2012 YAP Lunar Calendar

Yap Almanac Calendar 2012

Choices and Yap’s Future

Like a New Year’s fireworks display in miniature, the flower of Yap’s endemic gumor tree sends out a

spectacular spray of stamens.

continued to build on Papa Mau’s teaching and he and the Polynesian Voyaging Soci-ety are now planning a voyage around the world on the Hokulea Polynesian voyaging canoe that Mau Piailuk navigated from Hawaii to Tahiti. In a recent address to foresters gathered in Hawaii, Nainoa pointed out that in this era of climate change and resource depletion, Pacific islanders must play a big role in shaping the world of the future, and to do that we must do things that we cannot (yet) do. Shortly thereafter, another son of Hawaii, Makana, presented a Hawaiian approach to the Occupy movement when he performed for the APEC meeting and opened his formal jacket to reveal a T-shirt with the message “Occupy with Aloha”. At a time of climate change and economic uncertain-ties we must somehow bring the economic world into harmony with the natural world and care for one another in the process. The future of Yapese culture, the future of our children, indeed, the future of the world, will be determined by the choices we make today and the actions we take to become the change we seek.

AcknowledgementsWe thank the Western Pacific Fisheries Council for financial support for this year’s cal-endar. The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional fishery management councils established by Congress, to prevent overfishing, minimize by-catch and protect fish stocks and habitat. For more information visit www.wocoun-cil.org. In recent years, the council has supported the production of lunar calendars that promote wise use of marine resources. The Yap Sports Association has also contributed to this year’s almanac which includes the 2012 Yap sports calendar. The drawing of Yap’s flag come alive is by the late Stanley Kenrad, the “3 nguchol” by Luke Holoi, May’s Yapese landscape under a footprint and basket by Martin Faimau and July mural by Faimau and Lubuw Falanruw. Photo credits: cover by Laura Koonz of YVB, little dancer at the end of the line in April is by Adam Thompson, July fruit basket by Lamar, Septem-ber fish: top “Nemo” by Tim Rock, side from left to right, by Rob Myers, Tim Nicholson and Alan James; November top and bottom right canoes by Yap Traditional Navigation Society. Other photos, and writing, are by Margie Cushing Nevarez Falanruw. Digital artistry is by Lonnie Fread. Some fisheries information is from SPC species information sheets and tide predictions are from the University of Hawaii Sea Level Center. Leetun F. Tamag, and Simona and Frankie Cushing helped with logistics. Thanks to all. Any mis-takes in this calendar are mine. Margie Falanruw

The Yap Institute of Natural ScienceYINS is a small, local, nonprofit organization chartered in 1975, engaged in the collection of ethno biological knowledge and research in natural history, adaptive technology and Eco development, making applications where possible.We are dedicated to the ideal of maintaining indigenous integrity through the wise sus-tainable use of local resources, and the search for a valid ethno-ecological lifestyle in the Yap Islands Ecosystem. We hope to fill gaps between pure science, the wealth of knowl-edge and experience of the people of Yap islands, and practical needs which may be benefitted by scientific knowledge. All too often scientific accomplishment in this area has left with its author. We have the advantage of being permanently on Yap and are therefore able to maintain a continuity of knowledge and application. YINS, P. O. Box 215, Yap, FM 96943

Welcome to 2012!This years Yap Almanac weaves together multiple themes that relate to choices for Yap’s future. The theme of lunar cycles brings our attention to natural rhythms of island life: of moon phases and the associated pulse of tides. We also celebrate Yapese culture through the new living museum (our cover), canoes and dance, and recognize that the foundation of this culture are natural resources and ways of using these resources with-out destroying or depleting them. Culture, like democracy requires care and maintenance lest it slips away and be lost. We can learn from what has happened and from what is happening to other first nation people of the world, among them our Hawaiian neighbors. Dear Debbie Chang who visited Yap some years ago pointed out how fortunate Yapese are to own their own land, speak their own language and eat their own food, something that has been almost lost in Hawaii. Lest we fail to recognize what we have until it is gone, we can take inspira-tion from Hawaiians who are working to regain what was almost lost. On a recent trip to Hawaii, the Kokua Kalihi Valley group hosted us to wonderful local food and we were inspired by how hard they are working to re-create a Hawaiian landscape in the Ho’oulu ‘Aina Nature Preserve. The effort started as a way to grow more Hawaiian foods to ad-dress a health crisis among Hawaiians. This effort should resonate with us for we have our own growing health crisis. Losing health and strength is a first step to losing land, culture and identity, for it compromises our ability to maintain our environment and make wise choices for the future. The themes of food security and health are thus woven into this year’s calendar. While it is important to pass on dance and material culture, it is also important to pass on and enhance technologies of food production and processes for sustainable management of natural resources and to continue to build on the strong foundation of the past. Nainoa Thompson who was a student of our Mau Piailug has

