DOCSLIB.ORG

Coral Reef Condition Status Report for American Samoa

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Coral Reef Condition Status Report for American Samoa 2018 Coral reef condition: GOOD A status report for AMERICAN SAMOA Coral reefs are important Healthy coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth, with high cultural and economic significance. They provide billions of dollars in food, the results are in! jobs, recreational opportunities, coastal protection, and other important goods and services to people around the • Overall, American Samoa reefs are in world. The global decline in coral reefs has had significant ecological, social, cultural, and economic impacts on people good condition. and communities. • Tutuila is most impacted by human The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) leads activities, whereas the uninhabited efforts to monitor and conserve coral reef resources and islands and atolls are least impacted. the ecosystem services they provide for current and future generations. In 2011, CRCP established the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP)—an integrated and • American Samoa's coral reefs would focused monitoring effort with partners across the U.S. and benefit the most from reduced fishing its territories. Scientists collect biological, physical, chemical, and socioeconomic data to provide a robust picture of pressure and less temperature stress. the condition of U.S. coral reefs and inform management decisions. For more information, visit coralreef.noaa.gov . reefs are under threat Coral reefs are sensitive ecosystems that thrive when directly harm or kill corals, and also indirectly affect reefs conditions are right—warm, clear, shallow waters that by disrupting critical ecological functions, food webs, and contain low nutrient levels. However, factors at both local fish populations. and global scales can disrupt these conditions. Threats such as fishing impacts and land-based sources of pollution Climate change and ocean acidification impacts threaten can be managed at a local level, while coral reefs will also coral reefs at local to global scales through sea-level rise, benefit from the reduction of greenhouse gases that fuel mass coral bleaching, and disease outbreaks. Increasing climate change and ocean acidification. water temperatures and ocean acidification reduce coral growth. In the long term, failure to reduce carbon Over-fishing leads to a reduction in the amount of reef fish dioxide and other heat-trapping gases that cause ocean species in many locations, which can disrupt the delicate acidification and rising temperatures will continue to impede ecological balance on the reef. Physical impacts from conservation and management efforts for coral reefs. fishing activities, like anchoring and marine debris, can also damage coral reefs. Derelict fishing gear such as gill nets, trap line, and monofilament fishing line is prevalent in American Samoa and can entangle and kill reef organisms. why a status report? Land-based sources of pollution result from agriculture, Effective coral reef conservation cannot be accomplished deforestation, land clearing, storm water, impervious without an informed and engaged public. This status report surfaces, coastal development, road construction, and oil is part of an ongoing series of documents to track the status and chemical spills. This pollution impacts coral reefs in and trends of coral reefs across the U.S. and its territories. many ways, including 1) sedimentation, which smothers The American Samoa coral status report is part of a corals with dirt, 2) nutrient enrichment, which can lead to larger effort to provide communities and decision-makers overgrowth of corals by seaweeds, and 3) the introduction with information about managing and conserving coral of toxins and diseases into the system. These pollutants can reef ecosystems. Corals & algae fish Corals & algae make up the base of the coral reef Coral reefs serve as habitat and food for fish species. ecosystem, providing food and shelter for fish, shellfish, and These fish are important to the ecology of the reef, national marine mammals. They are also important economic and and global economies, and the livelihoods of local villagers. tourism resources. The five indicators for corals & algae are: The four indicators chosen for fish are: • Coral reef cover, which includes corals, algae, and • Reef fish, a measure of the amount of fish present. crustose coralline algae. • Sustainability, which is indicative of whether fishery • Coral populations, a measure of the population's ability stocks still have abundant large breeding-sized fishes. to reproduce and sustain itself. • Sharks and other predators, a measure of the amount • Herbivory, a measure of the level of grazing pressure of fish that eat other fish. by fish on corals and algae. • Diversity, a measure of the number of different • Mortality, which measures the amount of recently species of fish present. dead coral. • Diversity, a measure of the number of different species Sharks are important to the ecological function of of coral present. coral reefs. Their removal negatively affects the entire coral reef food web. Shark populations in American The coral-eating crown-of-thorns sea star (COTS) has Samoa today are only 4–8% of historical populations. a serious impact on Indo-Pacific reefs. Several recent Large reef fish such as Bumphead parrotfish are COTS infestations on American Samoa reefs may be considered locally extinct while others like Humphead linked to nutrient inputs. Corals at Swains and Tutuila Wrasse are heavily pressured. Local