Tracking Fishing Activities of the Roviana Population in the Solomon Islands Using a Portable Global Positioning System Unit and a Heart Rate Monitor

Abstract

In this article, I discuss the application of a portable global positioning system (GPS) receiver and a heart rate (HR) monitor for analyzing the fishing activities of the Roviana fisher-horticulturist population in the Solomon Islands. Each participant wore a portable GPS unit and a HR transmitter and recorder. Twelve trips relevant to fishing were recorded from departures to arrivals and analyzed in the context of time and space. The ratio of HR observed to the predicted maximal HR was the highest when subjects were fishing in the outer barrier reef drop edges, where they canoed continuously with little rest. The limitations of the HR monitor and/or GPS receiver were generally low for acquisition during diving activities, however, special precautions should be taken to minimize acquisition errors. This method is expected to contribute to a better understanding of human behavioral ecology and maritime anthropology.