Nga Vaitau fishing association kicks into action

William & Medal calling for concerns

Some of the fisherman of Nga Vaitau

About 50 fisherman from Vaipeka, Tautu and Vaipae formed the Nga Vaitau Fishing Association last Saturday.
Forming the association was critical in that they now have the backing of a group and will be able to lobby government to address long-standing needs of the fisherman in the area.
One of these needs is for a fishing aggregate device (FAD) for the area. Currently, fisherman must travel further out to sea than is necessary to catch fish. The FAD will bring the fish closer which has safety implications in that it is easier for fisherman to get back to shore if they have problems, and saves their petrol.
FADs have been put into Aitutaki but on the other side of the island. Fisherman of Nga Vaitau are asking that it be there turn.
Other needs that they want addressed is to put beacons at the harbours, to put markings in the lagoon to help guide them to the motus so that they don’t hit the coral, and to deepen the harbours. All three villages have their own harbours. All harbours have to be deepened on an ongoing basis due to the build up of mud and silt.
Fisherman also want the association to acquire training for the members. Safety training has been identified as the most immediate need. Then perhaps boatmaster training for all existing and potential fisherman.
The fisherman also ask that perhaps the association can look at bulk buying certain equipment so that the fisherman can get it at a reduced rate.
The association will also host some competitions and fun activities for its members, and also look into setting up a clubhouse.
Dr. Roro Daniel was also at the meeting. He asked that if a clubhouse is built that it does not become a place of drinking. He said that the teenage pregnancy rate was too high on the island and drinking was one of the causes. The fisherman present agreed that the club house focus on the needs and become non-alcoholic.
Many of the fisherman in Nga Vaitau are women, and the club has been opened up to them. Manarangi Ariki was one of the first women to join up on the night.
The president of the association is George Pitt, the Chairman is Medal Kavana, the Secretary is William Ruamoana, the Treasurer is Mr. T. Bure, the committee members are Pepe Ngatokorua, Jubilee Reu, Moeau Ngatae and Ngaa Kitaa.

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