NOV.2019 8, 2018–JAN. 23, 2020

Amerika Samoa Lunar Calendar About This Calendar

well as the Apia Fisheries Fishing Methods in by David Division. In 2010, the Herdrich, MA, and Karen Armstrong, PhD, 2008 Council contracted SSI’s (American Samoa Historic Preservation Office); Okenaisa Fauolo, Teleiai The Samoa Islands: Material Culture by Augustin Ausage and Apisaloma Krämer, 1995; and Samoan Proverbs on Fishing Toleloa to conduct (http://scanman9.tripod.com/sitebuildercontent/ research throughout sitebuilderfiles/alagaupu2.htm). as well as Upolu The moon phases in this calendar are for Pago Pago and Manono in Samoa. harbor as calculated by the HM Nautical Almanac In 2012, the Council (astro.ukho.gov.uk/websurf). The tide charts with contracted Q-Mark moon rise and set times were provided by OceanFun Research to conduct Publishing, NZ. a focus group on the American Samoa fishing The front cover is by American Samoa artist Duffy community’s viewpoints Hudson. It portrays the legend of Sina, a Samoan about the calendars to girl who was the most beautiful woman in all of the inform future productions. islands, and Tuna, a common freshwater eel of the South Pacific islands that inhabits many island streams. The 2019 Amerika Samoa Young larval tuna spend their early life adrift in the Lunar Calendar recognizes sea and return to freshwater when adults. According the traditional fishing to stories widespread across the Pacific, the King of methods employed by Fiji, the Tui Fiti, heard about the beauty of Sina and Youth making fish, banana and breadfruit in the umu. PHOTO COURTESY OF LOTE AIUMU. the indigenous people decided to go there to win her for his wife. Using all of American Samoa. his powers of Fijian magic Tui Fiti turned himself into The calendar provides a young tuna and swam with the ocean currents to The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management traditional fishing information for a different species Samoa. To read the full version of this well-known Council has produced traditional lunar calendars for each month, highlighting methods, gears, seasons and legend, visit the website at American Samoa since 2007. The initial productions cultural significance. The calendar reflects continued www.nps.gov/npsa/learn/historyculture/sinatuna.htm. were based on information from books written about work with the American Samoa community to create Samoa by scholars such as Brother Henry, Kramer, a calendar that recognizes the importance of island Turner and Stair, as well as information collected cultures and traditional fishing practices in managing by Talking Chief Teleiai Ausage. A more elaborate fishery resources and to foster opportunities for their interview with Rev. Elder Oka Fauolo helped complete participation, which is one of the Council’s seven the names of the moon phases and months. After the Guiding Principles. 2009 calendar, the Council convened a workshop with the American Samoa Community College’s Samoan Special acknowledgments to Brian Thompson for Studies Institute (SSI), American Samoa Department the Samoan language editing and to the National A publication of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management of Marine and Wildlife Resources and the Office of Park Service (NPS) and others who are noted in this Council pursuant to NOAA Award NA14NMF4520236. Samoa Affairs, involving participants from other local calendar for their photo contributions. Sources of © 2018, Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council agencies, fishermen, elders and the general public as information found in the calendar include Historic ISBN 978-1-944827-29-8 Taumafamua Novema 8– Tesema 6, 2018

Masina Fou/ Masina To lo lo Masina Tolu Masina Faalao Masina Salefuga Masina Tulalupe Masina Motuega Masina Aufasa Masina Matuatua Masina Loloatai Faatoavaaia November

R 06:48 R 07:35 R 08:23 R 09:12 R 10:02 R 10:52 R 11:41 S 00:40 S 01:21 S 02:00 8 S 19:48 9 S 20:41 10 S 21:33 11 S 22:23 12 S 23:11 13 S 23:56 14 15 R 12:30 16 R 13:18 17 R 14:06 THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Malupeaua Masina Māto to Masina Aiaina Masina Punifaga Masina Atoa/ Masina Le‘ale‘a Masina Feetetele Masina Ataatatai Masina Fagaeleele Masina Sulutele Atoa Li‘o le Masina

S 02:39 S 03:19 S 04:00 S 04:43 S 05:29 S 06:19 S 07:14 S 08:13 S 09:14 S 10:16 18 R 14:55 19 R 15:45 20 R 16:38 21 R 17:32 22 R 18:30 23 R 19:30 24 R 20:31 25 R 21:32 26 R 22:31 27 R 23:26 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Nauna Masina UsunoaMay Masina Motusaga Masina Tatelega Masina Faasagafulu Masina Tāfaleu Masina Fataleu Masina Mitiloa Masina Maunā December

S 11:16 R 00:18 R 01:05 R 01:49 R 02:32 R 03:15 R 03:58 R 04:42 R 05:28 28 29 S 12:15 3012345S 13:11 S 14:06 S 14:59 S 15:52 S 16:45 S 17:38 6 S 18:32 WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Historically, i‘a sina (goatfish) runs in American Samoa occur between the start of palolo season in October through the appearance of large schools of lō (rabbitfish) in April. Large catches of i‘a sina are shared among residents of the village and used in cultural ceremonies as gifts. NPS PHOTO Toe tau m a fa Tesema 7, 2018–Ianuari 5, 2019

Masina Fou/ Masina To lo lo Masina Tolu Masina Faalao Masina Salefuga Masina Tulalupe Masina Motuega Masina Aufasa Masina Matuatua Masina Loloatai Faatoavaaia December

