Page 11 - aruba-today-20231230

a11
local Saturday 30 december 2023
History of fishing in Aruba

ORANJESTAD — Fishing has been a
family tradition for ages in Aruba.
Our ancestors used to fish for a liv-
ing. Even though nowadays you
don’t see them often we still have
some passionate fishermen on
the island that go out every day in
search for fish to feed their families
and serve our local market. One of
these fisherman is Gregory Wernet.

The so-called Continental Bank
between Aruba and the opposite
coast reaches a depth of about
650 feet. The sea is very rich in
fish here. Since the time of the in-
digenous native people fish and
other sea creatures such as turtles,
octopus squids, conch and many
type of crustaceans have formed
a means of subsistence for the na-
tive Aruban inhabitants. Especially
along the west coast of the island
where the fishing grounds are set-
tlements of fishermen. Until the ar-
rival of the oil -industry Aruban fish-
ermen could supply Aruba’s wants.

As a source of income, however, of groupers like the mero, jeanpao sons, Jordan and Jordanny, which fish known in Aruba as piskechi. The
fishing did not amount too much. and the wowo di boyo. he taught fishing too, when they have two boats they use for fishing.
In the beginning of the 1900’s ap- were only 3 years old and he takes ‘Virgen del Valle’ which is parked
proximately 160 people earn their Cruising off the coast the Aruban them fishing with him. Fishing has at the pier by the Seaport and ‘Pa-
living in this branch of this industry. fisherman patiently waits for a been a family tradition for quite a drot’ which they have at home.
Rancho, which stands for a shed, fish willing to snap at the bait on long time and even his grandson The fish they catch they take home
nowadays east Oranjestad, was the drag-line, in nets and traps. Willvion of 7 years old is following to their families and they also sell it
the head quarter and remains the Veritable giants are sometimes his grandfather steps. This is the to their clients. Gregory is proud to
fishermen’s settlement. Savaneta, caught. Barracudas weigh from 9 sixth generation of fishermen in be a fisherman. It is a honest and
Noord, Santa Cruz all had their fish- to 44 pounds and measure from 3 their family. humble job but with it he is able to
ermen’s villages. At a rough esti- to almost 7 feet. The king-fish has a They go deep sea fishing. There feed his family even during hard
mate there were about a hundred weight from 22 to 44 pounds; the they catch red snapper, grouper times. It is a very dangerous job and
small fishing boats during that time. moclat may tip the scales at 155, and amberjack. They usually fish for you have to spend many hours on
The Arubans were mainly engaged whilst garfish, having a length of 15 hours a day, but now due to the the sea, waiting patiently and risk-
in coastal fishing, using rowing- nine feet, weigh over 132 pounds. covid-19 measurements they go ing your life while fighting a big fish
boats or small sailing-boats, and Most fish caught is used for their fishing from 5 in the morning until 8 and big waves but the adrenaline
lines or dragnets and canisters in own consumption, to feed their o’clock at night or even sometimes it brings with it but also just sitting
shallow water. When fishing with families and some are being sold in from 8 at night till 5 in the morn- there listening to the sound of the
deep-sea lines just over the bot- the market to local restaurants. ing. The day before they prepare waves and enjoying the marvelous
tom of the sea the boat is kept in all their fishing tools such as the view that nature has to offer is all
place by means of a piece of rock Fisherman Gregory Wernet Lines, lures, spears, and load their worth it.q
serving as an anchor. The two most Gregory Wernet is a well-known boat with fishing reels, batteries, fill
important species of fish by far fisherman from Santa Cruz. His fa- the gasoline tank, lights and some Source: Etnia Nativa
caught in this manner are the par- ther taught him fishing when he food and beverages. For bait he
go or red snappers and a variety was a small child. Gregory has two uses sardines, squid and the small