PSC Captain's Log

I had not been to the island of Kosrae for a good 10 years. It was just me getting off the plane and falling in love all over again for the island that first brought me to Micronesia. What a beautiful island it is. All you have ever dreamed about a Pacific Island. Very clean, beautiful ocean and mountains and very nice people. A good option to stay there is the Kosrae Tree Lodge Resort (www.DiveKosrae.com or pacifictreelodge@mail.fm ). The owner Mark and his wife run a small Eco operation and are great hosts running tours, the restaurant and hotel. Want to do a double stop in Micronesia? Try the Pohnpei Surf Club and then check the Tree Lodge in Kosrae.

There is a reason why they call it the sleeping lady!

The bridge from the hotel to the restaurant at the Tree Lodge.

This is what your rooms are surrounded by. Pohnpei has lots of mangrove. Kosrae is no different.

Volunteers Welcome (and needed!)

That is Johnny Martins, son of our boat man Jerry.

Specially in Pohnpei where waves have power. Actually, this is what most days are like with 3 to 5 ft surf. No complains from guests. After days like these all go home very satisfied. I guess based on the pictures published on magazines most think it is always big and scary like Teahupo when most of the time it is as fun as it get’s. Can’t beat this wave for perfection and power.

I like this picture because the rock looks so close. Here is Neal kicking out on the end of a nice ride.

Days like this go unnoticed to the outside world but our guests never miss a minute of it. Here is Palikir on a nice 4 ft day.

3 to 4 ft and still a lot of power. Here is AP showing how it is done.

Inside on a head high day. The wave gets bigger and it goes into the inside.

Boys and girls, young and older it's a wave for all levels at this size.

The waves in Pohnpei have power but it is not always about the barrel. There is always a lot of space on the waves for nice turns. Margo setting up for the lip.

But it also barrels at any size.

That is what it looks like from the inside on a small day. Ever dreamed of surfing those perfect V-Land bowls on the North Shore. This is a lot better and a lot less crowded!

The inside bowl slingshot section.

The evening glide.

The inside section bending in as another wave breaks on the outside

Check out that inside section ahead and how many turns you could do. Pump, pump, pump, bowl, bowl, bowl.

These are my friends John, his father Johnny David and his brother in law Chris.
The David’s run and operate Nahlap on the south side of Pohnpei.
This is where they got this nice sail fish together with lots of other fish.
Nice job guys.

Fishing Tournament next weekend!!!!! The annual 2 day tournament will be held in a new format this year. Since we missed our May holiday weekend, we are holding the tournament on two consecutive Saturdays, July 10 and July 17. Registration will be at 6:00 p.m., July 9, at PCR, and a safety briefing will be held at 6:00 p.m. July 16 at PCR. Weigh ins both fishing days will be at Dekehtik from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. A barbecue and awards ceremony will be held after the weigh in on July 17. Entry is $50.00 per boat. Prizes include the grand prize of two Continental Micronesia tickets for the angler with the most points after both days of fishing. Thanks Continental. Points are awarded for point fish caught. There are many other prizes also available.

AND ATOLL DECLARED A BIOSPHERE RESERVE
After 5 relentless years of hard work and preparation, the Nanpei Family, along with the Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP) and its partners are proud to announce the establishment of And Atoll Biosphere Reserve. Biosphere Reserves are a tool used for setting aside and protecting special places for animals and plants and where they live. Biosphere Reserves are being promoted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Bureau of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Program has added 23 new reserves sites in 18 countries to its global network and And atoll is one of them.
In 2002, CSP and UNESCO’s Pacific office began working together to establish Pohnpei’s first biosphere reserve on And Atoll. To meet this goal, several activities were carried out, which included stakeholders (landowners, resource managers, and government officials) meetings, public education, and community outreach on biosphere reserves. From these activities the stakeholders agreed to submit the application to UNESCO in 2005. However, in the process, the core team, which included the landowners, the Department of Lands and Natural Resources and CSP, determined that more fieldwork, assessment and discussion was required to gain the information needed to complete the application for submission in 2006. A Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) was conducted in July 2006, which revealed And atoll as one of the most biologically significance areas on Pohnpei.
Due to its isolation and lack of human occupation for more than 20 years, And atoll is Pohnpei’s number one marine Area of Biodiversity Significance (ABS) and a Priority Action Area (PAA). And atoll retains one of the last relatively intact seabird rookeries in the region and provides crucial nesting grounds for rare sea turtles. And atoll’s main channel has also been validated as one of the few grouper spawning and aggregation sites on Pohnpei. And atoll also embraces the healthiest giant clam population on the main Island of Pohnpei with impressive aggregations of sharks, barracudas and other tourism-attracting marine life. And has great potentials for ecotourism and is already reputable for diving and snorkeling.

