Catching Coconut Crabs in the Solomon Islands
Introduction: The "Hermes" of Crabs
Did you know that in China, coconut crabs are considered the "Hermes" of crabs, costing up to 2,000 RMB per pound? They are so expensive that people often keep them as pets instead of eating them. However, in the Solomon Islands, coconut crabs are abundant, and some are incredibly large.
The Challenge: Capturing Giant Coconut Crabs
The challenge for today is to catch coconut crabs weighing over 5 pounds using only bare hands.
Setting Sail: The Journey to the Crab Spot
The journey begins by boat, heading to a location recommended by the host. The host assured that there would be many coconut crabs in that area, almost guaranteeing a successful hunt.
Preparing the Trap: Using Coconut as Bait
Before setting out, the host provided instructions on how to catch the coconut crabs. The location isn't on a deserted island but on the far left side of the main island. The usual two-hour boat ride took two and a half hours due to the rainy weather.
Weathering the Storm: Building a Makeshift Shelter
Upon arrival, heavy rain forced them to take shelter. After about half an hour, the rain stopped, and the sun came out. The first task was to quickly set up a tent in case the rain returned.
Laying the Traps: A Coastal Adventure
With the tent set up, the next step was to find dry coconuts to use as bait for the traps. This involved traversing a sandy beach leading to the coastline where the coconut crab hunt would take place. Due to the strong waves on one side, the tent was set up on the calmer side of the beach, requiring them to cross the sand to reach the crab-hunting area.
Identifying Potential Habitats: Rocky Terrain and Crab Holes
The terrain consisted of rocky areas with numerous holes, which are ideal habitats for coconut crabs.
Creating the Traps: Using Dry Coconut
Several dry coconuts were collected and split open.
The Trap Setup: Luring the Crabs
The host taught them a method for setting the traps: The coconut crabs are attracted to the smell of coconut, and when they can't find the source, they wander around, making them easy to catch. A total of 12 traps were set up.
Interim Activities: Sea Pineapple and Fishing
On the way back, a sea pineapple was found. After trying it, it was found to be inedible. The decision was made to go fishing and get some sea food for dinner. They only bring seasonings on the island and rely on catching food daily.
Underwater Exploration: Surveying the Marine Life
Before starting the fishing, they took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding waters from a drone's perspective.
Spotting Dangerous Marine Life: Sharks and Poisonous Fish
While searching for fish, they spotted a large, poisonous fish and, soon after, a shark.
Selective Fishing: Targeting Specific Species
Focusing on sustainable fishing practices, they chose to only catch the fish they intended to eat, avoiding any unnecessary harm to the marine environment.
First Catch: A Speckled Sweetlips
The first catch of the day was a speckled sweetlips, found hiding near a coral reef.
Impressive Sightings: Giant Clams
During the dive, they observed several giant clams, some measuring up to one meter in length. They noted that these Kushi clams are rare worldwide and should not be eaten.
Second Catch: An Emperor Red Snapper
Not far from the giant clams, they found an emperor red snapper, which they considered a valuable catch due to its delicious flavor.
Safety Concerns: Sharks and a Quick Retreat
With a shark nearby, they decided to head back to shore.
Shark Attack: Losing Part of the Day's Catch
After placing the trash in the proper receptacle, there was a sudden shark attack on the fish they caught! The shark attacked their catch as they were nearing the shore.
Assessing the Damage: Preparing Dinner
Back on land, they assessed the damage. The emperor red snapper had been partially eaten by the shark.
Cooking the Catch: An Improvised Meal
Due to the rain, firewood was difficult to burn. Cooking started by stir-frying the fish with some pickled mustard, adding water, and covering the pot.
The Taste Test: A Savory Dinner
The emperor red snapper was cooked with pickled mustard greens due to a lack of salt. While it lacked salt, the fish was very tender.
Sunset: A Stunning Display of Nature
After dinner, a beautiful sunset appeared.
Nighttime Preparations: Lobster Hunting
With the hope of catching lobsters in the coral reefs, one hour was dedicated to the hunt before the coconut crabs came out.
Lobster Hunting: Finding Abundant Marine Life
In the shallow waters, a mantis shrimp was spotted.
Marine Life Encounters: Odd Crabs and Lobster
A variety of marine creatures were encountered, including a slipper lobster, a colorful crab, and more lobsters. One unusual crab was kept for identification. After catching several creatures, he decided to head back.
Night Time: Starting the Hunt for Coconut Crabs
At 10PM, the hunt for Coconut Crabs started.
Checking the Traps: A Slow Start
The first few traps contained only hermit crabs.
The First Catch: A Promising Sign
The first coconut crab of the night was found in the third trap.
More Hermit Crabs: Pesky Competitors
Some traps were swarming with hermit crabs, preventing the capture of coconut crabs.
A Big One: A Strong and Determined Crab
A large coconut crab was found in one of the traps, putting up a strong fight.
Disappointment: Dead Coconut Crab
One dead coconut crab was found.
Assessing the Night's Haul: Two Crabs
After checking all twelve traps, only two coconut crabs were caught.
Storing the Catch: Preparing for the Morning
The two coconut crabs were secured in a burlap sack for the night.
The Morning After: Assessing the Catch
The next morning, the crabs were assessed.
Preparing Coconut Crab for Breakfast:
The larger crab was prepared for breakfast while the smaller would be brought home along with the lobster. After draining the water in the crab, the head was chopped off.
Cooking the Coconut Crab: A Culinary Experience
The coconut crab was cooked with chili oil.
Enjoying the Meal: Savoring the Flavors
The large coconut crab made for a very full meal.
Wrapping Up: Ending the Adventure
It was time to head home after eating.