The coral reefs of American Samoa have faced numerous disturbances over recent decades, including starfish outbreaks, hurricanes, high water temperatures, and human-induced impacts like pollution and overfishing. These events have led to significant changes in coral communities, prompting long-term monitoring efforts since the late 1970s to track the recovery or further decline of coral and fish populations, particularly in Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Survey of coral reefs in Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary and ten other sites around Tutuila revealed that exposed reefs experienced little damage from hurricanes and bleaching, while sheltered reefs were severely affected. Despite the damage, the reefs show signs of recovery, with young coral recruits and the presence of coralline algae aiding in reef stabilization and regeneration.
The data analysis of the Fagatele Marine Sanctuary reveals significant trends in coral recovery between 1998 and 2001, with a decrease in species diversity but an increase in coral coverage. Fish population studies in both Fagatele Bay and Tutuila show similar trends, with species density increasing from 1996 to 2001, highlighting recovery patterns and spatial distinctions between different sites and depths.
In 1993, the grounding of the Taiwanese ship Jin Shiang Fa at Rose Atoll spilled 100,000 gallons of diesel fuel, causing extensive coral reef damage and triggering an algal bloom. Three years later, recovery remains limited, with opportunistic algae dominating and minimal regrowth of the crucial reef-forming crustose coralline algae.
Long-term monitoring of coral and fish communities in Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary since 1982 shows that coral communities are recovering well, with increased colony numbers, size, and cover, particularly since 1998. However, fish communities are recovering more slowly, and shallow water areas have suffered from recent low tide events, with some key locations still showing signs of distress but gradual improvement.
The 2002 re-survey of coral communities in the American Samoa Archipelago, covering Tutuila and the Manu’a Group of islands, assessed coral status and temporal changes since 1995. Key findings include progressing recovery from cyclone disturbances on Tutuila and Tau, with challenges from a crown of thorns starfish infestation and bleaching events affecting Ofu and Olosega, particularly in shallow waters.
The coral reefs of American Samoa’s five main volcanic islands, particularly Tutuila and Aunu’u, have endured severe disturbances, including a Crown-of-Thorns starfish outbreak in the late 1970s and two major hurricanes in the early 1990s. Despite these challenges and a 1994 bleaching event, recent surveys show that the reefs are recovering rapidly, with many areas now supporting lush, healthy coral communities that are resilient to large-scale disturbances.
A survey of coral communities in the American Samoa Archipelago in 1995 aimed to establish a quantitative baseline for future monitoring, documenting over 18,000 colonies from 150 species. The results revealed high diversity and complexity in reef habitats, with distinct communities across different reef zones and evidence of ongoing recovery from previous disturbances.
Justifying Darwin's theory to fit Taema and Hafanua Banks
seasonal and spatial prevalence of coral and CCA diseases
study severity of coral disease in diverse compared to species-poor regions
study severity of coral disease in diverse ompared to species-poor regions
detailed invntory of species of corals, invertebrates, fishes in particular bays and habitats on Tutuila and the Manua Islands
see title
a multi-author comprehensive assessment of the abundance of humpback whales in the South Pacific
local Samoans little interest, but interest from other Pacific islanders to take sea turtles on Tutuila
only Hawaii has substantive data