihiki atoll, for instance, includes more than twenty islands. Officially, however, there are fifteen islands with Rarotonga as the administrative headquarters.

Island ' Miles from General direction Island Miles from General direction Rarotonga from Rarotonga • • Rarotonga from Harotonga

Mangaia 110 E.p.Ee Manihiki 650 ' N.iW.

Mauke 150 E.N.E. Rakahanga 674 N.-tW."

Mitiaro 142 N.E. Penrhyn 737 •• N.3/4E.

Atiu 116 N.E. Manuae 124 N.N.E. '

Aitutaki 140 Bf. Takutae 118 N.E.

Palmerston 270 •N.W. Nassau 673 N.N.W.

,Puka Puka . 715 N.N.W. •Jw. Suwarrow 513 N.N.W.

The3e islands are widely scattered over an area of some 850,000 '

square mile3 extending from 9° to almost 23 South and from 156 to 167 West.

The total land area in the territory is approximately 100 square miles.

The lagoons are Crown property below low water mark and comprise a

total area of approximately 114,319 acres. A.

.Area and pp-pulation of the islands as at 51 March, i| 954

Island Appr. area Total population Indigenous population in acres *

Rarotonga 16,500 6,020 5,677

Mangaia 12,800 1,939 1,932

Mauke 4,600 905 902

Mitiaro 2,500 331 330

Atiu 6,950 '1,385 1,583

Aitutaki 5,900 2,555 2,539

Palmerston 1,000 95 95

Puka Puka 1,250 589 589

Manihiki 1,344 838 837

Rakahanga 1,000 281 280

Penrhyn 2,452 574 573

Manuae 1,524 20 19

Takirfcea 302

Nassau 300 124 124

Suwarrow 600 1 1

57,002 15,657 15,281

Climatological data

The Cook Islands lie within the hurricaie belt. On a rough average the territory suffers damage from hurricanes once every two years. Within recent years the most destructive storms have occured in 1935, 1943 and

1946.

Throughout the Cook Islands easterly winds blow roughly 60^ of the time from April to November, with a moan velocity approaching 10-12 knots. From December to March, northeasterly winds with a mean velocity of approximately 8 to 10 knots prevail at least 50$ of the time.

Temperature records for Rarotonga in 1954 were as follow:

Maximum temperature 86,8 F.

Minimum - 54.1 P. •5.

Mean of maximum, .tamperatur.es_8Q,4 F.

Mean of minimum temperatures 70,1 i1.

Average temperature for the year 75.3 F.

These figures can be taken as fairly representative of temperatures

in the islands of the lower Group, although the less elevated islands to the

North East and Aitutaki to the North would have slight higher means and less pronounced extremes.

In the Northern Group the mean temperature would approach 80° F. with small seasonal changes and a much lesser diurnal range.

Rainfall figures will be found in the attached table (Annex II). PRESENT. FISHERIES ••IMOSTRY OP THE OOOK ISLANDS

General

• A large proportion of the population takes part in fisheries activities. Under this term are included all types of activity undertaken with a view to procuring aquatic foods and products. Fishing is only a part time occupation in most cases and women and children also take a hand in it.

Such activities cover sea and reef areas, lagoons, brackish water ponds,

creeks and swamps.

The fishing craft- used include canoes with or without outriggers

and sail boats, the latter mainly for pearling. With the exception of pearl

shell diving, which is important in Manihiki and Ponrhyn, there is no actual

commercial fishing in the whole territory. Fish and other sea foods are used for family consumption or gifts to friends and relations. Some years

ago a motor fishing-boat was used for line fishing in Rarotonga, hut this

activity did not prove profitable,

The "Cook Islands Fishing Ordinance,. 1950" prohibits the.use.of

dynamite or other explosives for patching or destroying fish. The "Cook

Islands Pearl-Shell Fisheries Regulations, 1950" deals with shell sizes

and diving' licenses.

I am not in a position to give a detailed description of all the

fishing methods used in the Cook Islands, since my stay in some of the

islands was much too short, A detailed survey would take at least one year

to carry out, I will limit myself to a description of the most important

fishing methods and activities observed in the"centers I have visited.

Imports and exports of Fisheries -products

Imports of Fish and Fish •products

.1952 1955 1954 Lbs. £ Lbs. £• Lb3. £

Fish products ) g 68 7 62 808 6,513 Tinned fish etc ; „

Fresh fish 1,094 110 1,094 99 808 98

The following imports of meat should also be mentioned:

Fresh meat 20,802 2,358,, 67,159 5,553 101,303 8,421, Preserved meat 366,092 '65,86? 404,162 54,089 406,319 57,542 Exports of Mother of Pearl Shell ( in tons weight)

1931 16 1939 19 1947 131 1932 - 1940 . - 1948 114 1933 - 1941 - 1949* 288

1934 - 1942 - 1950* 313 1-935 12 1943 • 69 1951* 459 1936 '• - 1944 - 1952* 301

1937 4 1945 14 1953* 309 1938 24 1946 48

Mote; - The production of Penrhyn was;

1949 20 tons

1950 40 -

1951 25 -

1952 13 -

1953 ' 15 -

- - Pr:Le e of shell f,.o.b . ex Cook Issland s (average per ton weight)

& 1 • 1945 . 50 •1950 256

1946 253 '1953 232

1947 190 1955 380*

1949 170, .

* CIE New York.or other places.

Rarotonga

The Fringing Beef. A small fringe of reef surrounds the whole

island. It reaches its maximum width on the southeast and south coasts.

It is constantly pounded by 3urf..., There are some.breaks in this reef through Which fishing canoes can have access to the sea. The'- harbours of

Avatiu and Avarua on the North Coast, and Ngatangiia harbour in the East- are three examples of such openings. There are three channels practicable for boats on-the southern side.' The three "harbours" mentioned above are only partly sheltered loading and unloading points for small craft. . Kutaisi" ~- Passage ^^ . . Avaaroa Passage Passage

159°45' '"8.

Some parts of the reef are uncovered at low tide hut considerable areas inside tho surf line remain covered and constitute an almost conti­ nuous ring of tidal pools. In some places the salinity of the water is equal to that of the ocean; in most cases however it is lowered by fresh water from various creeks. The tides constantly bring fresh sea-water into these tidal pools, which are generally very clear. At the time of my visit the water in these pools had a temperature of 76.5 I". and a salinity of about 30 per millo. The bottom of these pools is made of sand and rock.

At low tide islanders gather shell fish on the reef. Some fishing is also practiced there. The reef area is, however, overfished, 'and it is mostly juvenile fauna that is taken. For instance the "Paua", a giant clam, is gathered when only three inches long, "Hapuku", (Bock-Cod) and "U",'

(a Parrot-fish) are caught when 4" long. In addition, explosives and fishing poisons have done much harm.

Shell fish, including several types of sea snails are gathered by hand. Pish is caught with spear, scoop nets, surround-nets, traps built of rocks, mid rod and line. Sometimes a school of mullet moves into the

tidal pools and fishermen put a surround-net (Kupenga) around it. Occasion­ ally a school of Aturo (Carangidae) enter the pools and swim into the traps,

or come into the Avatiu Harbour where they are caught from canoes or from the jetty with rod and line baited with fresh-water prawns.

Sea fisheries. This is carried out by canoes comparatively near to the coast. The main methods used are handlining and trolling for various tuna species and Spanish mackerel; lights and dip nets for f]yung fish..

Somo fishing is practiced in depths of 150 to 250 fathoms, with handlines on

dark nights for the castor oil fish (paru), Ruvettus -preciosus.

I had intended to troll with surface and depth lines but I was

prevented from taking part in these tests by the early departure of the

plane. During my stay a depth, kite was made by Mr.. R. Powell on my advice.

In a day of fishing, three strikes were recorded on the depth line but only

one Spanish mackerel weighing forty pounds was caught. No strikes were

recorded on the surface line. According to Mr. Powell, it was not the proper

season for trolling. 9.

Sea fisheries are quite undeveloped in this island. This is understandable since Earotonga is surrounded by deep sea and very clear waters and it is not uncommon to have Btrong winds and high seas. Under these conditions more advanced types of fishing would require a good sea­ worthy motor boat. However such a boat would have no harbour offering all the year around shelter and the partly sheltered anchorages here would offer too much risk, besides being already occupied with other types of shipping.

As long as no adequate harbour is available in Rarotonga, no fishing venture involving motor boats is justified,

Inland fisheries. This branch is not important at the moment,

Some eels and freshwater cray-fish are caught in creeks and swamps.

It can be said in conclusion that Rarotonga is poorly supplied with aquatic animal foods,

Aitutaki

AitutakL is a great atoll including one large and 13 small islands.

Only the main island, Aitutak^ and the small island of Akaiami are inhabited, the latter mainly by islanders servicing the sea planes. The lagoon is large and the reef belt has only three openings, suitable for very small craft , the best being the Arutanga passage,

Pishing takes place on the sea near the coast, on the reef, in the tidal pools and in the lagoon, Aitutaki is better supplied with marine food than. Rarotonga, although it is not rich.

The reef and tidal pools are overfished and the flora and fauna of the lagoon have largely been destroyed by large 3cale dynamiting which was necessary for the development of the sea plane base and other useful work.

