In Niue women traditionally catch fish in near-shore ecosystems and are responsible for harvesting marine products. Traditional taboos have restricted them from participating in every sector of fishing activity, especially fishing from boats, women, especially if menstruating, have been believed to bring bad luck if they touch fishing gear or cross over fishing lines. These taboos are slowly disappearing, and women in Niue increasingly fish from small boats with their husbands or friends (Tuara 2000).