Traditional Beliefs and Taboos for Fisheries Used in Kiribati

Kiribati has a large number of sea food taboos. This can relate to gender, age, a totem or for the whole community.

Punishment for not observing the taboos include

• threats of supernatural visits

• fines

• banning from fishing

• public censure (shunning)

• removal from community

• death threats

        Even though some are severe in extent, some of these taboos have helped in conserving and sustaining fisheries in Kiribati. In some islands today, revival of some of these taboos are encouraged to help with the conservation of fishing grounds.

Some local taboos that still exist today:

1. No pounding of screw pine leaves or kabakabaka during runs of bonefish

    When husband/father goes fishing, nobody back home should pound screw pine leaves. The belief is that this action will alert the fishes of your presence and take cover, resulting in very small or no catch at all.