Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council

Refaluwasch Papaal Maram 2011

2011

Honolulu, Hawaii

Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC)

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Traditional Lunar Calendar

"This 2011 Refaluwasch papaal maram (Refaluwasch lunar calendar) features the contributions and advice of the Lunar Calendar Committee on the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), which was produced by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC). The calendar highlights traditional fishing and conservation practices of the Refaluwasch, who along with the Chamorro, are the indigenous people of the Mariana Archipelago (Guam and the CNMI). The tide charts with the moon rise and set times are in Chamorro time for Saipan. They were provided by Barry Smith, retired, University of Guams Marine Laboratory. The seasonal fishing predictions were provided by the fishermen on CNMI and Guam. They are based on past experience; however, there may be changes or differences based on a variety of factors such as weather patterns. This calendar features some of the winning entries from a student art contest held in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The theme of the competition was Awawel Kikilil Pungil Maram Ngely Malawas, Set Me Bwel, which means understanding moon phases in relation to our natural resources. This theme encourages understanding of the different moon phases in the lives and surroundings of the people of the Mariana Archipelago. WPRFMC has produced traditional lunar calendars for CNMI and Guam since 2007. The intent is to raise public awareness about the Mariana Archipelago Fisher Ecosystem Plan, developed by WPRFMC and implemented by the NOAAs National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Traditional knowledge and wide community involvement are integral parts of this place-based, ecosystem approach to fishery management."

NOAA CRCP grant NA10NMF4410061

NA10NMF4410061