Chapter I Intro & Objectives - SPREP

PHOENIX ISLANDS PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT PLAN
Chapter III. Background, 2. Human Activities
Draft 1 March 2007
In 1991, two more shoes were found on Nikumaroro (King et al 2001). One matched a shoe
that Amelia Earhart worn (see also Burns et al 1998), the other was a man’s shoe.
1992, Nikumaroro was uninhabited (Republic of Kiribati 1992).
In 1993, all Phoenix Islands, including Nikumaroro, were uninhabited except Abariringa
(Kanton) (Neemia and Thaman 1993).
In 1995, the survey team for the Phoenix Islands made numerous recommendations for
development of the Phoenix Islands, specifically Abariringa (Tunaari), Enderbury, Manra,
and Nikumaroro (Government of Kiribati 1995). These included the re-settlement of
Abariringa (Tunaari), Enderbury, Manra, and Nikumaroro. With a total land area of 414
hectares, 50 to 100 families could be settled on Nikumaroro (Government of Kiribati 1995).
Overseas funding was suggested as a mechanism for funding these projects.
In 1997, the Te Kakai scheme was proposed for Manra, Orona, Nikumaroro, and Abariringa
(Tunaari) to utilize idle resources there (Tauati 1997). The basic plan included four
activities: (1) copra production, (2) seaweed planting and harvesting, (3) sea cucumber
collection and (4) shark fin production. The budget provided (AUD 95,048) was a 12 month
budget for expenses, not including staff costs and medical supplies.
The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) had generated
anthropological data consistent with the theory that Amelia Earhart landed and died on
Nikumaroro (Burns et al 1998). Four surveys and excavations had been completed by
TIGHAR.
There were a few wrecked fishing boats on McKean (King et al 2001).
Nikumaroro was proposed as a substitute site for the Kakai Scheme (PIKS Project Manager
2002).
ORONA (HULL)
In 1992 Orona was uninhabited (Republic of Kiribati 1992).
In 1993, all Phoenix Islands, including Orona, were uninhabited except Abariringa (Kanton)
(Neemia and Thaman 1993).
There was a radar station on Orona that was built by the U.S. (Douglas and Douglas 1994).
In 1997, the Te Kakai scheme was proposed for Manra, Orona, Nikumaroro, and Abariringa
(Tunaari) to utilize idle resources there (Tauati 1997). The basic plan included four
activities: (1) copra production, (2) seaweed planting and harvesting, (3) sea cucumber
collection and (4) shark fin production. The budget provided (AUD 95,048) was a 12 month
budget for expenses, not including staff costs and medical supplies.
In mid-2001, as preliminary work for development of the Kakai Scheme Project, marine
surveys were conducted on Orona (Tioti et al 2001). The purpose of the marine survey was
to develop a baseline of information so that impacts from new settlers could be measured.
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