R 06:15 R 07:04 R 07:54 R 08:44 R 09:34 R 10:23 R 11:11 R 11:58 S 00:35 S 01:13 78S 19:24 S 20:15 9 S 21:04 10 S 21:50 11 S 22:34 12 S 23:15 13 S 23:55 14 15 R 12:46 16 R 13:34 FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Malupeaua Masina Māto to Masina Aiaina Masina Punifaga Masina Atoa/ Masina Le‘ale‘a Masina Feetetele Masina Ataatatai Masina Fagaeleele Masina Sulutele Atoa Li‘o le Masina

S 01:52 S 02:33 S 03:17 S 04:05 S 04:58 S 05:56 S 06:58 S 08:02 S 09:05 S 10:07 17 R 14:24 18 R 15:17 19 R 16:12 20 R 17:11 21 R 18:13 22 R 19:16 23 R 20:18 24 R 21:17 25 R 22:12 26 R 23:02 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Nauna Masina UsunoaMay Masina Motusaga Masina Tatelega Masina Faasagafulu Masina Tāfaleu Masina Fataleu Masina Mitiloa Masina Fanoloa Masina Maunā January

S 11:06 S 12:02 R 00:32 R 01:15 R 01:57 R 02:40 R 03:25 R 04:11 R 04:58 R 05:48 27 R 23:49 28 29 S 12:56 30 S 13:49 31123S 14:41 S 15:34 S 16:26 S 17:18 4 S 18:09 5 S 18:59 THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 One way i‘a sina are caught is by herding them with lau (coconut fronds) from the reef to shallower waters where groups of villagers collect them with alagamea (hand nets). PHOTO COURTESY OF ALISI GAOA. Another way i‘a sina are caught is by trapping them in ‘enu (special funnel-shaped traps) handwoven from ‘ie‘ie, which are strands of rope made from afa (coconut husk fibers). More than 100 feet of braided fibers are needed to build the ‘enu. The afa is prepared by soaking coconut husks in a sand pit for two weeks and then pounding them to separate the fibers. NPS PHOTO Toeutuva¯ Januari 6– Fepuari 4, 2019

Masina Fou/ Masina To lo lo Masina Tolu Masina Faalao Masina Salefuga Masina Tulalupe Masina Motuega Masina Aufasa Masina Matuatua Masina Loloatai Faatoavaaia January

R 06:38 R 07:28 R 08:17 R 09:05 R 09:53 R 10:40 R 11:27 R 12:15 S 00:28 S 01:09 678S 19:46 S 20:31 S 21:13 9 S 21:53 10 S 22:31 11 S 23:09 12 S 23:47 13 14 R 13:05 15 R 13:57 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Malupeaua Masina Māto to Masina Aiaina Masina Punifaga Masina Atoa/ Masina Le‘ale‘a Masina Feetetele Masina Ataatatai Masina Fagaeleele Masina Sulutele Atoa Li‘o le Masina

S 01:53 S 02:42 S 03:36 S 04:35 S 05:39 S 06:44 S 07:49 S 08:52 S 09:52 S 10:49 16 R 14:52 17 R 15:51 18 R 16:53 19 R 17:56 20 R 18:58 21 R 19:57 22 R 20:52 23 R 21:42 24 R 22:29 25 R 23:13 WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Nauna Masina UsunoaMay Masina Motusaga Masina Tatelega Masina Faasagafulu Masina Tāfaleu Masina Fataleu Masina Mitiloa Masina Fanoloa Masina Maunā February

S 11:44 S 12:37 R 00:39 R 01:23 R 02:09 R 02:56 R 03:44 R 04:33 R 05:23 R 06:13 26 R 23:57 27 28 S 13:30 29 S 14:22 30 S 15:14 31123S 16:06 S 16:56 S 17:44 S 18:30 4 S 19:11 SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Traditional custom requires completion of the ‘enu before the fish start running or it cannot be used that year. To catch the fish, the trap is buried half way in shallow water along a sandy shoreline. The traps are baited with uga (hermit crabs) that have been pounded and mixed with sand. NPS PHOTO Asiasi (yellowfin tuna) is a local favorite at the restaurants in American Samoa. It is used as a modern substitute in traditional Samoan dishes such as oka (raw fish in coconut milk), which historically used smaller reef fish. Small recreational and alia fishermen and larger longline vessels provide asiasi to local markets. Local fishermen—from both large and small boat fisheries—commonly provide asiasi for fa‘alavelave (family, church or community events such as weddings or funerals). Fa‘aafu Fepuari 5– Mati 6, 2019

Masina Fou/ Masina To lo lo Masina Tolu Masina Faalao Masina Salefuga Masina Tulalupe Masina Motuega Masina Aufasa Masina Matuatua Masina Loloatai Faatoavaaia February

R 07:02 R 07:50 R 08:37 R 09:24 R 10:11 R 10:59 R 11:49 R 12:41 S 00:32 S 01:22 5678S 19:52 S 20:30 S 21:08 S 21:46 9 S 22:24 10 S 23:04 11 S 23:46 12 13 R 13:36 14 R 14:35 TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Malupeaua Masina Māto to Masina Aiaina Masina Punifaga Masina Atoa/ Masina Le‘ale‘a Masina Feetetele Masina Ataatatai Masina Fagaeleele Masina Sulutele Atoa Li‘o le Masina

