Reopened
p. 129 · Read in the full issue
Cook Is.
Pearl Shell
Manihiki Lagoon Reopened
THE whole of Manihiki lagoon is to be re-opened to shell diving operations as from January 1, 1957, but the legal size of mother-of pearl shell that may be fished will be increased from 4J inches to 5 inches.
This decision was reached follow ing a petition from the Manihiki Island Council to the Cook Islands Legislative Council in November.
Manihiki lagoon has been closed to diving operations throughout 1956. The lagoon yielded 351 tons of shell worth about £123,000 in 1955; closure of the lagoon (to rest the beds and encourage diving opera tions at Suwarrow atoll) dealt a severe blow to Cook Islands economy.
Divers operated at Suwarrow in the second half of the year but pro duced only about 12 tons of shell to counter-balance the loss of Manihiki. With the impending re opening of Manihiki, a shallower lagoon, it is reported that the Manihiki divers have now all left Suwarrow and returned home, for any period required by the law