Old tongan spear fisherman, Hakautu'utu'u islet, Niuatoputapu Island lagoon, Tonga
Tongan spearfisherman, Hakautu'utu'u island (or islet), Niuatoputapu Island lagoon, Tonga. Niuatoputapu is one of two inhabited islands in Tonga's remote Niua Group, 300 kilometres north of the more developed Vavau group. Niuatoputapu has a population of around 1000 and is rarely visited by tourists. Fishing has been a way of life for Niuatoputapu islanders for at least a thousand years. Netting and spearing are the prime methods used, but spear fishing is often practised in the shallow lagoon bordering the island. Whilst snorkelling around the edge of Hakautu'utu'u, this old fisherman suddenly appeared and appeared pleased to show me his catch. The equipment he uses appears much more primitive than in the more developed parts of Tonga. His speargun comprises a small catapult , with a few simple steel rods for spears ( a system known as sling spear). His mask appears to date from at least the nineteen eighties, with the metal clamp securing the glass plate fastened by nylon twine. The two fins he wears are each different colours and design. Despite the antiquity and simplicity of his equipment, he has made a good catch, including a reef octopus, a porcupine pufferfish and several surgeonfish. Breathe-hold or free diving for fish (known as 'Uku in Tongan) and has a long history in the South Pacific.
Size: 4500px × 3012px
Location: Hakautu'utu'u islet, Niuatoputapu Island lagoon, Tonga
Photo credit: © Colin Munro / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ancient, artisan, artisanal, breath, catch, diving, fisher, fisherman, fishing, freedive, freediving, group, hakautuutu, hold, island, islet, lagoon, niua, niuatoputapu, pacific, remote, sling, slingspear, snorkel, snorkelling, south, spear, spearfish, spearfisherman, spearfishing, spearing, tonga, tongan