S 02:17 S 03:16 S 04:20 S 05:25 S 06:30 S 07:32 S 08:33 S 09:31 S 10:27 S 11:22 15 R 15:35 16 R 16:37 17 R 17:37 18 R 18:34 19 R 19:27 20 R 20:17 21 R 21:04 22 R 21:50 23 R 22:34 24 R 23:20 FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Nauna Masina UsunoaMay Masina Motusaga Masina Tatelega Masina Faasagafulu Masina Tāfaleu Masina Fataleu Masina Mitiloa Masina Fanoloa Masina Maunā March

S 12:16 R 00:05 R 00:52 R 01:41 R 02:30 R 03:19 R 04:08 R 04:57 R 05:45 R 06:34 25 26 S 13:10 27 S 14:02 2812345S 14:52 S 15:41 S 16:27 S 17:11 S 17:53 S 18:33 6 S 19:08 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1

Asiasi (yellowfin tuna) Fe‘e (Octopus cyanea) has significant cultural value and is considered sacred and taboo. The month of May was sacred because of the fe‘e, and certain coastal villages decreed a sā (forbidden activity) on fishing during that time. Taife‘e (octopus season) in American Samoa takes place mainly in March and April. Fe‘e are caught by many methods. One method involves woven traps called ‘enu fe‘e, which are designed to mimic the crevices normally occupied by the octopus. Collecting octopus by hand or with spear is a practice known as ta‘igafe‘e. Figota (reef gleaning) is a fe‘e harvesting form done exclusively by females. The village women use a short and long stick with an ola (woven basket) to collect fe‘e and other reef organisms for food.

A traditional method of catching fe‘e uses mataife‘e (cowrie shell lures) that resemble the isumu (rat). The lures are lowered by line into holes and crevices on the reef and shaken to attract the octopus. NPS PHOTO

Fai‘i fe‘e—octopus and coconut cream cooked in a coconut shell in the umu (traditional hot rock oven)—is a favorite local delicacy. NPS PHOTO

NPS PHOTO F a¯ n o g a Mati 7– Aperila 5, 2019

Masina Fou/ Masina To lo lo Masina Tolu Masina Faalao Masina Salefuga Masina Tulalupe Masina Motuega Masina Aufasa Masina Matuatua Masina Loloatai Faatoavaaia March

R 07:21 R 08:08 R 08:56 R 09:45 R 10:36 R 11:30 R 12:25 S 00:08 S 01:03 S 02:02 78S 19:46 S 20:24 9 S 21:03 10 S 21:44 11 S 22:28 12 S 23:16 13 14 R 13:23 15 R 14:22 16 R 15:20 THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Malupeaua Masina Māto to Masina Aiaina Masina Punifaga Masina Atoa/ Masina Le‘ale‘a Masina Feetetele Masina Ataatatai Masina Fagaeleele Masina Sulutele Atoa Li‘o le Masina

S 03:05 S 04:08 S 05:11 S 06:12 S 07:12 S 08:10 S 09:08 S 10:04 S 11:00 S 11:54 17 R 16:17 18 R 17:11 19 R 18:02 20 R 18:50 21 R 19:37 22 R 20:24 23 R 21:10 24 R 21:57 25 R 22:45 26 R 23:34 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Nauna Masina UsunoaMay Masina Motusaga Masina Tatelega Masina Faasagafulu Masina Tāfaleu Masina Fataleu Masina Mitiloa Masina Fanoloa Masina Maunā April

S 12:46 R 00:24 R 01:14 R 02:04 R 02:53 R 03:41 R 04:29 R 05:16 R 06:04 R 06:53 27 28 S 13:37 29 S 14:24 30 S 15:09 311234S 15:51 S 16:32 S 17:10 S 17:48 S 18:26 5 S 19:02 WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 The reason the mataife‘e resembles the isumu (rat) is explained in got to shore, the rat jumped off and thanked the octopus for saving his one of the legends of Samoa. While taking a canoe trip, an owl, a snail life and said that he left a little present on the octopus’s head. When the and a rat started to sink. The owl escaped by flying, the snail sank with octopus realized that there was a rat dropping on his head, he became the canoe to the bottom of the ocean, and the rat tried to swim to shore extremely angry and told the rat, “If I ever see you again, I’ll kill you.” but had a long way to go. He saw an octopus and called for help. The To this day, the octopus is mad about this and is still looking for the rat. octopus agreed and swam to shore with the rat on his head. When they Rabbitfish are called by different names, such asloloa , ‘ofe‘ofe and malava. The name used when referring to large schools of juvenile rabbitfish islō . While the rabbitfish are caught year-round, they are most prevalent in the late spring. In certain villages, the month of April is given the Samoan name Lō as this is when rabbitfish are plentiful around American Samoa. NPS PHOTO Aununu Aperila 6– Me 4, 2019

Masina Fou/ Masina To lo lo Masina Tolu Masina Faalao Masina Salefuga Masina Tulalupe Masina Motuega Masina Aufasa Masina Matuatua Masina Loloatai Faatoavaaia April

R 07:42 R 08:33 R 09:26 R 10:21 R 11:18 R 12:16 R 13:13 S 00:54 S 01:55 S 02:56 678S 19:43 S 20:27 S 21:14 9 S 22:04 10 S 22:59 11 S 23:56 12 13 R 14:08 14 R 15:01 15 R 15:51 SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Malupeaua Masina Māto to Masina Aiaina Masina Punifaga Masina Atoa/ Masina Le‘ale‘a Masina Feetetele Masina Ataatatai Masina Fagaeleele Masina Sulutele Atoa Li‘o le Masina

