Austin's donates freediving gear to Palmerston Islanders
Austin's enthusiastically responded to CCRC's call for support of the Palmerston Islanders.Thanks to the generosity of Austin's Diving Center, six islanders received new freediving equipment in October, 2000. Surprisingly, several of the islanders had already heard of Austin's when we began working at Palmerston in 1998. Or is it? Fifty to eighty yachts visit Palmerston each year, usually on their way around the world. Many originate in the southeast US, and almost all are enthusiastic about diving in some form. So, of course they talked about their favorite dive shop - none other than Austin's!

Bob and Tikaroa, speechless upon inspecting their new gear. Palmerston Atoll Freediving Team - sponsored in part by Austin's Diving Center

Palmerston Atoll
Palmerston is an isolated atoll in the Cook Islands, South Pacific. Among other distinctions such as its unfished, pristine reef system, lack of an airstrip, and extreme isolation - roughly 300 miles to the nearest other point of land, Palmerston Atoll attracts a great number of humpback whales each austral winter (see CIWR Humpback Survey). But life is hard in this paradise. Many of the basic needs of the atollÕs population, which fluctuates between 40 - 70 individuals, are not being met. There is a beautiful schoolhouse for the dozen school-age children, but there has not been a teacher for the past six years. Electricity is available 12 hours a day, when the ailing diesel generator works. The nearest medical care is 300 miles upwind, a passage of which no Palmerston boats are capable. A single sideband radio is the islandersÕ only contact with the rest of the Cook Islands and the world beyond.

Coconuts and fish are the traditional staples of the islanders. Palmerston's fishermen feed their families by braving strong currents and voracious reef sharks to spear parrotfish and other delectable species using rusting, antiquated equipment. Some fish are also caught by trolling outside the reef, and still more are caught for export by hand-set nets. Limited amounts of vegetables are grown on the atoll due to a lack of suitable soil. The islanders' diet is now supplemented by rice, sugar, coffee, and occasional fruits. These supplies as well as diesel fuel for their generators, gasoline and oil for their outboard engines, and videotapes are delivered on an unpredictable schedule by a mail boat about every 4 months. Passing yachts play an increasingly important role in the island's commerce. 10 years ago 8 yachts stopped at Palmerston. During 1999 more than 80 yachts had called at Palmerston by the time we departed in October, towards the end of the yacht season. There is no cash economy on Palmerston. Services, labor, and food are bartered between islanders and visitors.

- Hoyt Peckham, January 2001