The first rising of the rare ocean delicacy 'palolo' is forecast to occur in the early hours of Friday 6 October for this year, according to the Samoa Meteorological Service. 

Palolo is a eunicid worm (Eunice viridis) that burrows in the coral reefs of various Pacific islands and swarms in vast numbers at the surface of the sea for breeding a little before the last quarter of the moon in October and November when they are gathered as highly esteemed food. 

The forecast is based on the lunar cycle or the moon phase which is the seventh day after the full moon in October and November each year. 

An explanation from weather officials is that the rising of the rare ocean delicacy is based on the lunar cycle and the tide prediction. 

It is predicted that the palolo rises seven days after the full moon. 

There are certain areas where the spawning would be heavy for people to go to and fish for palolo. The areas where there are healthy and good corals are expected to have more palolo than the areas where corals had been dissolved or destroyed.

Every year during palolo season, several hotels and beach fale operators in Savai’i organise activities for the Palolo Festival which will take place at a number of different venues in Savai'i. 

The flowering of the fragrant moso’oi flower is believed by Samoans to be a good indicator of the palolo worm's spawning season.

According to Samoan beliefs, the palolo will rise to the surface and be plentiful above occasional deep holes within the encircling reefs on the seventh morning of the full moon. The palolo feast is a rare delight only available once or twice a year if it rises in October and November. 

To ensure the catch is abundant, palolo catchers often wear clean attire and moso’oi leis to attract the worms during the time of harvesting.

The word palolo is believed to signify to the locals the blooming of spring and the season of excellent fishing and abundant rain (rainy season being called Vaipalolo). 

In 2015, the highest in volume and value of palolo was recorded at $360,000 weighing 3,500 kg. In 2020 the volume of palolo landed at the markets was around 1,000 kg valued at about $48,000. 

The years 2014, 2016 recorded medium, small or nil traces of palolo for October and November of those respective years.