a multi-author comprehensive assessment of the abundance of humpback whales in the South Pacific
reciprocal transplant experiments between harsh and mild environments showed both fixed and environmental influences, found structured populations
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.