S 03:56 S 04:55 S 05:53 S 06:50 S 07:48 S 08:45 S 09:41 S 10:36 S 11:29 S 12:18 16 R 16:39 17 R 17:26 18 R 18:12 19 R 18:58 20 R 19:45 21 R 20:34 22 R 21:24 23 R 22:15 24 R 23:06 25 R 23:57 TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Nauna Masina UsunoaMay Masina Motusaga Masina Tatelega Masina Faasagafulu Masina Tāfaleu Masina Fataleu Masina Mitiloa Masina Maunā May

S 13:05 R 00:46 R 01:35 R 02:23 R 03:10 R 03:57 R 04:45 R 05:35 R 06:26 26 27 S 13:48 28 S 14:29 29 S 15:08 30123S 15:46 S 16:24 S 17:02 S 17:42 4 S 18:24 FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1

Fishing for lō is a team effort by members of the village. Coconut fronds are braided into long sections to herd the schools of lō into the shallow areas where they are scooped up using alagamea (hand nets). A successful catch is shared with everyone in the village and neighboring villages. Like atule and ‘anae, lō is also an important bait fish to catch larger fish utilizing ‘upega (handwoven nets). A catch of atule and jacks.

Schools of atule (bigeye scad) were very common in the past, especially in the months of April, May and October. Small members of the species (less than 4 inches) are called nato. The larger, grown fish are known as taupapa. The fishing method of lau atule was traditionally practiced by large groups of villagers who used braided coconut fronds to chase the schools of atule into shallow waters where they were scooped up in hand nets. In recent years, lau atule has been replaced by using a canoe and long netting to chase the fish into shallower water; this method takes less people to accomplish. Individual fishermen still catch atule in kili (throw nets). NPS PHOTOS O l o a¯ m a n u Me 5–Iuni 3, 2019

Masina Fou/ Masina To lo lo Masina Tolu Masina Faalao Masina Salefuga Masina Tulalupe Masina Motuega Masina Aufasa Masina Matuatua Masina Loloatai Faatoavaaia May

R 07:20 R 08:15 R 09:13 R 10:11 R 11:09 R 12:05 R 12:58 S 00:49 S 01:47 S 02:45 5678S 19:10 S 20:00 S 20:54 S 21:52 9 S 22:51 10 S 23:50 11 12 R 13:48 13 R 14:35 14 R 15:20 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Malupeaua Masina Māto to Masina Aiaina Masina Punifaga Masina Atoa/ Masina Le‘ale‘a Masina Feetetele Masina Ataatatai Masina Fagaeleele Masina Sulutele Atoa Li‘o le Masina

S 03:41 S 04:37 S 05:34 S 06:30 S 07:27 S 08:23 S 09:18 S 10:10 S 10:58 S 11:44 15 R 16:05 16 R 16:50 17 R 17:35 18 R 18:23 19 R 19:12 20 R 20:03 21 R 20:55 22 R 21:47 23 R 22:38 24 R 23:28 WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Nauna Masina UsunoaMay Masina Motusaga Masina Tatelega Masina Faasagafulu Masina Tāfaleu Masina Fataleu Masina Mitiloa Masina Fanoloa Masina Maunā June

S 12:26 R 00:15 R 01:03 R 01:50 R 02:37 R 03:26 R 04:16 R 05:09 R 06:05 R 07:02 25 26 S 13:06 27 S 13:44 28 S 14:21 29 S 14:58 30 S 15:37 3112S 16:18 S 17:02 S 17:51 3 S 18:46 SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 The village of Fagasa on the north shore of Tutuila is famous for its atule fishing and its were transformed into dolphins. They herded a school of atule to shore to ensure that expertise in the lau atule. According to legend, the Polynesian navigator Liava‘a sailed to all who cared for Sina were well fed. Special stones protected by High Chief Lili‘o, Tutuila in search of the pure waters of Fagasa Village. His boat accidently departed while who is responsible for all events related to the atule harvest, memorialize the story of his daughter Sina was still ashore collecting fresh water. When Liava‘a realized this, he Liava‘a and Sina to this day. When atule arrive in Fagasa, an ava ceremony is held in became enraged and threw his entire crew into the sea with orders for them to return appreciation for this bounty. The stones are cleaned, and, when the time is right, the to Fagasa, find Sina and protect her forever. To expedite their return to Fagasa, the men villagers carry coconut fronds into the water to herd the fish into the shallows where they are collected in ‘enu baskets, which are emptied into the ola (woven basket). Traditionally, Samoans caught masimasi (dolphin fish) on a special type of hook called pa tagi, which was used to catch various other large, open ocean species as well. Masimasi are abundant in the waters around American Samoa between the months of June and October. PHOTO COURTESY OF MAC AVEINA. Lotuaga Iuni 4–Iulai 2, 2019

Masina Fou/ Masina To lo lo Masina Tolu Masina Faalao Masina Salefuga Masina Tulalupe Masina Motuega Masina Aufasa Masina Matuatua Masina Loloatai Faatoavaaia June

R 08:02 R 09:02 R 10:00 R 10:55 R 11:46 R 12:34 S 00:40 S 01:36 S 02:31 S 03:26 45678S 19:44 S 20:44 S 21:45 S 22:45 S 23:43 9 10 R 13:19 11 R 14:03 12 R 14:47 13 R 15:31 TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Malupeaua Masina Māto to Masina Aiaina Masina Punifaga Masina Atoa/ Masina Le‘ale‘a Masina Feetetele Masina Ataatatai Masina Fagaeleele Masina Sulutele Atoa Li‘o le Masina