The blasting spread over a number of years, but fortunately the work is now finished,

According to the Resident Agent, Mr. Gladney, who takes a keen interest in fisheries matters, this lagoon was rich in fish before the biasing started*

The Lagoon. This lagoon has a maximum depth of 24 feet, but depths of 12, 14, 15 ft, are found in many places,'as well' as depths of 2 ft. near AIIUTAId

18°50' S. N. /\

* 12 ( Aitutaki \ / '• \ / / 1 / / \ v 1 1 \ ' 1 1 \ N^ 1 1 1 1 ' 1 < ^ \ \ \ J \ \ J 15 24

1 Many coral knolls 1 and patches Reef 12 Akaiami

Atoll - Lagoon

18°55'20" S. Maina 14

s 12 ^ v Pro poo sed Reserve c0\. Q> Awash in places

Reef

159°45' W.

Approx. 1 sea mile Depths in Feet

A Unstocked pond B Inner lagoon C Tidal pond 10. land. The water is greenish and when swimming in the centre of the lagoon with diving goggles it is just possible to see the bottom in 16 to 17 ft. of water. This is'the highest turbidity I have observed in the lagoons of the Cook Islands* At the :;.orth end of the lagoon there ia a deep indenta­ tion in the coast of the main island., which forms a sort of inner lagoon.

The difference between high water and low water levels at spring tide is about 2 ft.,

There is practically no cm-rent in the centre of the lagqon but around and in the passages connecting the lagoon and the ocean, strong tidal

currents may be observed. I personally recorded.a five knot current in the

Arutanga passage on one occasion,

At the time of my visit the surface water temperature was between

80 and 81,5°P. Air temperature' in the sto.de on the 2nd of June was 78 F, at

12.00 hrs and 76°F; at 24.00 hrs. The maximum temperature observed in the

sun during my stay was 84.5 F.

The salinity of the water -was approximately 32-33 per mille,

except in the abovementioned "inner lagoon", where it was about 25'per mille,

In this latter area, water temperature was'77°-83 F.. This rather wide

range of temperatures is probably due to the shallow depth' of this inner

lagoon, and to the fact that its bottom is generally of a light colour.

The lagoon is poor in fish and other forms of life. Pish such as

Kanae (mullet), Kivari (silverside), Koama (goatfish) and Ature (Carsngidae)

are found in the vicinity of lagoon beaches. A number of coral heads and

patches, as well as rocks can be observed in' the lagoon, but they shelter

very little life. This is ascribed to previous blesting. However, I

observed some signs of recovery"in places.

Some fishing is carried out in the lagoon with surround-nets and

spears but it does not reach important proportions.

The Reef and Tidal Pools. The reef constitute the outer belt of

the atoll. It offers excellent conditions for the development of flora and

fauna. There is a luxurious growth of coral. Many varieties of shellfish

including sea snails, can be found there, and somo parts are heavily populated

with "beche de mer". Spiny lobsters live in the breakers area on the outer 11.

side of the reef; they are caught only when the/ come into the lagoon at

night. This reef also shelters squilla (varo), a very palatable kind of

crayfish, which reaches a length of 10 inches* ' ' -

Among the. foods gathered by islanders from the reef, the most •

important are Paua (a giant clam), and Ariri (a sea snail). These shells "

are gathered undersize'" and this remark also applies' to fish.

Pish do not get a chance to grow to normal size. Any fish, however

undersize , which can be driven out of its hiding place is taken, and local

fishermen have .become quite skilled in this type of fishing. Coral patches

are completely surrounded with coconut leaves and the fish driven out, without a chance of escape.

In the. deeper parts of the tidal pools, in 2-3 feet of water, small

schools of big mullet or garfish can be found. Each school includes no more

than 30-40 fish, and it is only where natural conditions make fishing very •

difficult that these have a chance of escaping,

Water temperature in the tidal pools was 74 -79 If. at the time of my visit, with a salinity of about 33 per mille, Clean seawater is always stream-

.ing through these pools. .The bottom is sand, coral debris, coral and rock.

Sea fisheries. The sea is very deep around the atoll.

I observed 23 canoes fishing for tuna with handlinos in depths of

60 fathoms. Only one crew caught a yellow fin tuna and a bigeyed tuna, weighing about 40 pounds each. All the others" came back empty handed after a whole afternoon of fishing. This was a very poor day.

Hcmdlines and trolling lines are used for various tuna species,

Para (Spanish Mackerel), Paoa (Carangidae) and Maunga (Barracuda). Flying fish (Maroro) are lured with lamps. •

A 2 hour ' trolling trial, using both surface and depth lines, carried out during my stay, produced no results. The best time for trolling in Aitutaki is the early morning, and we wore too late. I believe, however, that it was not the right season, since our depth lines should have given us indications if there had been fish there.

Inland fisheries. Aitutaki has no inland fisheries at the moment,There are swamps, however, and a pond which does not contain any.fish except Gambusia. • 12.

Penrhyn,

• General., I had only two days in which to survey Penrhyn. This is a large atoll, including some 20 islands studding the reef belt. There are 2 villages, one on Omoko in the West, the other on Taiitua in the East; these villages hear the same names as the islands on which they are situated.

This atoll is the best fishing place I have seen in the Cook Islands, both for lagoon fishing and deep sea fishing outside the Western Passage.

With the exoption of pearling, fishing is chiefly a subsistence activity,

Most of my attention was devoted to the lagoon,

Sea fisheries. There is some line fishing for tuna and Spanish mackerel just outside the Western passage. I also had the opportunity to observe a fishing technique new to me: a fisherman sails his canoe to a spot where ho expects to find "Koporu" (Decapterus sp.), a species of horse- mackerel. He then goes into the water, equipped with diving goggles and a short rod and line. His barbloss- hook is baited with a pinch of kapok.

He chews some coconut and spits it out underwater in the vicinity of the school of Koperu. This chumming is repeated until the fish is brought to the surface, near the fisherman's canoe. Then, still in the water, the man starts fishing, swinging each fish into the canoe where it unliooke itself.

While trolling at sea, I caught a yellowfin tuna weighing about

25 lbs off Omoko Island. Trolling only gives results near the coast. The

surface temperature of the Ocean on April 28 was about 82.5 F. and on April

30, about 81,5 . On^the same dates, the salinity was approximately 32 per millo. Air temperatures on April 28 were 77.5 F. to 84.5 E\ Wind was from

the North,

Lagoon fisheries. The lagoon is very deep. Nearly half of it is

over 30 fathoms deep, with a maximum of 35 fathoms in the centre. The bottom

is sand and coral and the lagoon is studded with reefs, coral heads and patches.

The water is very clear. Water temperature was 81.5 F. with a salinity of

about 32 per mille at the time of my visit. Air temperatures were 77.5 F.-84.5 F.

The difference between high and low water levels is about 2 feet.

The tide is semi-diurnal, J 3.

Aquatic flora and fauna are very abundant. The most important

items harvested by the islanders are? Pinctada margnritifera .Cthe Blacklip

pearl oyster), fish, "Pipi" pearl oysters and giant clams.

Pinctada maragaritifera. This pearl oyster is of very, great

importance for the Cook Islands. Unfortunately, we know little about this

species, and no scientific study ha3 ever been made of it in this particular

area. . The most valuable reports available are these of Professor G. Ranson,

dealing with the Tuamotu and Gambier Lagoons in French Oceania , and of (2)

Dr, A.R. Calm, Fisheries Division, U.S. Msh and Wildlife Service .

I have ma:de use of these reports and of my own first hand knowledge of the

Gold lip oyster (Pinctada maxima)T acquired in East Indonesia, in order to

carry out. this. investigation. However, i:t must be emphasized here that many

factors affecting the hlapklip oyster in it3 normal surroundings are

still unknown^ There is no point in my repeating here what has already

been written by the above mentioned authors, and this report i3 therefore

restricted to my personal observations,

In the Penrhyn Lagoon, most of the pearl .oysters are; gathered in

6 to 18 fathoms of water by skin div.ers. Some divers go aoral twenty fathoms.

.The maximum diving time observed was 58 seconds, the check covering several

divers.

lost of the. lagoon bottom is out of the divers'reach on account

of depth, or cannot be easily explored because it is covered with Runa

(seeweod) which reaches, in places, a length of four feet. This seaweed

can be dangerous for divers when growing on steep rocks, since it obscures

the view, increasing the danger from hidden eels. A considerable number

of oysters remain hidden behind the weeds.

Normally oysters attach themselves to rocks at an angle of 180

with the support, Each.oyster is attached to its support by means of about

190 strong byssus threads. It is not always possible for. those mollusks to .

secure apposition at right angle with their support and they will then live

in any position, sometimes forming large clusters of mixed sizes.

(0 See SPC Quarterly Bulletin Vol, 5 - No. 3, July, 1955. (2) Pearl culture in Japan. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Publication No. 357. PMRIfflT N.

9°S. Village \J 4

x( .1 Omoko Lagoon Patanga \\ K Village 36 «^\ \ \ Full of reefs and coral patches 33 35 10 'i IV Tepuka 26 ' / CoO(p ' / / / 19 / C'

/ / 2 sea miles Vol* lyOj Depths in fathoms

165°50'W. DANGER ISLANDS

< Puka Puka i » 3 fV Wslj

/ 10 l | i 2 sea miles Motu Kavata ,' / . \ 10°5>S.

