The purpose of this project is to conduct geospatial analyses of selected marine species, habitats, and socioeconomic patterns to support multiple marine managed area initiatives in the Samoan archipelago. The project will identify candidate areas for a potential network of national marine sanctuaries and other marine protected areas (MPA) throughout the archipelago based on ecological, socioeconomic, and cultural information. Project objectives are as follows:
The proposed NOAA partnership project will provide information to help identify candidate areas for an integrated network of national marine sanctuaries within the American Samoa archipelago. The project will also directly support the Territory’s goal of identifying 20% of their coral reefs for designation as no–take marine protected areas. In addition, the project will complement the ongoing Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary (FBNMS) management plan review. The planned assessment includes biological, oceanographic, and human dimension components and will serve as a prototype for assessments in other areas of the Pacific. Planned products include geospatial analyses and maps depicting the spatial and temporal distribution of selected marine species; species assemblages; socioeconomic patterns; identification of biologically significant areas; and delineation of a potential network(s) of marine protected areas based ecological, socioeconomic, and cultural information.
Spatial Scope. The assessment will be conducted for waters within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of American Samoa and more broadly over the entire Samoan Archipelago as datasets and coordination allow. The majority of the analyses will focus on the narrow shelf around the islands where the coral reef ecosystems are located. To provide geographic context beyond Samoa, selected oceanographic analyses will be conducted at a wider spatial extent to include the EEZ of the surrounding island nations.
General Approach. The assessment will consist of three interrelated components: biogeography, human dimensions, and MPA network design. Each of these components and their associated tasks and desired outcomes are described below.
The Proposed Study. Several complementary activities related to MPAs in the Samoan Archipelago are presently underway and provide the impetus for the proposed regional Biogeographic Assessment. Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary is engaged in a review and update of their management plan including consideration of border modification to potentially expand or include multiple sites thereby forming an Integrated American Samoa National Marine Sanctuary Network (IASNMSN). In addition, the government of American Samoa is considering a Territorial MPA Network Strategy that will identify preferred sites to include in a no-take network consisting of 20% of the territory’s reefs (Oram, 2008). Last, American Samoa and the independent nation of Samoa are engaged in an initiative to identify shared environmental problems, exchange management approaches, and consider resources that would benefit from coordinated management.
Current
Future
An assessment report with boundary analyses and recommendations, GIS data/maps and a DVDFagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Summer 2008 - Winter 2010
Project Manager: Matt Kendall
1305 East West Highway
SSMC-IV, N/SCI-1
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-713-3028 x144
Project Manager: Mark Monaco
1305 East West Highway
SSMC-IV, N/SCI-1
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-713-3028 x160
