There are only about a dozen fishers in Rurutu, for which fishing is a regular activity.

It often gives good purchase: mahi-mahi, tuna fish, espadon. Only some old people today still know how to catch the ureva (big fish which has grassy flesh but very tasty). But it has a great inconvenience: it originates important and disagreeable digestive problems if a certain amount is consumed. This fish is caught during the night time with the aid of a big wooden hook with a metal end (sometimes made of bone) to which you solidly attach bait.

Underwater chasing is a little more common. It is done when the sea is calmer at the exterior of the reef. A pirogue always assures the security of the hunter or hunters.

Numerous families still practice fishing with a net or hook in the holes of water of the platier when the tide is low or from the reef, or in a small lagoon with the help of a net.What is captured (which is never much) is reserved for family consumption. The sea- urchins are consumed in the beach after obtaining them. A fire is lit, and the sea urchins are cooked in a metal plate. After a couple of minutes they are toasted and sprinkled with lemon.

1.The main cultures.

The culture of Taro.

The symbol of the culture of Rurutu, the tarodieres, implanted in the richly irrigated areas of the island are numerous: the largest are found close to each of the 3 villages and in the Paparai valley. The Te Vai Avai one, which connects to Avera, is certainly the largest. The tarodieres are divided into small parcels irrigated by a canal in which water runs calmly. Each parcel belongs to a family. It takes everyone to participate in cleaning the canals regularly, often colonized by nenuphars and other hydrophilic plants which could stop the circulation of water.After a careful cleaning of the parcel you must not have weeds that grow again where the earth could return. It is a hard labor which is done no matter the conditions of the climate. This first achieved operation, the cultivator pays his parcel with the help of palms of the coconut tree and of the leaves of the banana trees. We frequently find at the side of the road these palms which are waiting to be transported towards the tarodiere. This paillage allows conserving the humidity of the ground and avoiding the growing of weeds. Furthermore the erosion of vegetables fertilizes the grownd. Then the plantation takes place. A plantair is used for ra’au tanu taro- usually made of hard wood –aito, miro- which forms various rhythms for the user. The leftovers are put on the taros`s harvest and replanted the same day. In case this procedure cannot be accomplished quickly, the leftovers are placed in canoos to avoid drying out which would be harmful.The taro mana ura is a green stem originally from Rarotonga (Cook Islands). It is a variety which has been introduced a few years ago. It grows but it is less tasty. The Tiitii variety has been introduced from Raivavae, another Austral Island. It presents a dull green leaf with black nerves. Greatly appreciated ancient Taro original from Rurutu, is a variety “apo taro ve’o” which has a green stem. According to Rurutu people, it is the best. The “tarotila” which has white flowers that grow in abundance in the tarodieres is not cultivated: it’s leaf is given to the pigs.If you visit a tarodiere, respect the small talus in between the parcels and the irrigation canals.

Potatoes.

Rurutu has a reputation for its potatoes. In 2005, 99.875 tons have been exported to SDAP in Tahiti. To these exportations it is convenient to add local consumption which is estimated at 1 ton. In 2005 spunta and lisetta have been cultivated. In 2006 only lisetta has been planted imported from New Zealand. After the cloture of the civil aviation lands near the runway in 2006, and in spite of the clearing of certain non cultivated land parcels, the saved potatoes surface in 2006 is considerably reduced.

Coffee.

Coffee has been largely cultivated, but other times, with the increase of charges and development of other cultures, more profitable crops has seriously decreased the production during a number of years. Yet some landowners have maintained their culture. Today, voluntary politicians sustained by the municipality, have succeeded to have a growing production. In 2005, there were 2 tons of coffee in pasche, which have been produced. The unity of actual roasting in the view of the final installation should allow the development of production in an important way, the numerous parcels planted in the coffee plantations needing “JUSTE” a put in order after so many years of abandon.
Information received from SDR in return (2006)

Vanilla.

Several decades ago, wild vanilla producers occupied the market. The stem of vanilla grows in the most diverse grounds, often in the middle of the forests. With cyclones and the high price of handwork, this growing culture has been abandoned. Today harvesters keep a few vanilla stems just for family production.

Noni.

Noni (morinda citrifolia) is a bush that grows wild, but its presence has been emphasized in gardens. Very productive and resistant to pests, its fruit is harvested green and sent to Tahiti to be transformed into juice or mashed. Its medical virtues are numerous and of good reputation. Unfortunately, the growing interest for this crop makes it detrimental for other fruit tree resources.

2.Cooperative.

Cooperative agriculture Rurutu Tunoa essentially buys taros producers –the manu ura variety mostly- and nono (morinda citrifolia. Noni fruits bought for 60 F the kilogram, are put to wither placed in barrels and exported to Tahiti by boat, the buyer is Morinda society. The exportations to Tahiti have reached 41 tons in 2005. Taros were bought for 100 F the packet (a packet holds 3 to 4 taros according to their sizes). They are peeled, cut into slices and frozen. They are exported to Tahiti, the buyer is Maaiata Products society who vacuums seals the slices and distributes them to the tahitian supermarkets. 11 tons of taros have been peeled and exported to Tahiti in 2005.

3. The cell fumigation of the Development Rural Service

Rurutu is equipped with a fumigation cell of methyl bromide which has received the approval of Veritas but is waiting for the green light from the Department. This agreement must allow the exportation of agrumes (lemons, grapefruits and bananas) without phytosanitary risques.
Rurutu, like Raivavae, is infested by the xanthodes fly, probably originated from cook. All fruits are affected.
Informations obtained from SDR from Rurutu (july 2006).

4.Nursery.

SDR agents maintain a nursery to provide particular cases. The trees from the forest (tan, tamanu, miro, aito) are distributed charmly by order, tiare, litchi, grapefruit, lemon and other fruits are put on sale.
Information from SDR from Rurutu (july 2006)