Fish Traps

[Andrew M McKenna]

for those interested in Fish Traps on Niku, here is a photo of what Tom King believes is a fish trap.

Andrew

[Malcolm McKay]

for those interested in Fish Traps on Niku, here is a photo of what Tom King believes is a fish trap.

Andrew

Certainly looks like one to me - but don't take my word for it I've only ever seen a couple of dozen. Is this the one on the western side of the lagoon near where the PISS village was?

[Andrew M McKenna]

Yup, I think it is the only one we've found.

see screenshot below

amck

[Malcolm McKay]

Yup, I think it is the only one we've found.

Thanks. They are pretty rough and ready devices and once built they'll last for a long time, the only maintenance is clearing the silt out. Some I was investigating along the southern shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria seemed to attract horrible great stingrays which would submerge in the silt - I made a mental note not to go paddling in them  ;D .

[Malcolm McKay]

Malcolm,

have you come accross the use of wooden/woven fish traps or weirs in the south pacific?  I only ask as that is a very european form of fishing in estury environments.

Not personally, although that doesn't rule them out if suitable easily woven material is at hand.

[John Balderston]

Regarding survival skills in the Central Pacific, does anyone know if Fred Noonan corresponded with colleague and friend Harold Gatty preparing for this trip?  (pretty sure Gatty was in New Zealand in spring/summer 1937).