Traditional Fishing in Samoa

These photos of a traditional atule harvest are from the William Fell Collection in the Museum of Samoa taken approximately between 1928 and 1935.

Nearly 100 years later, in the year 2020 this is still practiced in the Manu'a Islands to harvest the atule fish. This year the blessing was upon Olosega Village. It has fed all Fale Luanu'u.

Schools of atule fish appeared on the coast of Olosega Village after the tropical storm Vicky & Wasi. The atule was in a perfect location for the village to prepare communal efforts for an atule harvest by traditional Samoan method, rather than by hook and fishing pole. Everyone in Olosega came together to make this a successful harvest

These age old methods of fishing are being taught to young generations, to keep these sustainable ways of communal food gathering alive

The atule harvest is not sold. Each family is given a share of the harvest.

Successful Atule harvest in Olosega, Manu'a

Traditional fishing of the atule fish in Olosega, Manu'a.

Olosega Village harvesting atule.

Olosega Villagers take advantage of the low tide to make a rock wall in preparation of catching and harvesting the atule. Little kids gather on shore to watch this beautiful traditional fishing method and hardwork leading up to the day of the atule catch.

Blessed are those to witness this with their eyes, especially the young tupulaga of Manu'a

Communal efforts by Olosega Villagers who have gathered to weave tapaau trap to be used as a lau to catch the school of atule. There are big black pods of atule out at sea off the coast of Olosega, which prompted the village to come together to harvest this blessing.