■ A Family Effort in Fishing

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The fishing methods practiced on these islands vary from handline, casting and dragnet fishing to tackle, herding, and spearfishing while free diving. Each island in Micronesia has its own fishing techniques suitable for its environment, such as group seine net fishing by women in Chuuk, or fishing with "stone fish traps" on Yap Island, capturing fish in the constructed stones, and catching shellfish and octopus during low tide, canoe fishing, and using the poison of certain fruit for fishing.

In the serene inshore reefs surrounded by coral reefs, it's common to see children fishing. Since the day's catch often ends up on the dinner table, it's not just a pastime but a way of life. Growing up by the sea, they become capable fishermen by the age of 10, which is quite remarkable.

The inshore catches consist of colorful small fish like sergeant majors, parrotfish, small groupers, hawkfish, sweetlips, goatfish, and snappers. Not to forget octopus, sea cucumbers, crabs, and shellfish.

Sea cucumbers have been extensively used in trade since ancient times but are also preserved for household consumption.

In the estuaries where the sea and rivers meet, islands with a population of mangrove trees have a thriving crab and mangrove crab fishery. However, this is primarily for restaurants or exporting to places like Guam and Saipan to earn foreign currency. Sometimes, they are sold for as much as $50 each, making it rare to find them on local dining tables except on special occasions. Exporting live mangrove crabs that can survive for almost a week in transit makes them a perfect commodity for export.

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■ Men Transforming in the Sea

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Men who seem to laze around at home completely transform when they go fishing. Individuals who seem reluctant to move suddenly swim agilely chasing fish underwater, with their expressions sharpening. When the fishing goes well, they can spend half a day or more engrossed in their catch.

In households relying on self-sufficiency, the main breadwinners in families are engaged in spearfishing or trolling in the open ocean. Hence, their determination is unparalleled. When they are out at sea, perhaps the spirit of fishermen surges within them; they indeed exhibit the prowess of a maritime people underwater.

Their transformation isn't limited to rural villages but extends to islands like Guam and Saipan, which have undergone urbanization.

During weekends, relatives gather with large coolers as local men enthusiastically indulge in spearfishing. They aim for fish like surgeonfish or groupers. A successful catch of 5 to 6 of these fish, ideal for frying, marks a great day of fishing.

While the beaches cater to a crowd enjoying marine sports, if you venture to the secluded parts, you can witness the original self-sustaining lifestyle of Micronesia still being lived.

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