Aitutaki Fishing Venture, Cook Islands, Othenial Tangianau

Aim/goal & objectives
• The project concept was basically based on the idea that Air
Rarotonga flies tourist every day to the island of Aitutaki
• It felt that the people of Aitutaki could benefit from the
venture if they diversify from their current gill netting and
engage in a less destructive catch and release fishing
venture.
• The project was to concentrate on the bone fish and
trevally species, recognised as tough fighters when hooked
• The idea was, rather than trying to resolve the issue by
force (ban on net fishing or imports of nets into the island),
it would seem wiser to provide fishermen with information
on the damage caused by their techniques, to give them an
incentive to involve them in the development of the sports
fishing activity as guides.
• The reason being some of the fishermen have the best
knowledge of bonefish habits, which is an essential quality
for a good fishing guide! 2012 Pacific Local Government Forum