Tearai Reef v 20 \ \ - _ £ l"\ \ Motu Koe

Depths in fathoms •14.

I was unable, when diving, to take an oyster from its support- without wrenching a piece of that support with it. Nounally a diver wrenches tho oyster around a quarter turn and pulls it off. An oyster broken off from its support (actually it is the byssus which is broken) can still live and grow. However, it would seem that its growth would be retarded. It is common to see undersize' oysters brought ashore if they are.attached to a cluster of full size specimens. Once they have been freed from the cluster these undersize oysters are placed in shallow water

(from 4 to 6 feet deep) near the shore. Once they have reached the legal dimension, they are taken away for sale. In spite of the fact that these oysters are often placed on a sandy bottom which, according to biological knowledge, does not constitue a suitable habitat for them, they do not die.

I have personally observed for one week such oysters which had already been lying on a sand bottom for some months, and I am satisfied that they were in perfect condition. Oysters are found everywhere in the lagoon in favourable environments but the greater number lives in water over 3 fathoms

deep. Nevertheless I have found a 6" specimen normally attached to a rock'

in one fathom of water. In most of the oysters I have examined I have found

a glassy shrimplike animal, about 1" long, whic$i is probably a parasite,

A skin-diver can normally collect from 20 to 30 oysters a day in

this lagoon. There are about 50 skin-divers who do not, however, dive

everyday. When operating from a boat they prefer to dive in teams of 5 or

6 divers on account of the danger from sharks. Those using cajioes operate

in teams of 2 or 3. I'personally encountered a shark while diving, but was

able to escape into shallow water.

In 1954, trials were made with a boat and diving equipment. The

owner of this boat, Mr, Philipp Woonton, told me that the trials were not

very successful, one reason being that the divers were hindered by the

seaweed . He was also dissatisfied with the unsufficient training of his

divers and said he would make another trial in the 'near future with skilled

divers.

In the deep parts of the lagoon there are big oysters reaching

8 to 9 in.ches.Howovor,a number of these large shells are damaged by .15, borer holes. I have never found such large numbers of borers anywhere- elsej they are -to be found not only in the oyster shells but also in coral rocks, \Ofo of the shells gathered are classed as number one, another 40$ are classed as number 2 (that is with few borer holes) and the remaining

20fi are so badly damaged that they have no commercial_value.

The Cook Islands Pearl Shell Fisheries Regulations, 195Q, provide that "no person shall take from a fishing reserve.any pearl shell having a diameter of less than 44" in. measured along its greatest axis". In my opinion this should be taken to mean "trimmed shells" but any mention of this has been omitted. An oyster 4^" wide when cleaned and trimmed would at least measure 5" when it comes out of the water, that is before the soft dark brown outer edge has been cut off. The present situation is such that .if somebody has in his possession a trimmed shell 4" wicLe he can be punished although that shell wa3 41" wide when taken from the lagoon.

Regulation 11 of the same Regulations provides that: "every person taking any pearl shell shall forthwith open the same on the lagoon from which it was taken and shall forthwith return to the water any spawn contained in the shell".. In actual practice the divers bring their pearl oysters^ ashore where they are opened, often the following morning. This work is done with knives, mostly by women. The best parts of the oyster are set aside for food and at the same time the animal is examined for pearls.

In short the oyster is destroyed and the waste is thrown, in shallow water. or used to feed turtles, as I have observed in Manihiki. Anyhow, there would be no good reason for throwing spawn back ix. the lagoon, either at the fishing site or near the shore, since it would be eaten immediately by fish and, even if this did not happen, what could be expected of immature spawn?

On Penrhyn the price paid to the divers for shell is £BTZ 0.1.10 per pound. The merchants ship the shells in bags to Rarotonga k where they are sorted into broken and unbroken shell, packed into boxes and exported mostly to the United States.

Fish. I trolled a spoon from a motor boat along the reef3 in,the lagoon. In one hour we caught 6 Uruas (Carangidae).weighing altogether

18 lbs. and one lai (Carangidae) of 4 lbs. Thirty minutes of fishing with ono , 16. handline on a reef yielded 5 Hapukus (Serranidae) weighing. 1-5- lbs*. I saw a number of reef fishes and many sharks. The islanders fish with handlines in the lagoon,

Pipi pearlshell. The coral blocks in the lagoon abound in Pipi pearlshell (-presumably'Pinctada carchai-iarium) measuring from 1 to 2 inches.

These shells produce very good golden pearls. The shell has a golden mother of pearl layer. These oysters are edible and live in depths of 2 feet to

20 fathoms. They are often attached to blacklip oysters.

Giant clam. There are many giant clams in the lagoon. Their flesh is often salted, put in biscuit tins and shipped to Earotonga.

)3eaWoed • An aquatic plant locally known as "Runa" is considered as a pest by the pearl divers. It is however edible raw and quite palatable.

It is similar to the Agar-Agar from which commercial gelatines are made.

I advised the Director of Agriculture to dry a sufficient quantity of this plant and to send it to New Zealand for analysis. It is possible that it- can be used in some forms of human or animal foods or as a fertilizer.

Inland fisheries. No time was available to visit the fish ponds at Patanga and Tepuka. I understand that milkfish fry, locally called "Ava",

is put every year in each pond and harvested after one year rearing. They apparently provide the main course for a feast.

Manihiki

Two visits were paid to Manihiki, May 1 to 4 and 7 to 10 respec­

tively. Six islands and a number of low rocks are situated oh the reef belt

and about 15 islets are scattered in the lagoon. The main villages are

Tauhunu and Tulco. Manihiki is the best pearling lagoon of the Cook Islands.

In 1953 it produced 294 tons of pearl shell. There is some line fishing for

Tuna and Spanish mackerel and Koperu fishing is practiced as described for

Penrhyn. On the reefj fish are also driven into traps made of rocks and

coconut leaves. I have observed such a drive in which 4 men caught 11 Uruas

(Carangiclae) weighing approximately 33 lbs. Pishing is a subsistence activity.

It should be mentioned here that there are some sponges of good

appearance in the iagoon, but they are not 0f the first quality. .„ 1.7*

• Lagoon fisheries. .The Manihiki lagoon offera ideal conditions

for the pearl oyster, giant clam, sponges, and even for the establishment

of salt water ponds in the South West. In this latter area there are

already natural rock dikes in large numbers. These-.dikes are U'shaped and

it. would be only necessary to close each pond on one'side,

However, there is no need yet to make use of these natural ponds

since the population is already occupied exploiting many other -.resources.

At the moment these partly enclosed areas are rich'in giant clams which are, however,: gathered, when still undsrsize* <

.The water' is very clear in the lagoon and there is a]most no current, -At. high tide' ocean-water washes over the southwestern and north­ western reefs and at low tide the lagoon water can run out. The difference between high and low water level in the lagoon is about 2 ft, :

The flora and fauna of the lagoon indicate great fertility.

No soundings were indicated on the chart and those shown on the attached..sketch map were taken by myself. I>uring my visit the surface water salinity in the lagoon was approximately 32 per mille'. and that of the o.cean water about 35 per mille. The temperature of the water in the lagoon was from 83 to 83.5 P., except in areas less than 2 ft. deep, near the beaches, where, of course, higher temperatures were often observed. Maximum air temperature in the sun was 95°F,. The bottom of the lagoon is sard, coral rocks and coral patches.

Pearling. The gathering of pearl oysters, locally called "parau",. occupies both skin divers and dress divers. The former work with a log, outrigger canoe or a small sail boat. One man will operate with a log, 1 or

2 with a canoe and up to 6 with a sail boat. The log is used as a floating rest and also serves to support a bag of plaited coconut leaves in which the diver puts his oysters. Canoes are anchored on the spot where the diving takes place. This also is.true of the sail boats, but if the divers opera­ ting from the' boat are numerous, they take along logs, which enable them to cover a wider.area.

These divers use weights and the maximum depth which I have seen them reach was l\ fathoms, although they can dive to 15 fathoms and 160°5'30" W.

RAKAEMGA

/ / ) Lagoon

;' '; Pearl oyster bed N. /[^ 16 12 20 <^j/ 20 O ' PS 10°2'5" S. Depths in fathoms Passagi

1 Sea Mile

Tuku MMIHIKI Village,'/» \, ' '1 W H. Ay Partly / °\ V awash / '„ / ' 2

Tauhunu Village

10024' S.

Partly awash 18. occasionally, deeper. The longest dive I observed in this atoll was of 55 seconds. Weather permitting, an average of twelve skin divers operate every day from each of the village of Tauhunu and Tuko. The number of divers in the atoll is not known, as many islanders practice diving as a part-time occupation. However, I was told that there were 40 in Tauhunu.

On the 9th of May, with, good woather, a skin diver working with a canoe brought ashore 31 oysters and on the same day I observed the catch of six men operating from a sail boat: their individual take was 180, 70, 60,

50 and 40, The man who made the larger catch was said to be the best skin- diver in Tauhunu; he is a part European. This particular day was considered an exceptionally good one,

It is fortunate for these skindi-vers that there are no man-eating sliarks in this lagoon. It was reported to me that, over a period of 18 • years, only two dress divers and three skin divers have lost the.ir life at work. Some of the old divers have become deaf.

