Managers and Scientists Conduct Biogeographic Assessment Toward Potential Network of Samoan MPAs
Scientists from the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment and managers from the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, in collaboration with counterparts from the Territory of American Samoa, are compiling and analyzing data to complete a biogeographic assessment defining a potential network(s) of marine protected areas in American Samoa. This work is directly linked to the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary management plan review and the Territory’s efforts to develop a network of marine protected areas. The NOAA team met February 8-15 with key American Samoa natural resource management agencies to exchange data and conduct dive surveys with the U.S. National Park Service across a range of habitats to characterize both the habitats and associated fauna at representative sites. The next step is to continue to implement the approved project plan, focusing on data analysis, and initiate discussions to incorporate the independent state of Samoa (formerly Western Samoa) into the assessment. For more information, contact Mark Monaco at (301) 713-3028 x160 or Mark.Monaco@noaa.gov.