management Islands experience most of the impacts. actions such as banning SCUBA spearfishing and the take of large reef fish species, if properly supported and enforced, will help these fish populations recover. A National Park of American Samoa diver injects a COTS with ox bile, a natural substance that kills the creature but Sharks, such as this blacktip reef shark in American does no harm to the reef. Photo: National Park Service. Samoa, are a critical component of coral reef food webs. Photo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. average coral cover biomass of large fish 70 Tutuila Tau 40 Tutuila Tau 60 Swains Ofu & Olosega Swains Ofu & Olosega Rose 30 Rose 50 40 20 30 ) offish) large (>50cm) 20 2 Percent cover Percent 10 10 0 0 4 6 8 0 2 5 2 4 6 8 0 2 5 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Biomass (g/m 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Year Year Coral cover in American Samoa has stayed relatively the Biomass of large fishes is highest at Swains, where same throughout the period of record. However, coral large schools of barracuda and jacks are frequently cover at Swains has recently declined. encountered, and tends to be lowest at Tutuila. AMERICAN SAMOA CORAL REEFS ARE IN GOOD CONDITION american samoa swains island A L S O R & Swains Island is approximately 1.5 square miles with C GA American Samoa is an unincorporated United States Territory in the South A L E Juvenile coral a maximum elevation of six feet above sea level. Only Pacific. The Territory consistsof five volcanic islands and two atolls, all Adult coral a few people lived on Swains in the past. The island C surrounded by fringing coral reefs. American Samoa was divided into 0 1 km Coral reef L six sub-regions to evaluate condition of four categories—corals & 0 1 mi N has been recently abandoned, leaving it currently cover I 85 Herbivory Mortality ersity algae, fish, climate, and human connections. American Samoa uninhabited. Swains is almost completely protected M H Div A S Temper by the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. I coral reefs are in good condition overall. Benthic cover and T F AL Sharks E stressatur COR S & coral populations are doing well. In contrast, fish are Swains Island’s coral reefs are doing well and scored e ALGAE Other predators moderately to very impacted. Sharks and other the highest out of the six regions. predators are considered depleted throughout E Sustainability T H H the world and American Samoa is no Ocean A S M I acidification I exception. Climate is also a factor negatively F L Reef C 80 fish affecting coral reefs. Temperature stress muliava rose atoll A L S and ocean acidification are global ( ) O R & C H * Rose Atoll is the easternmost Samoan island and the C LGAE O UMAN S Diversity problems seen locally in American Samoa. A NNECTION Reef growthmaterial Despite these issues, communities are southernmost point of the United States. One of the C l r o n m e n t a a t n e m n o r l Awareness I C A N S A smallest atolls in the world, Rose Atoll consists of engaged and informed about management L t for M E R M O A about 0.03 square miles of land, 2.5 square miles I o r i b e h a v v a h e b i r o actions to protect reefs. Of the 70 villages A 84 M H 0 1 km Suppor of lagoon, and a narrow barrier reef. Rose Atoll is actions v n -e o r P i in American Samoa, 20% have resource A S management 0 1 mi N almost completely protected as a Marine National I management plans in place, 7% of coral reef area T E F is under no-take designation, and 25% of coral reef Monument and the land and lagoon area is protected area is designated under management. The coral reefs by a National Wildlife Refuge. Rose Atoll's coral reefs on American Samoa's remote islands experience fewer impacts Coral reef habitat are doing well. from human activities and development, but overall the Territory is struggling against threats, such as pollution, overfishing, and global climate change.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Balancing the Tides
    JoAnna Poblete Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nam auctor faucibus odio, a scelerisque magna sollicitudin ac. Cras condimentum lacus elementum massa pharetra malesuada. Fusce ac eros varius, viverra urna scelerisque, egestas neque. Fusce tellus arcu, euismod ut rutrum faucibus, elementum quis sem. Fusce auctor sollicitudin lacus, sed sagittis libero tincidunt ac. Praesent vestibulum Balancing tellus a massa ultrices, et mattis augue ultricies. Aliquam at turpis a nisl portti- tor rhoncus id a lacus. Integer a risus eu sapien porta vestibulum. Aenean posu- ere non diam a posuere. Duis laoreet congue tellus, posuere aliquam leo facilisis quis. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Morbi mattis the Tides consequat lacus, ut aliquet dolor accumsan non. Proin suscipit molestie convallis. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Proin quam justo, feugiat non accumsan et, congue sit amet mi. Marine Practices in Vestibulum consectetur mauris et nisl ultrices, eget hendrerit dui vestibulum. Balancing the Mauris gravida sodales nulla eu mattis. Nam tincidunt eu ante vel euismod. Ali- American Sāmoa quam laoreet lacus quis tellus efficitur, vitae porttitor leo pulvinar. Integer dapi- bus gravida quam quis vehicula. Nulla metus nulla, suscipit in porta non, fermen- tum eget urna. Integer quis turpis felis. Sed finibus sem non elementum volutpat. Phasellus pulvinar orci tortor, sed congue elit pharetra eu. Curabitur sodales, dui a luctus semper, metus erat iaculis risus, ut facilisis leo mi vitae lorem. Pellentesque elementum dui ex, in pulvinar nibh maximus ut.
