They grow wet and dry taro, sweet potatoes, yams, and millet. While women predominantly farm staple foods, especially wet taro, the men primarily fish - which together make a very nutritious diet. Besides fishing, men are responsible for tilling and cultivating land, planting sweet potatoes and millet, shepherding mountain goats, creating pottery, building homes, weaving baskets, and working metal. Yami society has no formal leadership system. Rather it is a class-based society where everyone must work hard to acquire prestige and rank.
Food mainly consists of flying fish and wet taro.
When the wet taro is paired with dried flying fish not only does one have a traditional Yami dish but also a healthy one. These people rely on the sea for their livelihood and still follow centuries-old customs. These are among the few aboriginal traditions that can be viewed by outsiders - and are one of the most fascinating features of Orchid Island. Furthermore, both snorkeling and scuba diving are activities that can be enjoyed on Orchid Island. Near the coast, schools of fish are constantly returning, making it a famous fishing spot.