Mer Island Fish Traps

The power of the sea is central to Meriam life and culture.

While the Meriam gained sustenance from their food gardens, they also "farmed" the sea; they built small coral structures to raise lobsters.

In ancient times, they built stone traps on the reefs to catch fish.

Over the last few years, a commercial, but community-run, fishery has helped younger people maintain the Meriam's traditional fishing and maritime skills.

However, while the knowledge gained from farming the land and nurturing the sea still exists, the impact of a larger world is drawing young Meriam away from their subsistence heritage.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• fish
• traps
• fishing
• Land
• Bilong
• Islanders
• Mer
• Murray
• Island
• sea
• claims
• rights
• Wailu
• Torres
• Strait

[missmelman89]

I didn't know he was my g'dad 'til gr.10. And hadn't seen tha vid 'til my first year out of school..THANKYOU!

[islandwarrior16]

no worries, cheers for the comment :).

[kloratis]

what fucking country is that???¿¿¿

[CondemnedPatriot]

@missmelman89 That is still pretty cool, the internet is a wonderful thing :)

[missmelman89]

@CondemnedPatriot -No, i hadn't heard him speak until i watched this vid!! I've only got 1 photo...

[CondemnedPatriot]

this is probably the greatest idea for a fish trap I ever saw, i feel like a moron for not realizing the tide's potential

[CondemnedPatriot]

@missmelman89 wow you found out that man was your grand dad from this video?

[Shamamir58]

wow!!! long lasting harvesting fishes