Unfortunately, over-fishing, bird/turtle hunting and egg collection have became major threats for And atoll. Therefore, the establishment of a biosphere reserve on And atoll is one of the initial steps for us to save and conserve these resources. Unlike the existing Marine Sanctuary and Wildlife Refuge Act of 1999, UNESCO’s biosphere reserves include three zones. They include Core Zones: commonly known as “No-Take” areas, Buffer Zones: allows certain, but restrictive activities, and Transition Zones: where human settlements are located and most activities such as agriculture, fishing, logging, and even mining are allowed. The core zones of And Atoll Biosphere Reserve are replicable models for Pohnpei’s existing MPAs, where fishing and/or taking of any marine life is not allowed.

We, the citizens of Pohnpei, should be proud for the establishment of And Atoll Biosphere Reserve. Not only that And atoll will serve as a sanctuary for Pohnpei’s special native animals and plants, but it will also conserve the atoll’s living resources for generations to come. Also, Pohnpei is now included in a biosphere world-wide learning network. We can learn from the other nations, states, and/or communities how they are managing and benefiting from their biosphere reserves. And Atoll Biosphere Reserve is unique because its Pohnpei’s first government and private landowner co-managed MPA, and the first sanctuary established on an atoll outside of Pohnpei’s lagoon.

And (or Ant how most call it) is now a protected area for a good reason. Pictures by J.O'Hare

The channel at And (Ant). There is a left on the Pass and a few other secrets here very few have seen mostly because there are waves that work under the same conditions a lot closer to our HQ in Pohnpei, still, a day at And is never a bad day.

The Protected Areas.

This picture does not tell the complete story but Matt is looking at a 100 ft deep reef wall.

I just got this story from a good friend of my and really enjoy it. You may think that Pohnpei is a very “Westernized” country but once you leave your hotel rooms or downtown Kolonia and head out just a little into the country side, cuture and traditions rule the people of Pohnpei lifestyles in every imaginable way.
The Pohnpei culture is alive and strong, even if not seen by most people who visit or outsidres who live here.

Kaselehlie maing friends and partners:

This morning i am happy to share with you another progressive example of a community partner we work with. Here attached is a short story by Woaunkoapin Soamwoai practicing traditional means and local ways in modern day that best work for their community. It works then, it is working now and will remain relevant far into the future. Traditional knowledge and practices our hope for successful community based conservation. The Woaunkoapin Soamwoai example we have an opportunity here to learn from them and promote their example to get other traditional leaders to do the same.

Happy reading.

Enipein Community Village Chiefs and its Traditional Court

On the afternoon of June 24, 2010 four village Chiefs of Enipein community convened its traditional court for the second time to hear an infraction caused by a member of the Woaunkoapin Soamwoai community. Over 100 members of the Woaunkoapin Soamwoai community showed up at the Enipein traditional, community center to witness first hand their chiefs presiding as judges. The participants included high traditional leaders such as Dauk Kitti the third ranking traditional leader in line to the Paramount Chief of Kitti, family members of the accused, many young people and elders of the community. The case presented by an investigative committee formed by the Chiefs confirmed a young man to have stolen sakau plants on several occasions from various members of the Woaunkoapin Soamwoai community. Four counts of theft and malicious disregard to community livelihood and property were presented to the presiding chiefs and justices. The young man facing these charges and his parents were not available to stand trial and face the community. The presiding Chiefs however decided to proceed with the trial and heard the case. The Chiefs allowed advice and comments from community members to aid their ruling and decision. In the end Chief Soulikin Soamwoai puts it clearly “we gather here today as a family and to right this wrong as a family, there are over 1,300 members of our community; as community Chiefs it is our traditional duty to uphold peace and unity putting the community first”. The Chiefs served their judgment utilizing positive approach and sentenced the young man to work with the families he caused damage to and to replace stolen sakau plants by planting 1,500 sakau seedlings as his community service for his wrong doing. Selected members of the community will also work with the young man and plant his own sakau plot to ensure he does not ever commit infractions similar to this in the future. He is also banned from selling sakau to all known markets in Woaunkoapin Soamwoai until further notice. Finally because he failed to show for his hearing he is sentenced to serve a seven days jail time and Kitti municipal police were summoned to carry out this part of the sentence.