Six "machine boats" are also operating in the lagoon; by machine boat, the islanders mean boats equipped'with air pumps, from which operate divers with half dress and helmet. The regulations limit the number of machine boats in this lagoon to six. These are. usually locally built sail boats 22 to 25 ft. long and about 8 ft. wide, rigged with gaff sail and jib.

They are very good for tacking. v , ......

Pour machine boats are operating from Tauhunu and two from Tuko.

They belong to six different owners, from all of whom I received the finest co-operation. The daily schedule of a machine boat is as follows: in the morning, about 8, the boat is ready for departure and one of the crew blows a signal on a triton shell to call the divers. The boat sails to the grounds expected to provide a good catch and anchors there. The crew then pray together, the diver is dressed in short trousers,and waterproof jacket with lead weights on back and.chest, open helmet, cotton gloves and short rubber boots. After the prayer, two men start operating the air pump, the helmet is closed, the diver shakes hands with the rest of the crew, takes his hoop net and dives, A half inch life line is used for signaling the attendant

'aboard the boat, who also takes care of the air hose. The escape bubbles -• 19, visible at the surface of the sea indicate the position'of'the diver, and

the anchor rope is paid out when the diver moves too far aft of the boat, or

shortened when he moves in .the other direction. This enables the diver to

work. 480 square yards of bottom (+ 400 m2).

The diver detaches the oysters from the bottom or -from the rocks

and puts them in. his hoop net .until it is full* A full net contains about

40 oysters. Then he gives a signal and the crew let a line down with an

empty net._ iThe diver•attaches the line to the full net which is then pulled

aboard the boat^ and the diver resumes work,

These divers sometimes stay underwater for one and half hours before

coming on board for a rest. On the first trip I made with a machine boat,_ the

diver found 5 hoop nets of 40 oysters each in 40 minutes at a depth of 19 fa­

thoms, On my second trip the whole day's catch was 200 oysters, found in a

depth of 8 fathoms.

The bottom is sometimes crowded with oystei"3, many of them small, some

5 to 7" wide. They are often attached together in big clusters. "When the

oysters come on deckj they are covered with weeds, Pipi shells or other

aquatic life. They.are chopped clean and put'in bags without opening them. " •

A bag.contains about 200 oysters.

When the catch has been good (about 400 oysters) the boat is back

around 4 V»!yi* otherwise about 6 p.m.. Such long days put a heavy strain on the

divei"3 but most boats operate with 2 divers, each working for a day in turn,

and I have been told that one boat had two shifts of two divers each.

When the pearl oysters are brought ashore they are opened and cleaned,

either the same day or the following morning, by women and children who receive

3 pence per pound of shell. In the course of this operation, the edible retractor muscle is put aside and the rest is thrown into the lagoon or given to

turtles kept in salt water ponds, One can understand, therefore, that any spawn

contained in the oyster ends up in the stomach of a fish or turtle, as already

mentioned for Penrhyn.

Pearl oyster shell commands a price of 1/lOd per pound. Five clean valves, each 5" in diameter, make up one pound of shell. Most of the oysters gathered in this lagoon measure 4fr to 5 inches cleaned, that is 5 to '5 5/8"' alive. 20. One of the skin divers mentioned earlier brought hack 31 oysters which I estimated to weigh 12 pounds. Since he cleaned the shell himself his day's earnings amounted to £KTZ 1.2.0. All his shells were of good quality.

Borer sponges are also found in this lagoon and damage mainly the big oysters about 7" in diameter but also,to a lesser extent,the 5 5/8" shells. Mr. Philip' Woonton, a well known man in the pearl trade,.told me that amongst the shells brought ashore 92^ were of first quality, 6^ of second quality and 2^ so badly damaged by borers that they had no commercial value. These borer sponges can be found not only in pearl shell but also in coral blocks, as already mentioned.

Pearls are occasionally found in the oysters but are mostly of odd shapes, altbougi-occasionally a well formed round or oval pearl with a nice silver taster can be found; also, very occasionally, some black pearls.

1 saw two very nice specimens of these. The largest pearls found in the lagoon are about 1/4" in diameter. Blisters are also found in the shells.

I have one in my possession which is 2" long, 1^" wide and 3/4" thick and looks like a nacreous wart. This was' found in a 6" shell, and it is a wonder how the oyster could live with such an excrescence; in addition the same shell has some smaller blisters and about 200 borer holes. .All the pearling boat owners have considerable accumulations of perforated shells , in their yards. Nothing short of an intervention of nature can control this pest.

Albino pearl oysters are also found. Those I have observed were

5" in diameter.

Previous transplantations of pearl oysters.

Many attempts have previously been made by Cook Islanders to

transplant pearl-oysters from one lagoon to another, without any success.

In many cases all or most of the oysters died during the transport.

I interviewed a man from Rakahanga who had himself brought oysters

from Manihiki to Rakahanga in a bag in an open sailboat. The trip lasted

two days. Ohters have transferred pearl oysters in tins or tubs containing

seewater which was renewed every morning. In 1951 an attempt was made to

transfer oysters to Puka Puka. One biscuit tin of spawn (as it was described "21.

to me) and two biscuit tins of small oysters were shipped per "Alexander".

They arrived in a very advanced stags of putrefaction,

I interviewed a number of persons on the subject and could write at

length about it, but it would be of no value at all as the techniques employed

defy all logic,

Around the beginning of the century, about 1905, Lever Brothers successfully transplanted 1,000 specimens of Pinctada maxima (Goldlip pearl oyster) in.a tank equipped with a water circulation system from the Torres

Straiisto the Suwarrow lagoon. One of the machine boat owners in Manihiki,

Mr, Ben Ellis, told me that, being in Suwarrow at that time as a diver, he had observed that the oysters were still alive after 8 months and that the bricks placed in the lagoon as collectors were covered with oyster spat.

There was a hurricane soon after he had made these observations, and that was the end of the venture, as far as Lever Brothers were concerned.

However, there are still Goldlip oysters in the Suwarrow lagoon.

In 1954, a few bags of excellent Goldlip shells were gathered there, but diving operations were discontinued for some reason. This interruption has variously been ascribed to the number of sharks, the lack of skill on the part of the divers and the faulty organization. In any case the off­ spring of the transplanted Goldlip are present.

In 1917 or 1918, '10 bags of very good blacklip shell were taken from the Puka Puka lagoon according to Mr, Philip Yoonton, who was himself at Puka Puka. at the time.

It is unfortunate that so many of the actual historical facts concerning mother of pearl oyster development in the Cook Islands have fallen into oblivion. In addition I know by experience that oral information is no't always reliable although the informers are often unaware that their tales are false, CONCLUSIONS AND 'RECOMMENDATIONS , FOR.THE CONSERVATION MP DEVELOPMENT OF FISHERIES RESOURCES

Rarotonga • ,.

The inhabitants of Rarotonga are very badly supplied with fresh ; aquatic food., For tlie time being I can see no solution to this problem through sea fisheries. The costs would be too great and it is doubtful whether any benefit would come of it„

Rarotonga is surrounded by the open ocean, which means that it would be necessary to use a seaworthy 70 ft. motor boat. On the other hand such a boat would not find a sufficient market in Rarotonga for its catches while facilities such as harbour, bait, fisherman, etc... are lacking,

A solution must therefore be found through some cheaper methods.

1 can see three possibilities for fairly rapid improvement:

1/ the use of bottom traps just outside the reef, off Avatiu and Avarua.

2/ a higher production of aquatic food from the,, reef and the tidal pools.

3/ fish fanning in ponds.

iraps. Opposite Avatiu and Avarua, and also in other places, I

have observed, beyond the surf, a small plateau with a bottom of sand and "

rocks which provides good opportunities for fishing with bottom traps. These

traps can be placed from just outside the surface to tho 15 fathom depth line.

Traps can be made of split bamboo or chicken wire on a wooden

frame. They can be rectangular or cylindrical. Raw crushed cassava roots

or crushed crabs can be used for bait. In some countries the traps are never

baited.

Two examples of traps will be found in the attached drawing; they

are small and can be handled with the local canoes. Larger traps bring

larger catches, but necessitate the use of a bigger canoe or a boat. The

float can be made of light wood or bamboo and is usually set below the

surface if it is feared that the traps might be stolen.

The traps can be lifted every day or every other day but can be

safely left unvisited for longer periods, during a storm for instance. They

have to be cleaned and dried once a month. One canoe can handle 10 traps; 23.

daily catches of three fishes one foot long in each trap are common. At

least 100 traps can-be-placed Worth of Rarotonga,

The Reef and Tidal Pools. The reef and tidal pools are over­

fished and no measures- have been taken to protect these areas. Fishing

with explosives and poisons, although prohibited, still occurs, Neither

fish nor molluscs have a chance of growing to a normal size, No increase in

the food production from the reef and tidal pools can be expected without

some intervention from the Government.

. Under good management practices, these areas could produce at

least 5 times their present yield. There is enough food on the reef to

support, much more life than exists at present,

' My proposals for these areas are based on methods commonly accepted

in other countries and I feel that they are quite reasonable, taking into

account the rather critical situation in respect of the local production

of.food from animal sources.

