Sam Schultz and his F.A.R. Team are in Sibolga organizing the finishing touches to 8 of the 20 boats they have purchased and rehabilitated for Pulau Raya. Sam scoured the West coast looking for boats that the Aceh West coast fishermen could accept and he finally found what he wanted at an undisclosed location in a mangrove forested little known port way off the beaten track. Only boats less than 3 years old were considered and after towing them to Sibolga, Sam found the best boatbuilder in town and organized new engines, props, shafts and gear.

After a month of hard work the first 8 boats are almost ready. ELM are working with Sam to construct a POSKO on Pulau Raya and a truck load of equipment and material will leave Padang tomorrow to join Sams convoy. ELM staff Irfan is waiting in Lho Kruet to take over the management of the new fleet and the selection process for the new owners. The F.A.R. Team and ELM & OBI have worked hand in hand to equip a total of 35 boat owners & 9 bagan owners with new nets, lines, ropes and ice boxes. The biggest problem has been the lack of surviving boats and boat builders in the area. Only 13 boats survived out of a fleet of 200 in the area and over 100 bagans* survived the tsunami. (*large floating fish traps). Only 2 boatbuilders are known to be alive and they are reluctant to leave Lamno IDP camp and return to their drowned village.

The F.A.R. Team and ELM will set up a camp and jetty on Pulau Raya at a location that is sheltered in all weather and swell conditions. Our hope is that small scale ice making and a store will kick-start the once thriving fishery and help supply the West coast with high protien, long lasting dried white bait. Click on http://www.bonesandstones.com