0022 4.70622 3.01314 5.51949 3.1

0136 4.50713 3.31359 5.42058 3.0

0311 4.40820 3.61449 5.32203 2.7

0446 4.50938 3.81544 5.32300 2.4

0557 4.81050 3.91639 5.32347 2.1

0647 5.01148 3.81728 5.4

0029 1.80726 5.31236 3.71812 5.6

0107 1.60801 5.51317 3.71852 5.7

0143 1.40834 5.71356 3.51931 5.9

0218 1.30906 5.81433 3.42009 6.0

0253 1.30938 5.91510 3.32048 6.0

0328 1.41011 6.01549 3.22130 6.0

0404 1.71044 6.01631 3.02216 5.8

0441 2.01119 6.01719 2.92308 5.5

0521 2.41158 6.01814 2.8

0010 5.20606 2.91241 5.91920 2.7

0131 4.90701 3.41332 5.82035 2.5

0312 4.80815 3.81433 5.72153 2.2

0454 4.90945 3.91543 5.72304 1.9

0608 5.21108 3.91654 5.8

0003 1.70702 5.51215 3.81757 5.9

0053 1.50746 5.71308 3.61850 6.1

0136 1.40824 5.91354 3.41936 6.1

0215 1.40900 6.11436 3.22019 6.1

0251 1.50933 6.11515 3.12058 6.0

0324 1.71004 6.11553 3.02137 5.8

0356 2.01035 6.11631 3.02216 5.6

0428 2.41105 6.01710 3.02257 5.3

0500 2.81136 5.81754 3.02343 5.0

0533 3.11209 5.61844 3.0

0041 4.70612 3.51246 5.41945 3.0

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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JANUARY 2012

Chinese (lunar) New Year

Martin LutherKing Jr. Birthday

New Year’s Day

Sunrise 0703Sunset 1838

Yap’s Flag

The flag of Yap State is a white star encircled by the silhouette of

an outrigger canoe under full sail, enclosed in a circle set in a field of blue. The blue represents the ocean, the white, peace and brotherhood. The small circle represents the people uni-fied within the big circle representing stone money, symbol of tradition and culture. The canoe represents the means and ways of accomplishment and the star represents guidance and the determination and goals of Yap State. The canoe is symbolic, for the island of Yap is likened to a canoe on the vast ocean. At one time Yap sailed its own canoe using the natural power of winds. Today we must find creative and sustainable ways to use natural resources to continue powering our ship of state.

In this year’s almanac we celebrate lunar cycles by shading each calendar date box in proportion to the amount of moon-light; new moon date boxes are all shaded and full moon boxes are unshaded. The dance of the moon and tide and the influ-ence they have are discussed in August.

New Year’s Resolutions

0201 4.50705 3.81333 5.32056 2.9

0351 4.50827 4.11434 5.12209 2.7

0526 4.71005 4.11547 5.12311 2.4

0622 5.01122 4.01655 5.3

0000 2.10701 5.31217 3.91750 5.5

0042 1.80734 5.61300 3.61836 5.8

0120 1.60806 5.81338 3.41919 6.0

0157 1.50836 6.01415 3.12000 6.2

0232 1.50906 6.21453 2.92043 6.2

0307 1.70937 6.31532 2.62126 6.2

0343 2.01009 6.31613 2.42213 6.0

0420 2.41043 6.31659 2.32305 5.7

0459 2.81120 6.21751 2.3

0006 5.30543 3.31202 6.01853 2.4

0125 5.00638 3.71255 5.82008 2.5

0309 4.90758 4.11404 5.52133 2.5

0451 5.00945 4.21532 5.42252 2.3

0559 5.31117 4.01656 5.52353 2.1

0647 5.61218 3.71759 5.7

0041 2.00726 5.81305 3.41849 5.9

0120 1.90759 6.01345 3.21932 6.0

0155 2.00830 6.21420 3.02011 6.1

0228 2.10858 6.21454 2.82048 6.0

0258 2.30926 6.21527 2.72123 5.9

0328 2.50952 6.21559 2.72159 5.8

0357 2.81018 6.11633 2.72236 5.5

0426 3.11044 5.91709 2.72316 5.3

0457 3.41111 5.71751 2.8

0005 5.00531 3.71142 5.51842 2.9


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FEBRUARY 2012

Ash WednesdayMardi Gras

St. Valentine’s DayLincoln’s Birthday

Washington’s Birthday

Sunrise 0703Sunset 1838“We are mindful that our environment and our

natural resources are all important, for they are the foundation of our economies, our cultures

and our identities as Pacific Islanders.” Declaration. First Micronesian Traditional

Leadership Conference

The Third Nguchol

Current discussions about development tend to emphasize economic and social considerations. We do not hear as much about environmental concerns. This is largely because we do not have enough people trained in environmental manage-ment. Environmental safeguards are basic to sound, sustainable development. In the olden days the three paramount political subdivisions on Yap were likened to the three stones support-ing a cooking pot (nguchol), and the importance of balance between these three nguchol was pointed out. Likewise, as we shape Yap’s future it is vital that we consider “the third ngu-chol”: environment, for if this nguchol is damaged or left out, the pot will fall. Most of Yapese culture was related to the allocation, sharing and exchanging of natural resources. Today outside money enables Yap to take part in the world’s economic system. Sustainable economic development however remains subject to ecological limitations. We must avoid “boom and bust” type of development where resources are sold for a brief “boom” fol-lowed by a “bust” that leaves people worse off; without income and without the resources needed to meet their basic needs.

