Workshop teaches local fishing skills

Islands
Source:
The National,Tuesday June 14th, 2016

THIRTY people in the Rabaul district went back to tradition last week – learning how to make the awup or traditional fish trap.
Fishermen and women were selected from registered fishing groups in Kombiu, Balanataman and Watom local level governments for the weeklong training at the Pilapila ward beach front.
Acting Rabaul district fisheries officer Apelis Johannes said training was planned for last year but deferred due to funding difficulty.
Johannes said the Rabaul district fisheries funded the training for K7000 to help preserve the traditional life skill which was barely seen these days.
He said Eco–Link Consultancy Services under Gesly Rivan provided the training, in theory and practical, through Elison Wabing and the local awup makers from Karavia.
Johannes said five women attended the training.
Women lead the use of the awup.
He said the district was hoping to hold similar training for other villages such as Malaguna 1 to Tavana-Valaur along the Rabaul-Kokopo Road so that people can be aware of the traditions.