“TRADITIONAL Fishing on Guam” by Judith Amesbury was officially unveiled at the Fishermen’s Festival yesterday.
The booklet, which was free for anyone who was interested, describes traditional fishing techniques used on Guam throughout the island’s history, including the chenchulu, pakka, and the gadi methods as well as the use of the gigao.
Local fishermen are also featured in the booklet, including Ray Topasna from Umatac and John Ray Aguon.
Amesbury, who has lived on Guam for 30 years, originally wrote the booklet in order to preserve Chamorro culture as the military realignment and other events cause a dilution of the island’s culture.
More than 1,000 copies were printed, about half of these will be distributed to schools around the island. The booklet will also be passed out at other events, such as the Lunar Festival.
Amesbury is an archaeologist currently with Micronesian Archaeological Research Services. The booklet was funded through grants from the Historical Preservation Trust.
She also made the film “Traditional Fishing on Guam: Chamoru Chenchulu fishermen.”