Like a dewdrop on a taro leaf, Yap must be

handled with care, lest it slip

away and be lost.

0111 4.80615 4.01222 5.31947 2.9

0247 4.70728 4.21324 5.12107 2.9

0431 4.80923 4.31455 5.02224 2.7

0536 5.11057 4.11625 5.22323 2.4

0618 5.41154 3.81729 5.5

0011 2.20653 5.71237 3.51821 5.8

0052 2.00725 6.01316 3.11907 6.1

0130 1.90756 6.21354 2.61952 6.3

0208 2.00828 6.41433 2.32037 6.4

0245 2.20859 6.51513 2.02124 6.3

0322 2.50933 6.51555 1.82213 6.1

0402 2.91009 6.41641 1.82307 5.8

0444 3.31048 6.21732 2.0

0008 5.50533 3.61134 5.91832 2.3

0124 5.20635 4.01232 5.61945 2.5

0258 5.10803 4.21351 5.32110 2.7

0427 5.20957 4.11533 5.22232 2.7

0530 5.41119 3.81659 5.32333 2.6

0615 5.61212 3.51759 5.6

0019 2.50652 5.91253 3.21846 5.7

0057 2.50724 6.01328 2.91927 5.9

0131 2.60752 6.21400 2.62004 6.0

0203 2.70819 6.21430 2.52039 6.0

0233 2.80845 6.21500 2.42113 5.9

0302 3.00910 6.11530 2.32147 5.8

0331 3.20934 6.01601 2.32222 5.7

0401 3.40958 5.91634 2.42300 5.5

0432 3.61024 5.71711 2.52345 5.3

0507 3.91054 5.51756 2.7

0043 5.10553 4.11133 5.31853 2.8

0159 5.00704 4.21234 5.12005 2.9


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MARCH 2012

Equinox

St. Patrick’s Day

International Women’s Day

Micronesian Culture & Tradition Day

Yap Day


Yapese dance

Yapese dance develops fitness, flexibility, agility and coordina-tion. It also develops discipline, respect, cooperation, and at the same time, both modesty and pride. Dancers must move as if connected by a common nervous system. While dancers each do their best, they also strive to be in harmony with one an-other. Often the best dancer is not the most noticeable dancer, but the one who almost dissolves into the dance, becoming the dance itself. Yap’s many kinds of dances are generally grouped as: bam-boo, marching, standing and sitting. The bamboo dance is fast paced and exciting. Marching dances are energetic and fun. Standing dances can be graceful, stately or naughty, depending on the type. Sitting dances are classical and relate history. Traditional dance, obligatory for many, shows the strength and spirit of a village. Dancing is Yap’s highest art. At the same time it connects generations and serves as a guardian of cul-ture. Some countries have armies. Yap dances.

0324 5.10848 4.21412 5.02126 2.9

0432 5.31022 4.01553 5.12236 2.7

0521 5.61122 3.61707 5.42331 2.6

0601 5.91208 3.11804 5.8

0018 2.50637 6.11250 2.51855 6.1

0100 2.40712 6.41331 2.01944 6.3

0141 2.50747 6.61412 1.62033 6.4

0222 2.70823 6.61454 1.42123 6.3

0304 3.00901 6.61538 1.32214 6.2

0349 3.30942 6.41625 1.52308 5.9

0437 3.51026 6.11717 1.8

0007 5.60532 3.81117 5.81814 2.2

0115 5.40639 3.91220 5.41920 2.5

0230 5.30807 4.01343 5.12036 2.8

0343 5.40948 3.81525 5.02154 3.0

0442 5.51101 3.51649 5.12257 3.0

0528 5.71151 3.21749 5.32346 3.0

0607 5.81230 2.81837 5.5

0027 3.10640 6.01304 2.61919 5.7

0103 3.10711 6.01335 2.31956 5.8

0137 3.20739 6.11405 2.22031 5.9

0209 3.30806 6.11434 2.02105 5.9

0240 3.40832 6.01505 2.02139 5.8

0310 3.50858 5.91536 2.02214 5.7

0342 3.70924 5.81609 2.12251 5.6

0416 3.80952 5.71645 2.22334 5.5

0455 3.91026 5.51726 2.4

0024 5.40545 4.11110 5.31816 2.6

0123 5.30650 4.11213 5.11917 2.8

0227 5.40815 4.01343 5.02030 2.9


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8 9 10 11 12 13 14

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29 30

APRIL 2012

Earth Day

Easter Sunday

Good FridayPalm Sunday


Protect our children’s future: Develop food security, protect marine areas, support Yap’s

new waste management strat-egy, plant and protect trees,

reduce, reuse and recycle!

