The sought after delicacy known as the Samoan caviar has been predicted to rise this year on the 6th and 7th of October and 5th and 6th November 2023.
According to the Samoa Met Office, Thursday night early hours of Friday 6th is the date. Whereas some predict that if it shows on Friday morning – then it will definitely be Saturday morning.
The annual rising of the Palolo worm (scientific name – eunice viridis) comes around twice a year in the months of October and November. Summoned by the waning moonlight, the palolo reef worm rises from the coral to spawn.
Fetching higher prices each year, locals will rise early and wait diligently before dawn with their lanterns and their nets to catch the worm spawn as it floats to the surface before melting away with the first light of dawn.
The emergence of the palolo correlates with the moon phase and the tide. The much accepted and scientifically proven prediction is the use of the moon phase where palolo is predicted to rise 7 days after full moon in the months of October and November.
Palolo is predicted to emerge this year on the 6th and 7th October and 5th and 6th November 2023.
The moon phase coincides with high tides between midnight with low tides at daybreak and according to the tide tables the low tides are around 0700hrs, such conditions are suitable for palolo rising.
For the general public who are planning to experience or catch the palolo, get your buckets and scoops ready and drive down to these most accessible sites on the early morning of the predicted dates.
According to the Government press release, the sites for palolo rising this year are; Tuialamu (Lalomanu), Falealili, Matautu Lefaga, Salamumu, Falelatai in Upolu.
And Safotu, Fagasa, Asau, Sataua, Papa, Puleia, Satupaitea in Savaii.
Other sites that are not stated in the list can be accessed using boats and are known to the local communities.
Should you need more information please contact Su’a Ulusapeti Tiitii – Fisheries Division, on telephone number 20369.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF).
Public Notices
- Faapaia ma Suaina le Eleele mo le Ofisa Autu o Amerika Samoa i Samoa - October 10, 2023
- Palolo Rising 2023: Get Your Scoop and Lined Basket Ready! - October 5, 2023
- “Efforts To Reduce Global Emissions Must Be Everyone’s Priority For The Sake Of Humanity” - September 25, 2023