S 04:21 S 05:17 S 06:12 S 07:07 S 08:00 S 08:51 S 09:38 S 10:22 S 11:02 S 11:41 14 R 16:16 15 R 17:04 16 R 17:54 17 R 18:45 18 R 19:38 19 R 20:30 20 R 21:20 21 R 22:10 22 R 22:58 23 R 23:45 FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Nauna Masina UsunoaMay Masina Motusaga Masina Tatelega Masina Faasagafulu Masina Tāfaleu Masina Fataleu Masina Mitiloa Masina Maunā July

S 12:18 R 00:29 R 01:17 R 02:05 R 02:56 R 03:51 R 04:48 R 05:48 R 06:48 24 25 S 12:55 26 S 13:33 27 S 14:12 28 S 14:54 29 S 15:40 301S 16:31 S 17:26 2 S 18:31 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 The Samoan proverb “E a sipa le lama, ‘ae fano malolo” (The torch is tilted over while the flying fish die) refers to fishing for masimasi by baiting the hook with flying fish, which are caught with small fish-hooks. While the fisher is waiting for a bite, his boat must move slowly. The sail is, therefore, somewhat lowered until it hangs in an inclined position (sipa). This proverb refers to a person who has come to harm through another’s fault. PHOTO COURTESY OF NATE SAGAPOLUTELE Parrotfish play a role in protecting the coral reefs of American Samoa by eating algae that compete with corals.

Samoan names for parrotfish are associated with their size. Generally, they are calledfuga when less than 10 inches, laea when 10 to 15 inches, ulumato when 15 to 20 inches and galo when over 20 inches. Fuga and laea are important food fish for American Samoa communities and a favorite at local markets. American Samoa spear fishermen seek these coral grazers as they cannot be caught by hook. NPS PHOTOS Tu‘i e fu Iulai 3– 31, 2019

Masina Fou/ Masina To lo lo Masina Tolu Masina Faalao Masina Salefuga Masina Tulalupe Masina Motuega Masina Aufasa Masina Matuatua Masina Loloatai Faatoavaaia July

R 07:48 R 08:46 R 09:41 R 10:31 R 11:18 R 12:03 S 00:27 S 01:22 S 02:17 S 03:11 345678S 19:33 S 20:35 S 21:36 S 22:35 S 23:32 9 R 12:46 10 R 13:30 11 R 14:14 12 R 15:01 WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Malupeaua Masina Māto to Masina Aiaina Masina Punifaga Masina Atoa/ Masina Le‘ale‘a Masina Feetetele Masina Ataatatai Masina Fagaeleele Masina Sulutele Atoa Li‘o le Masina

S 04:06 S 05:00 S 05:53 S 06:45 S 07:33 S 08:18 S 09:00 S 09:39 S 10:17 S 10:53 13 R 15:49 14 R 16:39 15 R 17:31 16 R 18:22 17 R 19:14 18 R 20:04 19 R 20:52 20 R 21:39 21 R 22:26 22 R 23:12 SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Nauna Masina UsunoaMay Masina Motusaga Masina Tatelega Masina Faasagafulu Masina Tāfaleu Masina Fataleu Masina Mitiloa Masina Maunā

S 11:30 S 12:07 R 00:46 R 01:38 R 02:32 R 03:30 R 04:31 R 05:32 R 06:32 23 R 23:59 24 25 S 12:47 26 S 13:30 27 S 14:18 28 S 15:10 29 S 16:08 30 S 17:10 31 S 18:15 TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Parrotfish are caught by methods practiced traditionally by women of the villages. In the tutui or tuinga method, A favorite parrotfish dish of women working in pairs use sticks to drive fuga and laea from rocks and coral into shallower water to be collected American Samoa is prepared by in baskets. Two other methods practiced by women of American Samoa are sasa‘e, using bare hands to collect fish cooking laea wrapped in banana into baskets, and safunua, where a group of women form a semi-circle and move in formation to chase reef fish leaf in the umu (traditional hot close to the shore where they are scooped up in alagamea (hand nets). rock oven). Hatcheries were initiated to provide faisua for local markets and help protect the species.

American Samoa has two native species of faisua (giant clam): Tridacna maxima and T. squamosa. In recent years the local government has introduced T. gigas and T. derasa and re-introduced Hippopus hippopus to reefs around the territory. Faisua is a popular food in American Samoa, and efforts have been made to raise them through mariculture. NPS CLAM PHOTO M u l i f a¯ Aukuso 1– Aukuso 29, 2019

Masina Fou/ Masina To lo lo Masina Tolu Masina Faalao Masina Salefuga Masina Tulalupe Masina Motuega Masina Aufasa Masina Matuatua Masina Loloatai Faatoavaaia August

R 07:28 R 08:22 R 09:12 R 09:59 R 10:44 R 11:28 S 00:12 S 01:07 S 02:02 S 02:56 12345678S 19:22 S 20:23 S 21:23 S 22:20 S 23:16 R 12:13 R 12:59 9 R 13:46 10 R 14:36 THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Malupeaua Masina Māto to Masina Aiaina Masina Punifaga Masina Atoa/ Masina Le‘ale‘a Masina Feetetele Masina Ataatatai Masina Fagaeleele Masina Sulutele Atoa Li‘o le Masina

S 03:49 S 04:41 S 05:29 S 06:15 S 06:58 S 07:38 S 08:16 S 08:53 S 09:29 S 10:06 11 R 15:26 12 R 16:18 13 R 17:09 14 R 17:59 15 R 18:48 16 R 19:36 17 R 20:22 18 R 21:08 19 R 21:55 20 R 22:42 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Nauna Masina UsunoaMay Masina Motusaga Masina Tatelega Masina Faasagafulu Masina Tāfaleu Masina Fataleu Masina Mitiloa Masina Maunā

