The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council has produced traditional lunar calendars for
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) since 2007. The intent is to raise awareness about
traditional ecological knowledge and enhance community involvement in fishery management.
Chamorro and Refaluwasch are the indigenous people of the Mariana Archipelago. Chamorro and Refaluwasch,
along with English, are the o icial languages of the CNMI. The Chamorro names for the fish, lunar months and moon
phases are in green or blue, and the Refaluwasch names are in gray.
This 2022 Eskaleran Pulan Chamorro/2022 Refaluwasch Pápáál Maram features 13 bottomfish species managed
under the Council’s Fishery Ecosystem Plan. Each month gives common, Chamorro, Refaluwasch and scientific
names for each species, along with life history and fishery information, current regulations, management and stock
status, and a delicious recipe to enjoy.
