PALOLO RISING: SAMOA METEOROLOGY ANNOUNCES 6TH AND 7TH OCTOBER START TIME AT 7 AM

Samoan Delicacy, Palolo or Eunice Viridis (Photo: Peace Corps Samoa)

It's that time of year again, when we gather our annual catch, just in time for White Sunday Toana'i.

Palolo worm (Eunice viridis), a well-known Samoan delicacy collected twice annually and only appears in the months of October and November.

Given that the Palolo's appearance perfectly matches a specific moon phase and tide, it is highly intriguing. The third quarter moon, which comes seven days following the full moon in October and November, is when palolo arises, according to a widely recognized and scientifically validated forecast from the Samoa Meteorological Service office.

This year, Palolo is expected to rise on the 6th and 7th of October then the 5th and 6th of November 2023. This occurs as a result of the moon's third quarter falling during this time.

Due to the moon phase, which causes high tides to occur between midnight and dawn and low tides to occur around 7am in the morning, palolo rising is suited to these conditions.

The areas where all the Palolo worms will be majorly found are as follows.

Areas in Upolu: Tuialamu (Lalomanu), Falealili, Matautu Lefaga, Salamumu, Falelatai and Safotu.

Savaii areas: Fagasa, Asau, Sataua, Papa, Puleia, Satupaitea in Savaii and other sites that are not stated in the list can be accessed using boats and are known by the fisher-locals.