POHNPEI SURF CLUB TOURS

Come take advantage of our large fleet of boats and water sports equipment. With Pohnpei Surf Club you will see and enjoy Pohnpei to its best.

Our staff is waiting to show you all the wonders the island has to offer. Get ready to enjoy the amazing attractions you have heard so much about and the less frequented gems that the Pohnpei Surf Club staff has discovered over the years.

NAN MADOL
Join our full or half day tour to Nan Madol on one of our many comfortable, shaded boats. We can stop to snorkel at Manta Road, lounge on white sandy beaches, cool off in fresh waterfalls or dine while enjoying the spectacular view from The Village Hotel on our way to the ancient and mysterious ruins of Nan Madol. (Exact itinerary will be determined by guests’ preferences, weather and tides.)

WATERFALL TOURS
With so many falls to choose from, pick the tour that best suits your needs. From quick and easy tours nearby the surf camp to the all day 6 Waterfalls hike the heart of the Pohnpeian jungle, you are sure to find the waterfall tour of your dreams.

SPORT FISHING
Full and half day trips are available. Enjoy spin casting for GT and other big game reef fish or trolling for pelagic fish such as marlin, mahi mahi, tunas, sail fish, wahoos and rainbow runners.
We have top quality fishing gear and excellent guides for any style of fishing.

OUTER ATOLLS
Ant and Pakin Atolls are just over one hour away by boat and a completely different world from Pohnpei.
Choose from full day tours or overnight camping trips. Sandy beaches and incredible marine life are these Atolls main attractions.

INNER LAGOON ISLANDS
Black Coral and Nahlap Island are conveniently located within Pohnpei’s crystal clear lagoon waters.
Enjoy an overnight, BBQ or go for a snorkel. A combination of location and beauty make these islands a must to visit while in Pohnpei.

STAND UP PADDLE TOURS
Paddle over crystal clear waters as you gaze at the amazing marine life below. Whether you paddle along the thriving reef or cruise within the secluded mangrove channels, you will enjoy Pohnpei’s stunning beauty on this relaxing tour.

COMBO TOURS
Spend a full day on one for our comfortable boats and combine your favorite activities into a custom tour of Pohnpei. Whether it’s sport fishing, sunbathing, surfing, paddling or island hopping that you’re after, we will design the perfect tour just for you.

For more information and bookings please e-mail us at pscsurfclub@yahoo.com or call 691 3207845

All pictures in this post by Eric Aeder and Swilly.

There are no beaches on the island of Pohnpei but a few really nice ones just a short boat ride away on the barrier reef, inner lagoon islands or outer atolls.

We see lot's of dophins at different places. From different passes, in the lagoon or open ocean some times by the hundreds.

Most beaches around Pohnpei do face the inner laggon or protected waters. That means always really calm water conditions.

There are more waterfalls in Pohnpei then I can name here, from a short drive away to a all day 8 waterfalls hike.

Sports fishing at it's best. Any kind, all the time.

The waters of Pohnpei are for any level of swimmers and ocean lovers.

On the way back from a Nan Madol tour we always stop at The Village for a Happy Hour drink and a early dinner. The sunset there is not bad as well.

Stand Up Paddle tours around Nan Madol, mangrove chanells or over shallow reefs are always nice and sometimes the only way to see places a boat could not get to.

Fastest way to get to places, sometimes places no tourist have ever been to. The ski has open a new frontier for island exploration.

Does this picture have anthing to do with tours? Not sure. It was a rainy and windy day 5 minutes from PSC. The picture came out better then I thought for such a dark day. Pic by Eric Aerder.

Ant Atoll. One of the best places to take a day off after to much fishing or surfing. The most beautiful place I have been in my life. I have heard that som many times.

Pakin Atoll has some of the best diving and the most clear water in my opinion. You have to be there to undestand what I am talking about.

The sand on our beaches go from white powder like sand to sea shells and broken coral. The green one is just to cool down after a long boat ride and walk down the beach.