earTh daY

Our lives and welfare depend on the Earth’s natural resources, and in April we celebrate Earth Day. This is a day to appreci-ate and take actions to protect the natural environment. His-torically the world’s second Earth Day was observed on Yap. Now some 500 million people in 175 countries celebrate this important occasion. As compact funding decreases, there is a danger that compact funds will be replaced with unsustain-able endeavors that could deplete Yap’s natural resources and damage the system that produces these resources. This would make Yapese dependant on the outside world. To protect our children’s future, we must protect Yap’s environmental quality.There are many practical actions that you can take: conserve natural resources, and habitats, grow local food sustainably, respect fishing traditions and MPA’s, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, use less air conditioning, reduce use of machines, plant and protect trees, protect watersheds and our beauti-ful blue waters, reduce the waste that goes into our landfills. Reduce hazardous wastes like, used motor oil, transmission fluid, pesticides, fertilizers, bleach, drain cleaner, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and electronic items such as televisions, VCRs, DVD players, cell phones, computers, and microwave ovens that contain corrosive chemicals like mercury, and lead. Support Yap’s new waste management strategy!

0327 5.50940 3.71522 5.12143 3.0

0419 5.71044 3.21642 5.32246 3.0

0506 6.01136 2.61747 5.62340 3.0

0548 6.21223 2.11844 5.9

0029 3.00630 6.41307 1.61938 6.2

0116 3.10711 6.61352 1.22030 6.3

0203 3.20753 6.61437 1.02121 6.3

0250 3.30837 6.51524 1.12212 6.2

0340 3.50923 6.41612 1.32303 6.0

0432 3.61012 6.11701 1.72356 5.8

0528 3.71105 5.71753 2.1

0052 5.70632 3.71207 5.31848 2.5

0151 5.60749 3.71322 5.01950 2.9

0249 5.60913 3.51455 4.92058 3.2

0343 5.61024 3.31622 4.92205 3.4

0432 5.71116 2.91729 5.12302 3.4

0515 5.81158 2.61822 5.32350 3.5

0554 5.81235 2.41907 5.5

0032 3.50629 5.91308 2.11946 5.6

0110 3.60701 5.91341 1.92023 5.7

0145 3.60732 5.91412 1.82057 5.8

0220 3.70801 5.91444 1.82131 5.8

0253 3.70830 5.91517 1.82206 5.8

0328 3.80900 5.91550 1.92242 5.7

0405 3.90934 5.81626 2.02321 5.7

0446 3.91012 5.61705 2.2

0003 5.70534 3.91100 5.51749 2.4

0050 5.70632 3.81201 5.31841 2.7

0139 5.70743 3.71320 5.11942 3.0

0231 5.80858 3.31452 5.12051 3.2

0323 5.91007 2.81619 5.22200 3.4


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MAY 2012

Memorial Day

Solar Eclipse

Mother’s Day

Cinco de Mayo


FSM Constitution Day

Yapese say that there is wisdom in the basket:

Before making big decisions, stop, have a chew, and think

things over.

ecological FooTprinTsOur future will be full of tough choices, and we must evaluate developments carefully. One way to do this is to consider the “eco-logical footprint” of a proposed development, that is, the area and natural systems that will be affected. We must be sure that de-velopments do not cost us more in terms of ecological damage than they earn. One example of

a development with a big ecological footprint is a golf course. A golf course affects a big area directly and it also affects downstream watersheds and marine areas that are impacted by erosion and siltation from baring large areas of earth and chemicals used on golf courses. The ecological cost of such a project is great. In contrast, Yap’s betelnut industry has a small ecological footprint. It brings in a considerable amount of money without serious ecological impacts as betelnut is grown in agroforests that mimic natural forests.

0414 6.11105 2.31733 5.52303 3.5

0505 6.31158 1.81837 5.7

0001 3.50555 6.41248 1.31934 6.0

0055 3.50644 6.51336 1.12026 6.1

0147 3.50733 6.61424 1.02115 6.2

0239 3.50821 6.51510 1.12202 6.2

0329 3.50910 6.31556 1.32248 6.1

0420 3.50959 6.11641 1.72333 6.0

0513 3.51050 5.71726 2.1

0019 6.00610 3.51145 5.41811 2.6

0106 5.90713 3.51249 5.01900 3.0

0153 5.80823 3.41409 4.81957 3.3

0241 5.70932 3.21538 4.82102 3.6

0331 5.71031 2.91657 4.92208 3.8

0420 5.71121 2.61800 5.12308 3.8

0506 5.71203 2.31851 5.32358 3.8

0549 5.71242 2.11933 5.5

0043 3.80628 5.81318 1.92010 5.6

0123 3.80703 5.91352 1.82045 5.7

0201 3.80737 5.91426 1.72118 5.8

0237 3.80811 6.01459 1.72151 5.9

0313 3.80846 6.01533 1.82224 5.9

0351 3.80923 6.01608 1.92259 6.0

0431 3.71005 5.81645 2.12335 6.0

0517 3.61052 5.71725 2.4

0013 6.00610 3.51150 5.41810 2.8

0056 6.00712 3.31302 5.21902 3.1

0143 6.00823 3.01429 5.12006 3.5

0235 6.10934 2.61602 5.12120 3.8

0332 6.11040 2.21725 5.32234 3.9


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24 25 26 27 28 29 30

JUNE 2012

SolsticeFather’s Day

Partial Lunar Eclipse Transit of Venus (across sun)