The problem of overfishing must be solved through protection under it3 different aspects, namely:

1/ a reserve

2/ establishment of minimum sizes

3/ a complete ban on.explosives and poisons,

A reserve must be established where it will give the best results,

In that light, I feel that a very suitable area would be that extending from

the South We3t point of the island to a point opposite the island of Roneora.

Somewhere between these two points, a reserve should be established

over a stretch of two statute miles, the boundary on the land side being the

high, water mark and on the sea side the 5 fathoms depth ].ine, which- is just

outside'1 "the surf. However, the reserve should not be 3ituated opposite the

village of Titikaveka.

At each end- of the reserve a sign should be placed at the high

water mark, reading "REEF RESERVE - IT IS WOT ALLOWED TO TAKE AWAY AftTYTCTG'.1

This'sign should be taken quite literally and caro should be taken that

nothing, not even rocks or dead coral, be taken away. Just inside the surf

line, opposite each sign board, a marker pole should be placed. •Binding \/ Stone •Poles

SHE CYLIHHRiafiL TRAP ERONT

16"

/^

W

RECTMGULAR TMP SIDE FRONT

TWO BOTTOM FISHTRAPS " 24-

Some questions might he asked as to what will happen once a reserve has been established? In the first place the various fish species will find there a safe spawning place, where they will not be disturbed by humans. This would enable more fishes to take part in the reproduction.

Most of the fish caught now, and by this I mean at least 99$, have not completed their first spawning, being captured while they are still immature.

It might be argued that not all fishes will stay in the reserve, but many will stray onto other parts of the reef. This is true, since the tidal pools would permit them to migrate all around the island, a few places only being impassable for them at low tide.

Some species of fish, however, will stay for quite a long period in a given area and others will instinctively migrate to places where they axe not disturbed. It is beyond the scope of this report to explain the behaviour of fish and the subject would, anyhow, be much too vast for treatment as a whole, I know from personal experience that when you catch

90$ of the fish on a reef with nets and leave the same reof undisturbed for one year you will find the population back to the same level as before. I therefore advise the establishment of a reserve for a period of two years.

Before this period has elapsed an investigation should be made and, in the light of the results, the same area or another one can be turned

into a reserve.

A reserve of two statute miles in length represents only l/9th of

the whole reef around the island. This would create a non negligible source

of free food.

Not only the" fish but also molluscs and other forms of life would

be able to develop in the reserve. Shellfish is a very popular food in

Rarotonga and various molluscs are gathered by many people when still under-

size. The "Paua", for instance, are gathered when only. 5t" long,although

they can grow to a much larger size.

At the same time as a re'serve is established, it would be advisable

to set a minimum size, below which fish could not be taken. I cannot at the

moment, indicate minimum sizes for the various species of fish, but I consider

that it would be logical to establish this limit at 5" for all species. 25,

I would advise the application of tlie same size- limit for Paua. This minimum size would be applicable to the whole.reef -area including the tidal pools, outside of the reserve from wliich absolutely nothing should be taken- for the first two years.-- ' ,,

Pish, farming in ponds. I was surprised .to find that in a country like

Rarotonga, where fish is scarce and the population is skilled in irrigation ' work (irrigated taro fields),there were no fish ponds.

lany sites would be adequate for fish farming, for instance places near streams and springs where the soil is not porous, and also swamps. In same places fish culture could be undertaken all the year round, in others for six months only, from November to Juno, during the period of highest rain­ fall (see attached,Table).

It would be quite possible to raise various species of fish, but with unskilled fish- farmers it is best to start, with a hardy fish such as

Tilapia mossambica. Another argument in. favour of this species is that ••:"

Tilapia fingerlings are available in Fiji, while other species would have to be brought ,in. from Sirther away. It also gives a higher yield than most other species,

• , 4s. a.-result'of my investigation, a small trial pond 20" x 30' was built near the Experimental Farm at TiMoki,:- in the south-east part of the, ._•". island. The bottom of the pond is 2'10" below ground level. The sides are raised above ground level and there are two outlets, one at ground level and the other one foot higher, A water intake is situated slightly above the ground, and a •water-supply pipe at the top of the dike. The depth of water in the pond can thus vary from 2MO" to a maximum of 3'10".

This pond was intended as a means of checking the porosity of the ' soil and the: growth', of algae. Digging, began on April 19 and the pond was ready in 6 days, at/a; cost of £NZ 12.0.0 for labour (4 men). The pond leaked , .* at first, but this,, was "only to be expected,, and the situation improved later.

On May 16 there were already algae in. the. water. The temperature of the water .was 73.5°P.;. to-, 75.5°p,

I was glad of the opportunity to observe this experimental pond,since it enabled me to check on a few facts which I had not been able.to determine beforehand. 26.... Is far as I could see, the conditions in. the pond appeared to be

satisfactory. In order was placed in Fiji for 1,00 Tilapia fingerlings, and

I left some instructions for their handling and care' with the Department of

Agriculture.

I also advised the. Department of Agriculture to use the fingerlings to stock two ponds. A further site was therefore investigated in the North

of the Island. This site is in a valley where I was informed that water never failed. It was kindly made available by the Hon, Makea Nui Teremoana

Ariki. It was decided that the'second pond should be about 50' x 20'.

I further suggested that another pond might be built in this valley,

in which to grow Ipomoea aquatica, a good aquatic vegetable suitable for human

consumption*. Cuttings of this plant have been ordered from Fiji.

On the 23rd of June, I was informed by cable that the fingerlings

had arrived and had been put in the ponds. 'It'is intended to distribute

fingerlings produced in these two ponds to private fish farmers. Judging from

the reactions of the audience to a lecture I gave and from the requests I

received for investigation of various sites,;I feel the population is taking'

quite an interest in fish farming.

Besides the sites investigated,- a number: of swamps, such'as the

Maii swamp and the Tereru swamp, near .the Experimental ?arm, would be adequate

for Tilapia farming. They are too'deep for tare- culture and'it would only

be necessary to put up small dikes to create a number of fish ponds, Tho

Director of Agriculture told me that swamps cover a total surface of about

500 acres, 100 of which could' be used for' fish ponds.

If everything goes according''to expectations, I believe the islanders

will start malting small ponds, from 25 square yards to a maximum of two square

chains in size. Of course tws lattor is not tho maximum size for a fish pond,

but larger ponds would not be warranted here. The best ponds are built in suoh

a way that they can be filled or drained at will. Sluices and pipes can be

used to control both operations. They should ,be screened with mosquito netting

or sieves in the caife of pipes, with perforated boards in- the case of sluices.;

The pond may be 2'-4' deep, and the surface of the water should preferably be

kept free of plants, so that the maximum effect of sunlight may be utilised tq

* See SPC Quarterly Bulletin Vol. 5, Wo.. 3, July 1955. 37, promote the .growth of phytoplankton. It is quite advisable to fertilize the

ponds w,ith organic fertilizers. There' should be plenty of food naturally '

available in a pond. However, if it is heavily stocked, additional food can

be given (approximately 2$ of the estimated weight of fish in the pond), kitchen

leftovers, chopped tapioca leaves, boiled taro etc., are suitable.

It is advisable to eliminate predatory fish from the ponds. Fortuna­

tely, such fishes are not numerous in Harotonga, but the eels should be caught,

whenever possible, withinets or eel traps, *'

. • The best returns from fish farming will be obtained when rearing

fry from sound'genitors. It is preferable to raise males, which'grow bigger.

The males can be differentiated from the females, as soon as they are mature,

by the darker red edges on the former's fins. The mouth of the male is also wider by half than that of the female,

The yields can vary widely, but should be adequate if fish farmers, use

sound fishes and- provide enough, food and adequate living' conditions. Produc­

tions of 500 - 1,000 lbs per acre per year are within' the normal range and higher•figures'have been recorded.;

It is quite possible to bring the fish alive to the consumers, by using containers full of water. There are other islands in the Southern Group where conditions are suitable for fish culture. This could be undertaken as a subsistence activity, any surplus production being shipped alive to Harotonga,

Conclusion.

If the present local production was. increased .by means of traps,fcy greater yields from the reef and tidal pools,by tho supply from fish farming--in Rarotonga and other islands of the Southern Group, and by tho shipment to Rarotonga of preserved fish and other marine foods, it should be possible to meet, the needs for protein food in.that island without.having recourse .to importations from abroad*

AitutaH..'

The'situation is better than in Rarotonga, It cannot be'said, however, that it is satisfactory. For one thing, the sea foods gathered include mostly immature specimens, with the exception of the fish caught in the open sea, ,..'•' '• 28.

In addition to providing a better supply of sea foods (population increases should also be taken into consideration) it should be possible to create a source of cash income which might supplement the earnings from copra and citrus.

Two possibilities emerge for the present:

1/ increased subsistence and cash production from reef and lagoon area.p.

2/ fish farming in ponds and the inner lagoon mentioned earlier,

Reef and lagoon. These areas raise two problems: the overfishing of reefs and tidal pools, and the destruction of flora and fauna in the lagoon, chiefly due to blasting. In connection with the latter, some signs of natural restoration are already noticeable, mainly in the shallowest parts of the lagoon.

