Tradition regarding marine turtles in the SPREP region: summary of traditional usage of turtles within the SPREP region

Grattan (1948; cited in Johannes 1986) states that the turtle was sac- in Samoa, and no fisherman could retain it for his own private or family use without the permission of the local chief. An offender would be punished either by a heavy fine of foodstuffs or by banishment from the village for a short time.