Tree Planting Day

Homecoming Festival


This year’s Homecoming Festival on June 16th will commemorate the time that several hundred Chamorros lived on

Yap up until 1947. Activities will include a map, tour and displays of “downtown

Colonia” during that era along with a special mass, talks and reunions.

Like the moon,

some trees blossom at

night.

Tree planTing daY, environmenT Week

In 2004 Governor Anefal combined June 1st, Tree Planting Day and June 5th, FSM Environment Day into Environment Week. Above, he and Lt. Governor Tareg plant a tree at the Makiy Yap Day site. This Environment Week join in plant-ing trees on June 1st and other activities throughout Environ-ment week. Trees are important for many reasons, including: providing shade in hot weather so less energy is needed to cool buildings. Trees help clear the air and produce oxygen that we breathe. They reduce air pollution and lower air temperature. Trees provide nesting sites and food for birds and fruit bats and birds and fruit bats spread seeds of fruit trees. Trees make land more beautiful and valuable. Trees help keep rivers, streams, and oceans clean. Trees hold soil in place and reduce polluted runoff. Trees fight global warming as they remove carbon dioxide, a main contributor to global warming, from the atmo-sphere. Trees also reduce the need for burning fossil fuels to generate electricity for heating and cooling. Trees provide food and building materials. Trees are needed for canoes!

0433 6.21140 1.81832 5.62341 3.9

0532 6.31235 1.51928 5.9

0042 3.80629 6.41324 1.32016 6.1

0137 3.70721 6.51411 1.22101 6.2

0227 3.50810 6.51455 1.32142 6.3

0316 3.40858 6.41536 1.62222 6.3

0402 3.40944 6.11615 1.92300 6.3

0449 3.31030 5.81653 2.32339 6.2

0537 3.31118 5.51732 2.7

0017 6.10630 3.31213 5.21813 3.1

0057 5.90728 3.21319 4.91900 3.5

0141 5.80832 3.21441 4.71959 3.8

0229 5.60938 3.01613 4.82110 4.0

0323 5.61038 2.81732 4.92223 4.1

0420 5.61130 2.51829 5.22326 4.1

0513 5.61215 2.21912 5.4

0018 4.00559 5.81254 2.01949 5.6

0103 3.90641 5.91331 1.82022 5.8

0142 3.80719 6.01406 1.72054 6.0

0219 3.70757 6.21440 1.72125 6.1

0256 3.60835 6.21513 1.82155 6.2

0333 3.50915 6.21548 2.02226 6.2

0413 3.30958 6.11623 2.32259 6.3

0456 3.21046 5.91701 2.62335 6.3

0546 3.01142 5.61743 3.0

0015 6.20645 2.91250 5.31832 3.4

0102 6.10753 2.81417 5.11936 3.8

0158 6.00908 2.61556 5.12056 4.1

0304 6.01023 2.31722 5.32222 4.1

0417 6.01129 2.01826 5.62337 4.0

0525 6.21224 1.81916 5.9


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JULY 2012Sunrise 0703Sunset 1838

World Population Day

Independence Day

our islands, our Food, our healTh

Yap and the rest of the FSM are experiencing a health crisis that is largely due to changes in diet, alcohol abuse and sedentary lifestyles. Non-communicable diseases such as high blood pres-sure, diabetes, coronary artery disease (angina, heart attacks), stroke, and cancer take an immense toll on individuals, families, society and Yap’s economy. Huge amounts are spent on imported foods and on treating sicknesses that could be prevented. At a time when Compact funds are declining and sea levels rising, we need to focus on food security and the fitness we need to meet challenges of the future. The drawing above, prepared in celebra-tion of the first FSM games, celebrates our athletes and the island foods that fuel them. Yap’s ability to navigate its own future may well begin with food security, health and the quality of Yap’s best ally: a bio diverse and productive environment. This year’s cal-endar features eco-events, health and sports events that contribute to the total fitness of our island and ourselves. Major events are featured in monthly date boxes and the 2012 Yap Sports Calendar can be found at the end of this almanac.

Pictured to the right is a basket of local fruits. Picture to the left shows Yap’s arai banana that the late dear Dr. Lois Engelberger revealed as being extremely rich in provitamin A carotenoids that protect against chronic diseases, some cancers, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Also shown are a local food basket decorated with flowers and delicious bird’s nest fern tips.

