Samoan palolo worms

Calls for studies into decreasing catches of palolo worms

The palolo worms (Palola viridis) rise to the surface once a year in the last quarter of the moon in October and November and in the early hours of the morning where they are caught with nets.

However, this year fishermen observed a decline in their catch from last year.

Some called the local radio stations to express their disappointment and offered their views for the decline.

Today a small ball or ‘ofu’ Palolo sold for $50 tala at the market and some people claimed it is the selling of fish that has led to the decline in the catch of palolo worms.