In order to achieve some'' rehabilitation of the reef and lagoon areas}

I advice establishing a large reserve for a period of two years.- My proposals are such that no drastic 'disturbance of the islanders'subsistence fishing activities would be involved. '

The reserve should include the whole of the lagoon South of 18 55'20"

South latitude up to the high water mark, and the area extending outside the reef to the 5 fathomr depth lino,

The northern boundary of this reserve would therefore be a straight line running Bast-West and just touching the' South end of Akaiami Island and the Northern shore of Maina Island. It should be absolutely prohibited to take away from this reserve any form of aquatic life, dead coral, rocks, etc..

The natural conditions found in this area are excellent, not only for the restoration of fauna, but also for tho possible introduction of

Trochus niloticus (see below).

It would also be necessary to fix a minimum size of 5" for fish, with the exception of "Kivari" (Clupoidae). It is not possible at the moment

to fix a minimum size for each of the numerous species of fish. The 5" limit would immediately effect some improvement and different sizes may be defined

later for certain species.

Two species of molluscs should be protected, the "Paua" and the

"Ariri". Both are gathered" for food when still undersize . I would advise ' 29.

a minimum size of 5" for the Paua and of 2^" for the Ariri>• which is also " i

locally balled "Patoh".

The establishment of minimuta sizes as indicated 'here would lower

the production for approximately a year, hut it would soon increase again.

The limits proposed are such that with the fast growing tropical fauna, the

availability of sea foods ' to the population would be reduced for a short

period, after, which it could be expected at least to double. A good example

is provided by the 'Paua: a 5" Paua contains l\ to ^times'.more flesh than '

{ a Baua of 3^-", At present the latter are gathered in- large quantities.

The 5^" shell will have reached a size of more than 5"- in one year's time, and

may perhaps have taken part in reproduction.

Trochus niloticuB L. I have not found this species in the Co'ok

< Islands and the Resident Agent, Mr, Gladney, who is well informed about

aquatic fauna,- told me that there were no Trochus in the Territory.

I cannot find any reason for the absence of Trochus and what I

have seen of the reef and lagoon of Aitutaki loads me to. think that the

living conditions would be suitable for this species on the outer reef of

the atoll and on some of the reefs in the lagoon, I therefore advise that • T -

an attempt be made to transplant 1,000 trochus 2-2^" in diameter (approxi­

mately 2 years old) from Fiji to Aitutaki. They should be planted on the

reef just north of Takapua island. This area is included in'the proposed

reserve (see map). If the transplantation Is successful, the trochu3 will spread over the whole reef be/Lt of Aitutaki, which is about 20 sea miles

long and they will also become established on the reef3 inside the lagoon,

If the introduction proves successful the first Trochus could be

gathered after 5 years and the minimum size should be 3" across the base.-

The introduction of Trochus is recommended for several reasons, including the fact that the conditions -in Aitutaki are not favourable for either blacklip- or goldlip oysters. However these can be replaced by trochus whose shell has approximately the same commercial value as Manihiki pearl shell, and is U3ed for the manufacture of mother of pearl buttons and ornaments. It should also be mentioned that out of 10 lbs of trochus oome3

1 lb of trochus meat which is quite palatable food. 30.

Since trochus is unknown in the Cook Islands, I will give hero some general data, frochus niloticus L. is a primitive gastropod belonging to the Rhinidoglossa. It occurs in great numbers on the edges of the reefs which are exposed to the direct action of the sea, and is also found on other reefs where the water is constantly renewed.

Trochus feed on algae, which they rasp off the reefs by means of their many toothed radula. The scraped off food is drawn, into the mouth together with many sand grains, foraminifora and small animals. Trochus,.is a littoral dweller,, but adult specimens have been found in 5 fathoms of water in Indonesia. They aro sometimes left exposed on the dry reef at low

tide. It seoms that the greatest number are found between the level of high

water neap tides and the lower spring tides. In one night they can move

50 yards or moro from their point of departure. Mr. F.W. Moorhou.se, Marine

Biologist to the Government of Queensland, stated in 1929 of the Great

Barrier Reef Trochus, that though great variations in growth rate exist, it

appears safe to assume that animals one year old are 2.5 to 3 cm. (1-1 3/16")

in diameter,, two years old are 5 to 6 cm. (2 to 2 3/8"), throe years old are

7 to 8 cm. (2 5/8 to 3 3/16"). There is no. external difference in shell form

between males and females. In mature or nearly mature animals the sex can

be told at once, males having a white or creamy-white gonad, whereas in .

females it is green to daz-k green, Trochus smaller than 2 inches are, in

general, immature. Presumably sexes are present in equal proportions on the

Great Barrier Reef. In studying Trochus biology, Talavera and Faustino

(Philippines) found thoy reached maturity at about 3 years, Their eggs are

laid on rocks or glued to weeds, and after hatching out, a trochophore stage

is followed by a veligor. This latter stage swims until the weight of its

shell forces it to settle to the bottom. Prom then on it crawls by means

of a strong f ~t.

The Japanese have successfully transplanted trochus. Air transport

using small tonics filled with sea water, and a simple oxygenation system

(an oxygen bottle equipped with a hose and filter) should be sufficient to

ensure success over such a short distance. 31*

Fish farming in ponda and inner lagoon. Fish culture would be poaaible in four places: the existing pond marked A on the map, the inner lagoon B, the tidal marsh C and the fresh water swamps existing on Aitutaki island.

Pond A is situated South of the western airstrip, near the main road. It was originally a place from which soil was taken for the construc­ tion of the airfield. The resulting excavation always contains from 2 to

4 ft, of water", probably supplied by a spring in. the bottom. It is 55 yards square. Some Gambusia live in it and four clumps of water lilies can be seen on the surface. On the 23rd of May the water temperature was 80.5 F. at 5 pm.

This pond could be stocked with Tilapia (see above ' under Rarotonga).

The inner lagoon B is connected with the main lagoon by a narrow passage which could be closed with a dike 22 yards long, 9 yarda of dike already exist and would only need to be raised another 2 ft, A further 1'3 yards would have to be added,, A small sluice of 3imple construction, with double slide boards would have to be put in the dike, the bottom of the sluice being at low water level. This would provide a large natural pond.

Near the passage the salinity of the water was about 25 per mille,

It was lower inside the inner lagoon, where small springs provide fresh water. This pond would have a length of approximately 1.000 feet and an average 'width of 200 ft. Some identations of the shore would bring the total area to nearly 5 acres with a depth of 1 to 3 ft. This brackish water pond could be used for Tilapia and mullet. The water should be stagnant and if necessary water can be supplied at high tides through the sluice.

This large body of water could be stocked with Tilapia fry raised in nearby pond A or with young mullet from the main lagoon. However the latter would have to be caught, involving more work.

I mentioned pond A as a possible source of fry for stocking the larger inner lagoon bocause I have no certainty that the Tilapia will reproduce in water with a salinity of 30 per mille or higher. However, I expect that the salinity will not exceed 25 per mille,

It will be necessary to catch the fish with cast nets, small seines, gill nets or traps. Under good management, this pond is capable of producing tons of Tilapia, - 32.

The tidal marsh C is on the West side of Aitutaki peninsula, near the tip. It is connected with the.lagoon and water streams into it at high tide. By putting a simple sluice across the entrance, digging where necessary to make the marsh one foot deeper and using the excavated soil to bank up the sides, it is possible to make a mullet pond 2 ft. deep. Large numbers of young mullets can be cauglit nearby with a small seine or a cast net. This pond would be 100 ft. long and 100 ft. wide.

There are fresh water swamps on Aitutaki island,.among others the

Vainnma and Maue swamps. These are fed by the Vaitelcea spring and would be suitable for the construction of Tilapia ponds. ,.

Conclusions.

As explained above there are enough sources of aquatic foods available to meet the needs of the population and any surplus can' be sent to

Rarotonga, either salted or dried, t/\K~:-^-- :l-

The development of sea.fisheries offers doubtful prospects since . the only facilities available are for, small craft'which are not suitable for deep sea fishing.

Bottom traps of the type described for Rarotonga would probably be efficient in the main lagoon once it has recovered, and perhaps also beyond the surf, outside the reef,

Penrhyn.

My stay on the Penrhyn atoll was tco short for a general investiga­ tion. On the subject of pearl fisheries alone, I had to examine.so many

complex problems, for instance borers, seaweed and sharks, that I do not

feel satisfied with my investigation.

Pearling. It is a fact that a large part of tho oyster beds is

out of reach, of the divers,, either because of depth, or on account of seaweed.

However, from waht I have seen I feel that if we want to have a higherprod-r

'.uction from the accessible beds, it .is.advisable to increase the minimum

size of 4^' to a minimum of 5" for cleaned ..shells? and 5 and 5/8" for oysters,

as they are taken from the lagoon bottom. Such oysters would be 4 to 5 years

old. .33,

.In the fii-at place the shell would be heavier and in the second

these oysters will already have produced viable spawn. The present pearl

oysters measuring 44" cleaned have probably not produced any viaHe offspring,

It .would be preferable to raise the minimum 3ize further, but for the fact

that borer damage could then become moio frequent.