0037 3.80624 6.31312 1.71958 6.1

0129 3.60715 6.41355 1.62037 6.3

0215 3.40802 6.51434 1.82113 6.4

0257 3.20845 6.41510 2.02147 6.4

0338 3.10928 6.21545 2.32220 6.4

0419 3.01009 5.91619 2.62253 6.3

0500 3.01053 5.71654 3.02326 6.2

0544 3.11140 5.41731 3.3

0002 6.00633 3.11236 5.11812 3.6

0041 5.80731 3.11348 4.91905 3.9

0127 5.60837 3.11520 4.82016 4.2

0225 5.40948 2.91652 4.92143 4.3

0334 5.41051 2.71755 5.22300 4.2

0441 5.51142 2.41839 5.42357 4.0

0536 5.71226 2.21915 5.7

0042 3.80622 5.91304 2.01947 5.9

0121 3.60704 6.11340 1.92017 6.1

0158 3.40745 6.31415 1.92047 6.3

0234 3.10825 6.41449 2.02117 6.4

0312 2.90908 6.41524 2.32148 6.4

0351 2.70953 6.21600 2.62221 6.4

0435 2.51042 6.01639 3.02257 6.4

0524 2.51139 5.71722 3.42338 6.2

0621 2.51248 5.41815 3.7

0029 6.00730 2.61416 5.21925 4.1

0133 5.80849 2.61552 5.22057 4.2

0254 5.71009 2.51711 5.42230 4.1

0418 5.81117 2.41807 5.72340 3.8

0528 6.01210 2.21851 6.0

0034 3.50623 6.11255 2.11930 6.2

0118 3.20711 6.31334 2.22004 6.3


1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

AUGUST 2012Sunrise 0703Sunset 1838

Enhalus sea grass tends to release pollen-bearing

flowers after especially low tides on warm afternoons

around full and new moons. In the old days

these white flowers were likened to grated coconut

thrown on the waters by the full moon after it

anointed itself with coco-nut milk and rose shinning

on the high tide.

Full moons occur about every 29

1/2 days and do not match up with the calendar that we now use. As a result, every 2-3 years there will be a month or

two that has 2 full moons - such as

this August.

Above, moon watchers on Yap observe the “supermoon” of March 19,2011 when the moons was the closest to earth in 19 years.

The moon and tides dance in a counterpoint rhythm, with Yap’s full moon rising on a high tide and the tide receding as the moon rises to the center of the sky. Tides and types of fish-ing are determined by the position and phase of the moon in the sky. Many marine species respond to lunar cycles. Differ-ent species of corals tend to spawn from 1-7 days after the full moon around the equinoxes. Galip land crabs begin to emerge and head toward the shore to lay their eggs several days before the full moon during summer SW monsoon months. Differ-ent species of fish gather to spawn at outgoing tides in specific locations in relation to moon phases. Fishermen familiar with their spawning cycles and sites are able to make big catches when fish are gathered to spawn and less wary. With new tech-nologies of fishing, fish can be wiped out when harvested dur-ing this time. The interplay between the gravitational forces of the moon and sun result in a time of the year when the lowest tides come before dawn, and a time when the lowest tides are in the afternoon, and this pattern resulted in seasons for par-ticular fishing methods. As we learn more about lunar cycles we will be better able to develop ways to use marine resources more sustainably.

