The start of the New Year is always special for Vaonoa and Malatoese who are from the village of Luatuanuu.

The two women took to the sea looking for shellfish and sea urchins which will be part of their family lunch. This is also a fun activity the two women enjoy with their children.

“This is something we do every week. Our families love seafood and it is part of the to’onai. We have carried this practice from the time when we were children and accompanied our mothers and aunts to the sea,” said Vaonoa.

She said Samoans are now eating less seafood because most people are buying them and prices have gone up.

She added that she wants to be able to pass on the knowledge which she learned from her elders.

The two women also mentioned that through experience they have seen the number of shellfish and sea urchins drop.

They jested that it was climate change.

“We are having to stay longer than usual because we want to catch more so that we have plenty for our family,” said Vaonoa.

“We feel that the sea level is higher and I also think it is because of the bad weather Samoa has been experiencing.”

The ladies suggested that the Government should start having conservation areas to increase the population of shellfish and sea urchins as they are not only part of their food chain but also play an important role in the ecosystem.

As for their New Year’s wish, both women want their family bonds to get stronger and see their children progress.