S 10:44 S 11:25 R 00:22 R 01:17 R 02:14 R 03:14 R 04:14 R 05:12 R 06:07 21 R 23:31 22 23 S 12:09 24 S 12:58 25 S 13:52 26 S 14:50 27 S 15:53 28 S 16:57 29 S 18:01 WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 According to Samoan legend, the faisua is responsible for the Samoan art of tatau (tattoo). Larger faisua found in deeper water beyond the reef’s edge Two sisters traveled from Fiji with a basket of tatau equipment and the knowledge of were traditionally harvested by men of the village who would tattooing. They chanted a song with the lyrics that only women shall receive tattoos and not dive on the reef at the break of dawn. A stick was wedged men. However, they were mesmerized by a giant faisua and dove into the ocean to catch it. into the mouth of the faisua, and then the clam was dislodged They were hypnotized or confused by the ordeal, and after that the song changed to men from the reef rocks. The faisua was also one of the reef species shall receive tatau and not women. NPS PHOTO harvested by women engaged in figota (reef gleaning). Atu (skipjack tuna) and apakoa (albacore tuna) are the two most important fish to the economy of American Samoa. They account for the bulk of the fish delivered to the local StarKist cannery, the territory’s largest private sector employer. Apakoa was not traditionally targeted by Samoan fishermen as it is generally caught in depths of 100 to 400 feet. Yet it is vitally important in modern Samoan society and makes up approximately 70 percent of the tuna landed by the local longline fishery. PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATE ILAOA (INSET) AND MAC AVEINA Pa¯lolomua Aukuso 30–Setema 28, 2019

Masina Fou/ Masina To lo lo Masina Tolu Masina Faalao Masina Salefuga Masina Tulalupe Masina Motuega Masina Aufasa Masina Matuatua Masina Loloatai Faatoavaaia September August

R 06:58 R 07:48 R 08:35 R 09:22 R 10:08 R 10:55 R 11:43 S 00:51 S 01:46 S 02:38 30 S 19:06 311234567S 20:06 S 21:05 S 22:03 S 23:00 S 23:56 R 12:32 R 13:23 8 R 14:14 FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Malupeaua Masina Māto to Masina Aiaina Masina Punifaga Masina Atoa/ Masina Le‘ale‘a Masina Feetetele Masina Ataatatai Masina Fagaeleele Masina Sulutele Atoa Li‘o le Masina

S 03:27 S 04:14 S 04:57 S 05:38 S 06:16 S 06:53 S 07:30 S 08:06 S 08:44 S 09:23 9 R 15:05 10 R 15:56 11 R 16:45 12 R 17:33 13 R 18:20 14 R 19:06 15 R 19:52 16 R 20:39 17 R 21:27 18 R 22:17 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Nauna Masina UsunoaMay Masina Motusaga Masina Tatelega Masina Faasagafulu Masina Tāfaleu Masina Fataleu Masina Mitiloa Masina Fanoloa Masina Maunā

S 10:05 S 10:52 R 00:04 R 01:02 R 02:00 R 02:57 R 03:52 R 04:44 R 05:35 R 06:22 19 R 23:09 20 21 S 11:42 22 S 12:37 23 S 13:36 24 S 14:38 25 S 15:40 26 S 16:43 27 S 17:45 28 S 18:46 THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Traditionally, tautai were the stewards of the oceans around American Samoa and charged Pa‘atu is a special type of fish hook for atu made from shell (usually turtle). The lure was by the high chiefs with fishing for pelagic fish, such as atu. Successful catches were shared a unique two-piece composite that included a shell such as cowrie connected to the turtle among the villagers as directed by the village chiefs or councils. Status of titles among shell hook. A special, all wood hook for skipjack fishing was made the inhabitants of Ta‘u families dictated who received the prime portions. The head was reserved for high and Island. American Samoa villagers built special boat to fish for atu. Ofu, Manu‘a, was one talking chiefs. Failure to properly adhere to the protocol of catch distribution to chiefs could village where construction of such vessels took place. result in severe punishment, including exile and confiscation of crops and possessions. Palolo (Palola viridis) spawn during three days of the third quarter moon (i.e., one week after the full moon) in the months of October and November each year. They appear at different times on different islands. Some villagers believe that successful palolo spawns are connected to plants. They believe a good palolo catch depends on how many moso‘oi (flowers of the cananga tree) bloom in the months of October and November. Others say the closing of the pālulu (morning glory) can influence the success of a palolo spawn. MAIN PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX WEBB, INSET PHOTO BY NPS Pa¯lolomuli Setema 29– Oketopa 27, 2019

Masina Fou/ Masina To lo lo Masina Tolu Masina Faalao Masina Salefuga Masina Tulalupe Masina Motuega Masina Aufasa Masina Matuatua Masina Loloatai Faatoavaaia September October

R 07:10 R 07:57 R 08:45 R 09:34 R 10:25 R 11:16 S 00:32 S 01:23 S 02:11 S 02:56 29 S 19:46 301234567S 20:45 S 21:44 S 22:42 S 23:39 R 12:09 R 13:00 R 13:51 8 R 14:41 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Malupeaua Masina Māto to Masina Aiaina Masina Punifaga Masina Atoa/ Masina Le‘ale‘a Masina Feetetele Masina Ataatatai Masina Fagaeleele Masina Sulutele Atoa Li‘o le Masina