dance oF The moon and Tides

0158 3.00754 6.31409 2.32036 6.4

0236 2.80834 6.31443 2.52107 6.5

0311 2.70913 6.21515 2.72136 6.4

0346 2.60952 6.01548 3.02206 6.3

0422 2.71031 5.81621 3.22235 6.1

0501 2.71114 5.51656 3.52307 5.9

0543 2.81204 5.31735 3.82342 5.6

0634 2.91307 5.11825 4.0

0026 5.40736 3.01429 5.01936 4.2

0127 5.20849 3.01558 5.02111 4.3

0249 5.21002 2.91704 5.22236 4.1

0411 5.31102 2.71751 5.52333 3.8

0514 5.51150 2.51828 5.8

0017 3.50604 5.81231 2.31901 6.0

0056 3.10650 6.11310 2.21933 6.2

0133 2.80733 6.31347 2.22004 6.4

0211 2.40817 6.41424 2.42036 6.5

0249 2.10902 6.41501 2.62109 6.6

0330 1.90950 6.31540 2.92144 6.5

0415 1.91042 6.01623 3.32224 6.3

0505 2.01140 5.71712 3.62310 6.1

0602 2.21249 5.51812 3.9

0121 5.50828 2.61535 5.42110 4.0

0255 5.40949 2.71643 5.52236 3.8

0423 5.51056 2.71735 5.82337 3.4

0529 5.71148 2.61817 6.0

0024 3.10622 5.91231 2.61853 6.2

0103 2.80707 6.01308 2.71926 6.3


1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

SEPTEMBER 2012

30

Equinox

Labor Day


0138 2.5 0747 6.1 1343 2.8 1956 6.3

0007...5.80709...2.41411...5.32110...4.0

proTecTing marine areas

Traditionally, all marine areas on Yap were under traditional management. In recent times, however, the traditional man-agement system seems to have been set aside as if negated by the dollar economy. With today’s opportunities to exploit marine resources for economic gain however, it is even more important to strive to manage marine resources on a sustain-able basis. A number of communities have taken the initiative to develop updated forms of marine protected areas (MPAs), (also called “locally managed marine areas” ) There are now 9 MPA’s on Yap at various stages of mapping, monitoring and development of management plans. They include sites at: Riken, Nimpol (co-managed by Kaday and Okaw), Ngulu atoll, Reey (co-managed by Malay and Thabeth), Gachepar, Wochlab (2), and Rumung (2). Others are under consideration by their communities. MPAs are valuable to both the com-munities who own and manage them as well as their neighbors near and far as they provide a safe area for marine life to repro-duce and replenish fisheries both within and beyond the MPAs. Pictured to the top left are 3 species of traditionally valued fish that were once culturally managed. These fish were not un-common just a generation ago, but are now in danger of being wiped out. Indeed, there is world concern for the survival of nmam, gamegul, giant subeku as well as sharks. As this calen-dar goes to press Yap Legislature is considering bills to protect sharks and rays and to outlaw fishing with SCUBA gear.

0211 2.30825 6.11416 2.92025 6.3

0244 2.20902 6.11449 3.12054 6.2

0316 2.20938 5.91521 3.22121 6.1

0349 2.21016 5.81554 3.42149 5.9

0424 2.31055 5.61629 3.72218 5.7

0502 2.41141 5.41709 3.92251 5.5

0547 2.61236 5.21758 4.02333 5.3

0641 2.81345 5.11907 4.2

0034 5.10748 2.91458 5.22038 4.1

0203 4.90902 2.91603 5.32203 3.9

0337 5.01011 2.81653 5.62302 3.5

0448 5.31107 2.71734 5.82347 3.0

0545 5.61154 2.61811 6.1

0028 2.50635 5.91237 2.61846 6.3

0107 2.00723 6.21318 2.61921 6.4

0147 1.60810 6.31359 2.71957 6.5

0229 1.30859 6.31441 2.92035 6.5

0312 1.20949 6.21525 3.22116 6.4

0358 1.31042 6.01614 3.42201 6.2

0449 1.51139 5.81708 3.62252 5.9

0544 1.91242 5.61813 3.82354 5.5

0647 2.31351 5.51933 3.8

0112 5.20758 2.61501 5.52106 3.6

0248 5.00915 2.81602 5.62224 3.3

0417 5.11023 3.01653 5.72321 3.0

0524 5.31117 3.01735 5.9

0005 2.60616 5.51202 3.01813 6.0

0042 2.30701 5.71242 3.11847 6.0

0116 2.10741 5.81318 3.11918 6.1

0148 1.90818 5.81352 3.21948 6.0

0219 1.80853 5.91426 3.32017 6.0


1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

OCTOBER 2012

Halloween

World Food Day

Columbus Day


United Nations Day

The beautiful “mother of pearl” layer of a trochus

shell can be revealed by soaking the

outside shell in a weak acid like

vinegar.

TrochusYogyog or Trochus ni-loticus, are used locally for their meat. Trochus shells are also valued outside of Yap to make pearl shell buttons. An export industry has de-veloped resulting in the depletion of trochus in many islands. Yap is no exception. If we are to maintain this source of food, and income, we need to manage trochus

better. The legal size for export is 3-4 inches as smaller trochus have not yet reproduced and larger trochus are more valuable alive as they produce many times more larvae. It is important that illegal size trochus be put back in the ocean so that they can spawn and replenish stocks. MPAs where no harvest of trochus is allowed are important as it helps to have a dense population of trochus to improve spawning success. Male and female trochus may gather to spawn and the larvae may drift up to 5 days before settling on hard rocky surface and growing to reproductive size in about 2 years. Trochus that are protect-ed in MPAs contribute larvae to areas beyond the MPA as well. It will take some years for Yap’s trochus populations to recover from the last 2 commercial harvests and reach a population size that can withstand harvesting at a rate of about 30 - 40% of the number of legal size trochus. To make optimal use of our trochus resource it is better to harvest fewer and process the shell into jewelry rather than harvesting large numbers to sell as cheap raw materials for other countries.

Value added to trochus shell made into a bracelet (left) and a trochus shell (right) that is pierced at the top so that it can be blown like a trumpet

shell. The string allowed performers at the Guam lunar festival to wear the shell around their neck.

