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Restoring aech
A major aim of the aech project was to document the material
remains of the aech in addition to their histories, how and when
they were used, and their placement in context with the reef and
coastal environments. It was considered that this would provide a
good understanding for recommending to the Council of Pilung the
restoration of certain aech, a particular style of aech and
various aech at different locations.
Fish are declining in Yap as they are everywhere else in the world
mainly because of unsustainable and destructive fishing practices.
Four Marine Protected Areas (MPA) have been established around Yap
that are out-of-bounds for catching fish and some of these include
aech. It would seem inappropriate to restore these aech as it
would seem inappropriate to restore aech adjacent to an MPA,
unless the aech was used in a way that enhanced the MPA’s role,
e.g. restocking and conserving certain marine species.
Fish and other marine life are an important source of food for
Yapese and their fishing practices are very important socially and
culturally. The aech fishing method has a long history, perhaps
more than 2000 years and while Yap contains 700-800 aech, many
operational at the same time, it has shown to be a sustainable
fishing practice. The same cannot be said about modern fishing
practices.
Following the destruction caused by typhoon Sudal in 2004, a total of 14
aech were partly or completely restored in 2006. Some like the
Rikeen and the Toruw aech are still in good condition today (2009)
but others, such as an aech in Gilfith and Bulwol, and
particularly an aech in Gachpar are not useable. It is thought
this is related to the aech not being rebuilt according to
traditional techniques and the requirements of the aech to
withstand the sea conditions. YSHPO is aware that only a few
elders still have the knowledge to build and maintain aech, and it
is investigating apprentice training programs so the knowledge can
be passed on.
The training program and an aech restoration program needs funding
and YSHPO is pursuing a number of options. If you are aware of
sources of funding that might be pertinent, please let us know by
contacting YSHPO at +691 350 4226 or at
yaphpo@mail.fm
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