Hunters of the reefs: The marine geography of the Kiwai, Papua New Guinea

Cultural and economic systems establish geographic patterns of resource use. Changes in these systems create changes in the exploitation of resources. The Kiwai are marine hunters, fishermen and foragers of the Papua New Guinea portion of Torres Straits. Dugong and green turtle have been hunted on a selective yet sustainable basis for ceremonial occasions and for trade. Mangrove, tidal flat, nearshore and reef fishes and invertebrates primarily caught by women and children have provided most of the day-to-day foods. As a result of missionaries, colonialism and independence, the reciprocal economy of the Kiwai is gradually being replaced by a monetary economy. A great demand for money has been imposed upon the Kiwai for medical care, purchasing outboard motors and petrol, paying for school fees and taxes and particularly for support of church activities. The main source of money has been the sale of turtle and dugong and of secondary importance has been barramundi, reef fish, prawns and mud crabs. The result has been an increased harvest of all of these marine organisms. Recent legislation in Papua New Guinea prohibited the sale of dugong meat because of the dugong's endangered status which has resulted in an increased harvest of endangered green turtles.; The Maza Wildlife Management Area was established to effect joint management, between the Kiwai and the Government of Papua New Guinea, of all marine resources found on Kiwai reefs. However, the demand for money, particularly for the United Church, caused locally established regulations to be overlooked which resulted in the national government taking over management authority again. The Wildlife Management Area concept still has great potential for the Kiwai to utilize their marine geographic knowledge for locally acceptable marine resource management.; Many younger men now participate in the more lucrative crayfish (painted reef lobster) fishery instead of customary hunting and fishing, and these men leave their villages. Younger fishermen, who have been away crayfishing and have not received the requisite local knowledge, in the minds of the older men, are becoming the leaders by virtue of their financial wealth. (Abstract shortened with permission of author.)...