Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 2. Human Activities
Draft 1 March 2007
In 1973 and 1975, a joint Smithsonian Institute/Royal Society expedition visited Nikumaroro
(Garnett 1983a).
In 1974, the Line Islands Expedition visited Nikumaroro (Gardner) briefly (Garnett 1983a).
On the southeast end of Nikumaroro there had been some kind of activity (King et al 2001).
This appeared to be related to the USAF space and missile center there during the 1970s.
Nikumaroro (Gardner) was claimed by both the U.S. and U.K. (King 1973).
In 1978, there was no one living on Nikumaroro, but it was estimated that this island could
support 250 people (Kiribati 1983).
In 1978, the Gilbert Islands (1978) conducted a survey of Nikumaroro after 14 years of
abandonment (see also Garnett 1983b). Natural resources such as fish, coconut, and coconut
crabs were abundant. However, it was noted that these resources could be depleted by large
influxes of people. Resettlement was not recommended (Garnett 1983b).
Preliminary plans were included in Gilbert Islands (1978) regarding possible resettlement of
Nikumaroro. It was estimated that the island would support 25 families initially. This might
be expanded to 100 families later. The plans included cost estimates.
After 1978, small groups of copra cutters and fishermen have been landed on Nikumaroro
(Gardner) for a few months at a time to collect and dry copra and to catch and salt fish
(Garnett 1983a).
ORONA (HULL)
In 1947, there were 530 people living on Orona (Hull) (Bryan 1951; Freeman 1951; Maude
1953a; Robson 1956). Of these 241 were males and 289 were females (Pusinelli 1948). The
community included a village, schools, hospital, churches, and co-operative society (Garnett
1983a).
By 1948, there were 558 persons on Orona (Hull) (Bryan 1951).
The population of Orona (Hull) was 575 people (Robson 1956).
The importance of Portulaca in the diets of settlers of the Phoenix Islands was reported by
Turbott (1954). It was an important source of vitamin C and a major part of the diet.
However, it was considered too strong for the sick and infants. Turbott (1954) provided
preparation instructions for Portulaca that were used on Manra and Orona.
In 1963, there were 286 people in Arariki, and 297 in Kukutin, for a total of 583 people on
Orona (Hull) (McArthur and McCaig 1963).
In 1963, when the Phoenix Islands were hit with another drought, relief measures were
needed (MacDonald 1982). In 1963, there was an advance party from the Phoenix Islands
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