It is hoped that Mr, Philip Woonton will undertake further trials

with his pearling boat and skilled dressed dive'rs,

Tro_chus lulpticus L. It might be advisable to introduce Trochus

.niloticus to Penrhyn, The first planting should be made* on the reef just

North of Atutahi island, in the S outh E'&st part of the atoll,

Seaweedt I strongly advise that the necessary steps be taken to

identify the local edible variety of seaweed (Runa) and to have it analysed

(see page 16),

Conclusions. •

I recommend that a minimum size of 5" he established for the Paua,

As mentioned earlier, these giant clams are salted in bisuit tins for

shipment to Earotonga,

Some profitable trade in fish and shell fish could be established

with Itorotonga, provided regular boat connections were established.

The use of bottom traps is recommended, " ' '

Manihilri. •

- i Pearling. I wa3' requested by the Administration of the Cook

Islands to determine whether the number of pearling boats for -this iagoon '

could be raised beyond the 3iz already operating with half dressed divers.

My answer is negative. The production is aliaost balanced at the present and

should remain so, barring any climatological or biological disturbances. In addition,•I gathered that some- consideration was given to the use of full-dress divers,..since large oysters are found in water more than 25 fathoms deep,

I must advise against permitting this move, as these deep beds constitute the natural pearl oyster reserve of progenitors. It is felt that once operations

start on these beds, the natural balance will be upset,

On the attached sketch map of Manihiki atoll there can be seen a

40 fathom; sounding. From this place the bottom rises steeply to the surface , 34.

and even emerges in- some islets- -or -reefs „• 'The beBt emission of pearl oyster

spawn comes from this area, presumably from October to February, If a

decline of the pearl oyster harvest should be observed, a reserve of 1

square'sea mile should immediately be established, covering this spot.

It would be advisable to take immediate 3teps to raise "the minimum

3ize of 44" to 5" cleaned or 5 and 5/8" in the natural state. This would bring the catch in balance with the production of the beds and presumably bring back a'higher yield (see Penrhyn). Furthermore, an experienced pearl

shell trader informed me that 5 to 5i" cleaned shells were very much in

demand.

Reef and lagoon. I recommend the establishment of a minimum size

of 5" for the Baua„

Bottom traps are recommended for use in the lagoon as well as

outside the surf on the Wost coast of the iBland. The Acting Resident Agent

uses a trap in the lagoon and is satisfied with his catches. •*35. TRANSPLANTATION OF 520 BLACKLIP OYSTERS- TO:EAMBM&A LAGOON

Detailed account of . operations.,•. •;,••••.

• This, experiment ..was successful and showed the great rsistancs of

blacklip.oysters from Penrhyn and Manihiki,' ,A summary daily account is •

given .below. .. • • :. .•_....•

April 28. - 5 healthy oysters 4i" wide were taken from the East sideI of

the: Penrhyn lagoon and brought in a tin of lagoon water to the opposite

. side near Qmoko village, .where they were put in shallow water.

April 29 - ,1 6 healthy oysters 4-^" wide were taken, from the centre of the.

lagoon and brought in a tin of lagoon water to the 3ame place near Okomo.

village. All these oysters came from shallow water.

April 50 - All the oysters but one were alive. One had been eaten by a

crab. At 9 a.m. I gathered the 20 remaining oysters in two biscuit

tins full of sea water and brought them aboard the ship sailing for

Manihiki. The water was changed every four hours during the trip.

May 1 - At 5 p.m. the 20 oysters were put in shallow water in the Manihiki

lagoon near Tauhunu village. They were in perfect condition in spite

of the change in water salinity from about 33 per mille to 35 per millo

and back again to 33. The water temperature was 81.5°F.. The 20

oysters were kept there until May 4th.

May 2 - Mr, George Ellis made his diving boat available and as3istod me

in collecting 98 healthy oysters from a depth of 19 fathoms, Theae oysters

were about 5i" wide. They were placed in shallow water near Tauhunu village.

May 5 - All oysters were in perfect condition. Three oil drums were cut in

halves to provide tubs for the transport of the oysters.

May 4 - Mr. George Ellis brought in 202 healthy oysters about 5i" wide

from depths of 19 fathoms in the lagoon. This last batch was put in

4 tubs with lagoon water. The 98 oysters collected on May 2 were put in

the two other tubs and the 20 oysters from Penrhyn were in two biscuit tin3„

The tubs and tins were loaded on the 3hip and at 7 p.m. we left Manihiki.

May 5 - From the time of departure from Manihiki, the water was partly

changed with a bucket every 2^- hours in the tubs. It was changed twice

in the two tins. During the boat trip, the oysters were kept vertical, 36.

with the hinge downwards. All the oysters had retained their byssus

undamaged and attached to a piece of rock or dead ..shell. At 9 p.m.

the oysters were taken out of their containers and placed'in shallow water

in the western part of the Rakahanga lagoon. , I gathered some preliminary

information and the chief of Rakahanga gave me two boats with oarsman* The oyst­

ers were returned to their various tubs and tins at 2 p.m. and wo set

out on the lagoon whore,first of all, we took soundings and bottom samples.

The soundings taken by the Director of Agriculture, Mr. Baker, and myself ;

can be seen on the attache sketch map.

The bottom consists in coral debris, dead shells and coarse white

sand. Some giant clams were also found on the bottpm of the lagoon.

At point 10O2'5" South and 160°5'30" West, I found a knoll which

can be easily spotted by the greenish discoloration of tho sea water over

it. The depth there is 6 fathoms, sloping down to 14 to 21 fathoms towards

the Bast, as indicated on .the sketch map. Ocean waters enter, the lagoon

at a point Bast of this place..

In tho area marked on the sketch map by dotted lines, the oysters

were let down one at a time. Each one was first held, in the water, hinges

down, for a short time in order to let any air trapped in the shell bubble

out, and also a3 a s^rt of acclimatizing stage. Some of the Manihiki

oysters were still in clusters on coral supports and they.were treated

in tho same way as single oysters and dropped with their support.- Prayers

were then said. The salinity of the water was approximately 33 per mille

and the water temperature from 82.5°to 83.5°F,.. The difference between

high and low w^ter level is about 2 ft,

May 6 - I found in the South of the lagoon two pieces of old blacklip shell

and I think the original shell must have been 8" wide. Sponges grow in the

shallow parts of the lagoon but they are not first quality,

Collectors.

320 healthy oysters have now been planted. I do not know how--many •

of these were males or females, since the sex cannot be determined by the examination of the shell. This point, however, is not important since they will presumably change sex sooner or later. A female oyster produces .37.

thousands of eggs and the number of spermatozoa produced by the male is about 10 times:-greater.

••• Considerable quantities of spam will be lost, destroyed by natural

enemies-, naturally sterile, swept away by currents or deprived of any

suitable, support at the end of its planktonic life. The latter point is

of-great importance and something must be'done .'to obviate'it, thus "saving

^pawn and promoting the growth1 of the .pearl oyster population,'••' It a compa­ ratively shor^r distance (from the' newly created oyster-bed there are' numbers

of dead coconut trees lying on the ground. These shbuMbe cut into'12 ft. logs'. The logs should first be laid'in shallow water until they are soaked and sink to the bottom, ..• They should then be brought to the lagoon and" dumped around-the oyster bed. Since T expect the first'spawning to begin in October/

November, I recommend that'100 of these logs should be put in place as soon as. possible.

Qoconut logs are very durable and provide an excellent support for oyster spat. It would also be extremely advisable- to: dump around the oyster bed a number of canoe loads of dead shells and rocks.' These materials are plentiful, in the area. I recommend using both types of collectors and believe that the job could be done..by four men in one month'. These steps would; certainly speed up the devel.opm.ent of this transplantation project. t

Further.recommendations.. :

In. addition I recommend that an extra 500 oysters be transplanted.

Some expenditure is necessary if results are to be expected, < The people of

Hakahanga aould be informed that it is prohibited to take pearl oysters from the lagoon and also that individuals ore not. allowed' to transplant oysters from;another.lagoon to Hakahanga without proper authority. •-...';..:'.

.-•:••• In 6 .years time,-a survey should be-made and, if' the development is satisfactory, a decision will have to be taken in regard to pearling, and a minimum size established for oysters.

Puka Puka. . , •

The original intention-had been to transplant oysters frOtfl'Manihiki' to Puka Puka -and I was at first requestedr to supervise.,this operation;-.' However, no ship was going to Puka Puka at .'the. time of my visit. Perhaps this, transfer 38. can bo carried out under the supervision of Mr. Ronald Powell, as soon as the vessel "Charlotte Donald" goes' to Manihiki and Puka Puka. "" ". '•

Equipment for oyster trans-plantation.

¥hon I arrived in Rarotonga, a tank and boon preparad and was already equipped with a motor pump and oyster racks. I indicated some minor modifications and am certain this tank will be suitable for the transplantation of oysters. It is made of galvanised steel plate and measures 4 ft. x 4' ft. x 4 ft. which gives a capacity of roughly 64 cubic foot. In this tank are set 6 movable wooden racks with small-mesh chicken wire bottoms, The surface, of each rack is slightly similar'than the'surface of the tank. Bach rack is divided into 10 sections by means of 9 wooden laths,and each section can in turn bo divided into 3 or 4 subdivisions by means of wooden partitions.

All the main and socondary partitions are provided with holos to ensure a good water circulation.

Bach rack can contain 100 oysters, 10 in each section, so that a full tank can hold 600 medium sized oysters or 1.000 small oysters.