0251 1.80928 5.81459 3.42045 5.9

0323 1.81004 5.71533 3.62113 5.8

0356 1.91041 5.61608 3.72143 5.6

0432 2.01123 5.51648 3.82216 5.4

0512 2.21209 5.41737 3.92258 5.2

0558 2.51303 5.31838 3.92357 5.0

0653 2.71402 5.31956 3.8

0119 4.80800 2.91459 5.42117 3.5

0256 4.80913 2.91552 5.62222 3.1

0418 5.01018 3.01638 5.82313 2.6

0524 5.31114 2.91722 6.02359 2.0

0621 5.71204 3.01803 6.2

0043 1.50714 5.91251 3.01845 6.4

0127 1.00805 6.11337 3.11927 6.5

0212 0.80855 6.21425 3.22011 6.5

0258 0.80945 6.11514 3.22057 6.3

0345 0.91035 6.01606 3.32146 6.1

0434 1.31127 5.81701 3.42240 5.7

0525 1.71221 5.71803 3.52340 5.3

0619 2.21318 5.61916 3.4

0052 5.00718 2.61415 5.62038 3.3

0222 4.80825 3.01511 5.62153 3.0

0354 4.80935 3.21602 5.62252 2.7

0508 4.91037 3.31649 5.72338 2.4

0605 5.11129 3.41732 5.7

0018 2.10652 5.31214 3.41810 5.8

0053 1.80733 5.51255 3.41845 5.8

0126 1.70810 5.61332 3.41918 5.8

0159 1.50845 5.61407 3.51949 5.8

0231 1.50918 5.71441 3.52019 5.8


1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

NOVEMBER 2012

Partial Lunar Eclipse

Thanksgiving Day

All Saints Day


FSM Veterans of Foreign Wars Day

FSM Independence Day

canoe FesTival

Yap’s canoe festival begins with an ancient chant and flotilla of traditional canoes and continues with displays of canoe carv-ing, sailing and special techniques along with traditional canoe races. Other events include international outrigger paddling races, races of “totang” tin canoes built by local youth and toy canoe races by children. Canoe and voyaging films are shown and booths provide food, refreshments and handicraft. Eve-nings are filled with traditional and modern dancing and events for visitors. In the photo below, an oceangoing canoe lies anchored while coach Harong oversees paddling competition, medium size traditional canoes race in the background, and the DB girls team await their race in the foreground. There’s a lot going on during Yap’s canoe festival.

used for canoes.plant trees...Bats...

0303 1.50952 5.71516 3.62049 5.7

0335 1.61026 5.61551 3.62121 5.6

0409 1.81102 5.61630 3.62157 5.5

0445 2.01140 5.61714 3.72239 5.3

0524 2.21223 5.51807 3.62333 5.1

0610 2.51309 5.51912 3.5

0044 4.80706 2.81400 5.62026 3.2

0214 4.70813 3.11452 5.72137 2.8

0346 4.80926 3.21544 5.82239 2.3

0505 5.11034 3.31637 5.92333 1.7

0611 5.41134 3.41728 6.1

0024 1.20709 5.71230 3.31819 6.3

0112 0.90800 5.91323 3.31908 6.4

0159 0.70848 6.11414 3.21957 6.4

0245 0.70935 6.11504 3.22046 6.3

0331 0.91020 6.11555 3.22136 6.1

0416 1.31104 6.01646 3.12226 5.7

0500 1.71150 5.91741 3.12320 5.3

0545 2.21235 5.81842 3.1

0022 4.90632 2.71323 5.71951 3.1

0139 4.60727 3.11413 5.62104 2.9

0312 4.50833 3.41505 5.52211 2.7

0641 5.01148 3.71737 5.5

0031 1.90723 5.31234 3.61818 5.6

0107 1.70759 5.41315 3.61855 5.7

0141 1.50832 5.61352 3.61929 5.7

0214 1.50904 5.71426 3.52002 5.830 31


1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

DECEMBER 2012

Solstice


Yap State Constitution

Day

Christmas Day

0441 4.60946 3.61559 5.42306 2.4

0550 4.81053 3.71651 5.42351 2.1

0317 1.51005 5.81535 3.42108 5.8

0245 1.50934 5.71500 3.52034 5.8

The ancient Mayan civi-lization developed an accurate and complex

calendar with short and longer cycles of time.

Some scholars calculate that the “long count” thought to be 5,125 years long will begin a new cycle around December 22, 2012.

Yap’s museum comes alive!

While a group from mainland China proposes to build huge resorts where Yapese villages now lie nestled in their agro-forests, Yap has opened the first phase of its living museum in downtown Colonia. Much thanks to France for providing the majority of funding along with contributions from Yap Government and other sources. The opening ceremony for the museum featured dances from Gagil and Weloey. Above, danc-ers in the standing “yipil” part of the Gagil dance as they leave the malal. Below, some of the young dancers participating at the end of the line of dancers. The future of these dancers, the future of their children, and perhaps the future of Yapese cul-ture itself will be determined by choices made today.

The Mayan Calendar

Y a p S p o r t C a l e n d a r

Documents

2012 YAP Lunar Calendar