Dolphin Hunting: A Lifeline Amid Rising Seas in the Solomon Islands

Residents of Fanalei Island in the Solomon Islands are navigating the difficult waters of rising sea levels, with the traditional practice of dolphin hunting evolving from a cultural tradition to a vital economic strategy. With their home becoming increasingly submerged, these hunters rely on the lucrative catches to fund their relocation efforts.

Under the cover of night, a conch shell summons a group of hunters, their spirits bolstered by a whispered prayer in a small village church. As high tides invade their land, the hunters embarked in wooden canoes before dawn, questing for dolphins—an endeavor that now holds both cultural and monetary significance. One of the seasoned hunters, Lesley Fugui, spots a dolphin fin and signals the others, marking the start of a hunt that could secure their futures.

The desolate landscape of Fanalei, predominantly composed of coral and sand, serves as a reminder of the environmental challenges the community faces. Recent years have seen the island shrink, urging the local population to seek alternatives for survival. With each successful hunt, not only do the hunters preserve their traditions, but they also secure their chance at life beyond the sinking tides.

This shift from pastime to financial lifeline showcases the resilience of the residents as they adapt to their changing world, determined to carve out a living even against the backdrop of nature's unpredictable alterations.