The tank has been provided with 2 inlet and 2 outlot fittings in different positions. This is a safety measure in case the particular disposition of space on the boat makes it necessary to connect pipes on a particular side. The tank is provided with a lid. Four welded oyss at the four top comers of the tank make it easier to lift.

Instructions for further transplantations.

The following instructions were left with tho Director of Agriculture for the transfer of oystors from Manihiki to Pulca Puka.

Tank. -1/ Tho 64 cubic ft. tank, motor pump and pipes' should

be installed on the "Charlotte Donald". The inlet.

pipe can be installed at Manihiki. The inlet should

be sufficiently below the water line so that it will

still ho drawing when the ship rolls.

2/ The tank should bo throughly cleaned before the oysters

are placed in it.The wooden racks should also be well

cleaned. Tho tank should be fillod with sea water p.

and emptied 3 times after cleaning.

1/ Throe days.before the "Charlotte Donald" arrives at

Manihiki, 1,000 medium size oysters (4.") should be

collected and placed in water 4 or 5 ft. deep in the

lagoon, near the village.

2/ Only oysters with undamaged byssus should be token,

preferably still attached to a small piece of rock

or shell.

3/ When handling shells commercially it is usual for the

divers to throw the oysters about in the boat, but

when handling the oysters for transportation it is

essential to troat them with the utmost care. The

oysters should be placed in the shade and never left-

out in the sun.

4/ Only the black-shelled oysters are required; it is

not adisable to include any albino shells.

'5/ The oysters should be transported from the lagoon

to the "Charlotte Donald" in the six half-drums which

are already at Manihiki. They 3hould then bo placed

in the racks in such a way tha the hinge3 of the

oysters rest on the bottom of the rack. The racks

should be filled as far as possiHe with the oysters,

making.sure that sufficient space i3 loft for the

valves of the oysters to open freely. It is essential

to ensure that the racks are filled sufficiently to

prevent the oysters capsizing when the ship"rolls.

1/ As far as I Imow the pump is capable of changing

the "water in the tank every ten minutes. However,

if the water in the tank is changed completely every

Hour that will be sufficient. Rapid circulation of the

water is not necessary because the oysters come from very

slow-moving water, 40.

2/ The.water supply should not come into the tank through

a single opening hut should be led in through a per­

forated pipe, for instance.

3/ In the event of a "Break down of the pump, water will

have to bo poured in to the tank manually. Buckets

should be available for this purpose.

Wo harm should come to tho oysters if, for instance,

no extra water was supplied ovor a period of 2 hours.

I suggest that two pails and 12 yards of -i" rope should -

he included amongst tho equipment to meet such an

emergency.

4/ The racks should .not be allowed to move in the tank.

This can bo avoided by wedging them on all sides,

Transfer from the shi-p to Puka Puka lagoon. ')/ Upon arrival at Puka Puka,

each tray should be taken out of the tank and the 'shells

placed in tho 6 tubs taken for- that parpdse. Those tubs

... should then bp taken ashore and put in clear' water from

3 to 4 ft. doop,in the lagoon.

A suitable.area for planting the shell should'be sought.

It must fulfil the following requirements: •

a/ the bottom should.be strewn with rocks, stones

or dead coral.

b/ a depth of 6 to 20 fathoms is necessary.

It will bo necossary to tako a diver from Puka Puka

to assist in finding .a suitable- area.?

. 2/ , Before each 'oyster is dropped down it should be held

under tho surface, hinge down so- that tho air trapped

in the shell can escape. The oyster should then be

allowed to 'drop to tho bottom of the- lagoon.

3/ If the temperature of the water in the tub'is higher

than that of the sea, it is advisable to fill the drum

with fresh sea water to equalize-it. The best method is .41.

to immerse the tubs completely (with the oysters) to

a depth of 12 ft. This operation should be carried

out gradually and 'the oystera should remain at that depth

for a short while. The tubs should then be brought up,

the air removed from the oysters as previously described^

and the transplantation completed,

CONCLUSIONS

'It will be understood from the foregoing report that there are many avenues for the improvement of living conditions in the Cook Islands through the development of local fisheries resources,

The implementation of the various proposals put forward in the body of this report will necessitate some capital outlay and it would be advisable, in order, to get the best returns from the original expenditure, to have a fisheries officer who could, for instance, work under, tho. Director of-Agri- '• culture,

On these premises, I recommend that a three year: fisheries develop­ ment plan be implemented in the Cook Islands, along the lines emerging from the present report. The fisheries Officer, would-, have to devote some attention to those islands which I was unable to visit, '.'''•

In addition to the appointment of a Fisheries Officer in charge of the above mentioned three yearr plan, it would "be advisable to send one or two local men for general fisheries trdning at the SPC-FAO Training Centre to be held in Noumea next year,

It is fully realized that the implementation of some of my recommen­ dations., for instance,, the establishment of Reef Reserves and minimum sizes, may require either some amendment of the existing legislation or perhaps the enactment of some new laws. These considerations fall outside the scope of my investigation and report. If, hpwever, any difficulties should be expe­ rienced in framing such amendments or regulations, I would be glad to assist to the fullest possible oxtent,

H. van Pel Fisheries Officer South Pacific Commission. Annex I

AQUATIO FAUNA OF THE OOOK ISLANDS

English Maine Cook Isl.name Scientific name or family

Yellow fin tuna Aai Ncothunnus macroptorus

Flying fish Maroro Exocoetidae

Parrot fish U Scaridae

Mullet Kanae Mugilidac

Garfish Io Hemirhamphidao

Big-eyed scad Aturo Solar crumenophtalmus

Trovally Urua Carangidae

Pava it

Rock cod Hapuku Sorranidao _

Big parrot fish Maratea Scaridae

Dolphin Maimai Coryphaenidae

Spanish mackerel Para Cybiidae

Marlin Akura Istiophoridae

Sailfish Akura Kie Kie Istiophoridae

Shark (common) Mango

Milk fish Ava Chanos Chanos

Bonito Atu Euthynnus pelamis

Leather slcin Lai Carangidae

Snapper Tamure Lutjanidae

Castor oil fish Paru and Palu Ruvettus preciosus

Mackerel Kopcru Decaptcrus spp.

Freshwater eel Tuna Anguillidac

Sea eel A'a u

¥hale (common) Tafola Cetaceae

Goatfish Koama Mullidae

Silverside Kivari Clupeidac

Barracuda Ono and Maunga Sphyraenidae

Dogtooth tuna Varu Gymnosarda nuda

Turtle Onu Cheloniidae

Blacklip pearl oyster Parau Pinctada margaritifera .-; (.Cont'd) „.:,„_.,::/..,.'.',.:V-

:• English Name/ '...'„..•:,:•• • -Cook Isl.name Scientific name "or'family

Pipi pearl shell Pipi Pinctada carchariarum

Giant clam Paua Tridacnidae

Sea-snail Ariri Turhinidae

Centipede lobster . Taro Squilla spp.

This is' a preliminary list of names which is not oomplete and

serves only as a guide. Names used in the islands are often different,

and may also vary with juvenile and adult specimens, AMEX II "

AVERAGE RAINFALL X¥ THE COPE ISLANDS (in Inches)

(Extract from U.Z. Meteorological Services Records)

Station and Period of Record ; Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Tear PEBHHH\T (1937-1950) 7.30 6.34 8.35 5.17 4.56 4.04 6.92 6.72 3.53 5.38 6.58 5.78 70.67 RAEAHMGA (1941-1950) 11.45 8.88 8.50 5.54 6.67 5.85 7.77 7.45 5.55 9.48 8.60 9.82 95.56 MKIHIKI (1937-1950) 11.85 9.40 6.94 5.65 6.52 6.11 8.44 6.98 5.01 9.59 8.82 9.43 94.74 KKAFOKA (Banger I.) (1929-1950) 14.65 13.80 9.55 7.49 7.63 6.61 6.75 6.53 6.56 9.93 11.34 14.33 115.17 SUWARROW (1940-1950 broken record) 12.66 9.43 9.52 7.72 6.86 2.51 2.62 2.52 4.54 5.33 6.96 13.12 83.79 EALMBHSTOI (1940-1950) 8.60 11.60 8.13 5.94 7.92 5.31 3.08 2.75 2.89 4.37 4.34 13.35 78.28 AIWTAK1 (1914-1950) 8.71 9.48 8.35 4.88 5.18 2.91 2.76 2.81 2.76 4.42 7.34 9.99 69.59 MTIARO (1945-1950) 11.63 13.71 7.26 6.60 9.57 3.76 3.82 4.89 4.22 6.77 9.51 14.39 96.13 MOKE (1929-1950) 8.08 10.56 8.90 4.80 5.65 3.13 3.60 4.58 4.06 5.20 6.99 10.04 75.59 RAROTOHGA (1934-1950) 9.39 9.34 10.74 6.63 6.50 4.08 3.34 5.73 3.56 6.33 4.77 8.07 78.48 A VARUA RAROTOIGA (1899-1945) 9.70 9.78 11.63 7.44 6.14 4.35 4.42 4.83 4.29 5.42 6.08 8.93 83.01 MANGAIA (1914-1950) 10.37 9.18 9.00 6.24 5.63 5.14 4.72 4.82 4.37 5.46 5.65 6.46 77.05