S 03:37 S 04:16 S 04:54 S 05:30 S 06:07 S 06:44 S 07:23 S 08:04 S 08:49 S 09:38 9 R 15:29 10 R 16:17 11 R 17:03 12 R 17:49 13 R 18:36 14 R 19:24 15 R 20:14 16 R 21:06 17 R 22:00 18 R 22:55 WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Nauna Masina UsunoaMay Masina Motusaga Masina Tatelega Masina Faasagafulu Masina Tāfaleu Masina Fataleu Masina Mitiloa Masina Maunā

S 10:31 S 11:27 R 00:49 R 01:43 R 02:34 R 03:23 R 04:11 R 04:58 R 05:44 19 R 23:51 20 21 S 12:26 22 S 13:26 23 S 14:27 24 S 15:27 25 S 16:26 26 S 17:26 27 S 18:25 SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Traditionally, villagers prepared for the palolo harvest by utilizing moso‘oi. It was believed that good reported success, preparations were begun at the chief’s house—feasts and ‘ava were prepared by luck was brought to fishermen who adorned leis of moso‘oi and wore nice clothing and to those who the taupou (village virgin). Everyone came to the chief’s house for feasting and amusements until prepared for palolo fishing by bathing with moso‘oi and other fragrant blossoms. Special festivities the time arrived for all to go catch the palolo. Abundant harvests were shared with the entire village, were organized for the night before the palolo catch. The chief of the village that had jurisdiction a practice known as valelei, which is a way to keep good relations among the residents of a village. over the reef channel would send fishermen out to search for the first signs of palolo. When they The shark is traditionally used in ceremonial events and divided in a specific way—usually with the shark’s head given to the aumaga (untitled males of the village). NPS PHOTO Taumafamua Oketopa 28– Novema 26, 2019

Masina Fou/ Masina To lo lo Masina Tolu Masina Faalao Masina Salefuga Masina Tulalupe Masina Motuega Masina Aufasa Masina Matuatua Masina Loloatai Faatoavaaia October November

R 06:31 R 07:21 R 08:12 R 09:05 R 09:58 R 10:52 S 00:06 S 00:52 S 01:35 S 02:15 28 S 19:26 29 S 20:26 30 S 21:25 3112345S 22:22 S 23:16 R 11:44 R 12:35 R 13:24 6 R 14:12 MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Malupeaua Masina Māto to Masina Aiaina Masina Punifaga Masina Atoa/ Masina Le‘ale‘a Masina Feetetele Masina Ataatatai Masina Fagaeleele Masina Sulutele Atoa Li‘o le Masina

S 02:53 S 03:29 S 04:06 S 04:43 S 05:21 S 06:02 S 06:46 S 07:35 S 08:27 S 09:23 78R 14:59 R 15:45 9 R 16:31 10 R 17:19 11 R 18:09 12 R 19:01 13 R 19:55 14 R 20:51 15 R 21:47 16 R 22:44 THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Nauna Masina UsunoaMay Masina Motusaga Masina Tatelega Masina Faasagafulu Masina Tāfaleu Masina Fataleu Masina Mitiloa Masina Fanoloa Masina Maunā

S 10:21 S 11:20 R 00:30 R 01:19 R 02:05 R 02:50 R 03:35 R 04:21 R 05:08 R 05:58 17 R 23:38 18 19 S 12:19 20 S 13:17 21 S 14:15 22 S 15:12 23 S 16:09 24 S 17:08 25 S 18:07 26 S 19:08 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 In American Samoa, lepaga (shark fishing) was done by various methods. was used for this method of shark fishing. These wooden floats were One traditional harvest method called sele involved the use of odorous lightweight and used with nets and lures. bait (such as fish chum and pig innards) and a long noose to snare the A second method of shark fishing used a 50- by 20-foot net called shark once it surfaced alongside a fishing vessel. A traditional bait float ‘upega malie. Special floats from ‘ulu (breadfruit) trees and ma‘a (stones) served as sinkers. The nets were baited with fish to attract sharks.

NPS PHOTO ‘Anae (family Mugilidae) are commonly fished in the coastal waters around the islands of American Samoa. ‘Anae is also important as a bait to catch larger pelagic fish such as atu. In American Samoa the season for ‘anae gutu mūmū (red-lipped mullet) runs from October through December. The afomatua (grey mullet) are considered a sacred fish. They are commonly presented as ceremonial exchanges with such items as siapo (tapa cloth) and fala (fine mats) as reciprocal gifts. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN SAMOA COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S AGRICULTURE COMMUNITY AND NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT (LAND GRANT PROGRAM) Toe tau m a fa Novema 27– Tesema 25, 2019

Masina Fou/ Masina To lo lo Masina Tolu Masina Faalao Masina Salefuga Masina Tulalupe Masina Motuega Masina Aufasa Masina Matuatua Masina Loloatai Faatoavaaia November December

R 06:50 R 07:44 R 08:39 R 09:33 R 10:26 R 11:16 S 00:10 S 00:51 S 01:27 S 02:04 27 S 20:07 28 S 21:04 29 S 21:56 3012345S 22:45 S 23:29 R 12:05 R 12:52 R 13:38 6 R 14:24 WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Malupeaua Masina Māto to Masina Aiaina Masina Punifaga Masina Atoa/ Masina Le‘ale‘a Masina Feetetele Masina Ataatatai Masina Fagaeleele Masina Sulutele Atoa Li‘o le Masina

