Pristine lagoon is Fa’aea’s office

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 26 March 2017, 12:00AM

Samoa’s pristine lagoon is an impressive sight to visitors to these shores.

But to Fa’aea Mulipõ of Fasito’o-uta, the ocean is not just something to admire, it is his bank, his office.

The 44-year-year is a fisherman. He uses his talent to earn his family’s living. 

 “I fish about three times every day to make a living and to put my children to school,” he said. 

“As you can see this is the work I do daily to take care of my family.” 

Fa’aea said it’s dangerous work but it is worth it in the end. 

“It is worth it because we manage to make a quite a bit from fish sales,” he said.

“It’s our livelihood. And even when the weather is challenging we try our best to get some fish.” 

This month being lent season; Fa’aea said it is a good time for them. 

 “The Lent season is usually a good time to do business for us because so many people are looking for fish,” he said.

“I don’t know about te fish market in Apia but back here in the village, you know the Lent season is here and you have to fish harder.”

But when you are doing something you love, Faaea said he never gets tired. 

“I love fishing,” he said.

“I don’t get tired because I know it makes good money. Usually we earn $300 a day when we have a good catch.

“And whether we sell it in the village or to outsiders, people will always buy fish, especially fresh fish.”

Fa’aea added that fishing yields much better returns than working for the minimum wage.

“We eat from it and at the same time we earn quite a lot so I’m not complaining,” he said.

 “That’s why I try very hard to keep this going because the sea is my office, it is a means of survival for me and my family.”

By Fetalai Tuilulu’u 26 March 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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