S 02:40 S 03:17 S 03:57 S 04:40 S 05:27 S 06:19 S 07:15 S 08:14 S 09:14 S 10:14 78R 15:11 R 16:00 9 R 16:51 10 R 17:45 11 R 18:41 12 R 19:39 13 R 20:37 14 R 21:34 15 R 22:27 16 R 23:17 SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Nauna Masina UsunoaMay Masina Motusaga Masina Tatelega Masina Faasagafulu Masina Tāfaleu Masina Fataleu Masina Mitiloa Masina Maunā

S 11:13 R 00:04 R 00:49 R 01:32 R 02:16 R 03:02 R 03:49 R 04:39 R 05:32 17 18 S 12:10 19 S 13:06 20 S 14:02 21 S 14:58 22 S 15:55 23 S 16:53 24 S 17:51 25 S 18:48 TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 The western village of Amanave is famous for its traditional harvest of the ‘anae gutu mūmū. The afomatua was historically a favorite of Samoan chiefs because of their The harvest method involves a collaborative effort by the people of the village called seu ‘anae. tendency to jump out of the water when chased. Because they were A group of men use tolo matu (large braided nets) to round up schools of ‘anae gutu mūmū and often caught in mid-air with alagamea direct them into the channel, where a larger group of villagers awaits to scoop up the fish with (hand nets), the chiefs likened this to seuga alagamea (hand nets). About 60 families undertake this large group effort at one time. lupe (pigeon hunting), a pastime reserved exclusively for chiefly individuals. A sea turtle feeding in the shallows around Tutuila Island. As juveniles, laumei feed on crustaceans, grasses and algae, before adopting a herbivorous diet as adults.

Sea turtles are commonly referred to as laumei in Samoan but have also been called i‘a sā (sacred fish). A Samoan myth claims that sea turtles have the power to guide lost fishermen back to land and safety. The turtle shell was an important material in the making of fish hooks used to catch large pelagic fish like atu (skipjack tuna) and masimasi (dolphinfish). NPS PHOTOS U t u v a¯ m u a Tesema 26, 2019–Ianuari 23, 2020

Masina Fou/ Masina To lo lo Masina Tolu Masina Faalao Masina Salefuga Masina Tulalupe Masina Motuega Masina Aufasa Masina Matuatua Masina Loloatai Faatoavaaia December January

R 06:25 R 07:20 R 08:14 R 09:07 R 09:57 R 10:45 R 11:31 R 12:17 S 00:36 S 01:13 26 S 19:45 27 S 20:36 28 S 21:22 29 S 22:05 30 S 22:45 31123S 23:22 S 23:58 R 13:03 4 R 13:50 THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Malupeaua Masina Māto to Masina Aiaina Masina Punifaga Masina Atoa/ Masina Le‘ale‘a Masina Feetetele Masina Ataatatai Masina Fagaeleele Masina Sulutele Atoa Li‘o le Masina

S 01:51 S 02:32 S 03:17 S 04:06 S 05:01 S 06:00 S 07:01 S 08:04 S 09:05 S 10:04 5678R 14:39 R 15:31 R 16:26 R 17:24 9 R 18:23 10 R 19:22 11 R 20:19 12 R 21:12 13 R 22:01 14 R 22:47 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 Masina Nauna Masina UsunoaMay Masina Motusaga Masina Tatelega Masina Faasagafulu Masina Tāfaleu Masina Fataleu Masina Mitiloa Masina Maunā

S 11:02 S 11:58 R 00:16 R 01:00 R 01:46 R 02:34 R 03:25 R 04:17 R 05:11 15 R 23:32 16 17 S 12:54 18 S 13:49 19 S 14:46 20 S 15:43 21 S 16:39 22 S 17:35 23 S 18:27 WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 6N6 3 2 1 0 -1 One of American Samoa's most famous legends tells of a mother and While the sea turtle is now protected under the Endangered daughter who, during a time of great famine, leaped from the cliff side Species Act and interaction with the animals is restricted, the and were transformed into a turtle and shark. They swam to the village of people of Samoa have historically implemented their own form where they were treated to food and clothing by High Chief Letuli. of conservation for i‘a sā. Historically, the turtle was the exclusive To repay his kindness, they protect the waters of Vaitogi to this day. property of the Tui Manu‘a (the highest chief of the Manu‘a Islands) and off limits to everyone else. NPS PHOTO PHOTO COURTESY OF LOTE AIUMU About the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council was established by Congress in 1976 to manage fisheries in the offshore waters surrounding Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Hawai‘i and the US Pacific remote island areas. The fisheries in federal waters surrounding American Samoa are managed under the American Samoa Archipelago and Pacific Pelagic Fishery Ecosystem Plans. Traditional knowledge and wide community involvement are integral parts of the ecosystem-based approach to fishery management. American Samoa Contacts Council Vice Chair Taotasi Archie Soliai Phone: (684) 258-2770 Email: [email protected] Council Member Christinna Lutu-Sanchez Phone: (684) 633-7675 Email: [email protected] Council Member Va‘amua Henry Sesepasara American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources Phone: (684) 633-4456 Email: [email protected] Council On-Site Coordinator Nathan Ilaoa Phone: (684) 272-2630 Email: [email protected]

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council 1164 Bishop Street, Suite 1400 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813 Phone: (808) 522-8220 Fax: (808) 522-8226 Email: [email protected] Web : www.wpcouncil.org ISBN 978-1-944827-29-8 PHOTO COURTESY OF NATHAN ILAOA.