    [Show full text]
  • Trip Planner
    National Park Service National Park of American Samoa U.S. Department of the Interior Trip Planner Explore the Islands of Sacred Earth Talofa (Hello)! The National Park Service welcomes you into the heart of the South Pacific, to a world of sights, sounds, and experiences that you will find in no other national park in the United States. Located some 2,600 miles southwest of Hawai’i, this is one of the most remote and newest national park’s in the United States. You will not find the usual facilities of most national parks. Instead, with a bit of the explorer’s spirit, you will discover secluded villages, rare plants and animals, coral sand beaches, and vistas of land and sea. The national park includes sections of three islands—Tutuila, Ta’u, and Ofu. Almost all the land area of these volcanic islands—from the mountaintops to the coast—is rainforest. About 4,000 acres of the national park is underwater, offshore from all three islands. Enjoy this unique national park in the heart of the South Pacific and the welcoming people of American Samoa. We are here to protect its rich culture and natural resources. Come explore them with us! TROPICAL RAINFOREST From the mountaintops to the ocean’s edge, the islands are covered with mixed-species, paleotropical rainforests. In mixed-species forests, no single tree or plant species dominates. This is the only rainforest of its kind in a United States national park. About 9,500 acres of tropical rainforest are protected here. WILDLIFE Bats are the only native mammals found in American Samoa.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 American Samoa Passive Acoustic Monitoring Site ROSE Rose Atoll
    American Samoa Passive Acoustic Monitoring Site ROSE Rose Atoll, American Samoa Ecological Acoustic Recorder (EAR) 14-March-2008 to 16-July-2009 Level 1 Analysis of Passive Acoustic Observations1 Synopsis This document provides a level 1 analysis of the data obtained from ecological acoustic recorder (EAR) unit 9300638B041 deployed at Rose Atoll from March 12th 2008 to March 4th 2010. The EAR unit recorded acoustic data from March 14th 2008 to July 16th 2009. This initial report contains background information about the site, time-series of total acoustic energy, and analyses of event-triggered recordings. Background Monitoring the changing status of coral reef environments and associated biota is a critical management need and a considerable technological challenge, especially on reefs in remote locations. The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) Coral Reef Ecosystem Division (CRED), in partnership with the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), is using natural ambient sounds as a way to characterize the activity of marine organisms on coral reefs and in surrounding waters. By deploying a device known as the Ecological Acoustic Recorder (EAR), a cost-effective tool for recording biological and anthropogenic sounds, CRED investigates and monitors the presence and activity of sound-producing marine life and human activity. The EAR can be left in place unattended for up to two years, depending on the instrument’s configuration. Passive acoustic observations are typically not compromised by bio-fouling. The EAR records the local ambient acoustic environment on a programmed schedule and is also triggered to record by high amplitude transient events, such as engine noise from passing vessels.
    [Show full text]
  • American Samoa
    Coral Reef Habitat Assessment for U.S. Marine Protected Areas: U.S. Territory of American Samoa National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA’s National Ocean Service Management & Budget Office Special Projects February 2009 Project Overview About this Effort NCCOS Benthic Habitat Mapping Effort The United States Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF), in both its National The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs (2000) and its National Coral Reef Ocean Service (NOS) initiated a coral reef research program in 1999 to Action Strategy (2002), established a key conservation objective of pro- map, assess, inventory, and monitor U.S. coral reef ecosystems (Monaco tecting at least 20% of U.S. coral reefs and associated habitat types in et al. 2001). These activities were implemented in response to require- no-take marine reserves. NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program has ments outlined in the Mapping Implementation Plan developed by the Map- been supporting efforts to assess current protection levels of coral reefs ping and Information Synthesis Working Group (MISWG) of the Coral Reef within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and quantify the area of U.S. coral Task Force (CRTF) (MISWG 1999). NOS’s National Centers for Coastal reef ecosystems protected in no-take reserves. The official federal defini- Ocean Science (NCCOS) Biogeography Team was charged with the de- tion of an MPA, signed into law by Executive Order 13158, is “any area of velopment and implementation of a plan to produce comprehensive digital the marine environment that has been reserved by federal, state, tribal, coral-reef ecosystem maps for all U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Maritime Heritage in American Samoa
    Connections to the Sea: Maritime Heritage in American Samoa American Samoa. The inventory features Cultural Heritage from the Sea? multiple aspects of history in American Cultural heritage resources in the marine Samoa: 1) historic shipwrecks lost in American Samoa; 2) World War II naval context emphasize all types of past human connections to the sea, whether those aircraft lost in American Samoa; 3) World connections are centered in Samoan traditions War II fortifications, gun emplacements, and and lifestyles (fa`a-Samoa), Samoan coastal coastal pillboxes; 4) Samoan coastal archaeological sites or cultural uses of marine archaeological sites; and 5) coastal and resources, or maritime heritage sites such as marine features associated with ancient NOAA ONMS historic shipwrecks and other significant Samoan myths and legends. Very few of the A coastal pillbox near the village of Alao; underwater objects. historic ships or aircraft have been located signposts of the Pacific War. within the waters of the Territory; the initial inventory work was document-based and did Certain coastal and marine natural features like tupua also have strong cultural connections as not involve field survey. Some of the visible touchstones of oral history, parts of the potential sites, if located and confirmed, NOAA’s Maritime Heritage could be eligible for the National Register of Program heritage record. According to Volk, Knudsen, Kluge and Herdrich, “these sites are of Historic Places. The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries extraordinary significance to
    [Show full text]
  • Proceedings of the American Samoa Coral Reef Fishery Workshop
    Proceedings of the American Samoa Coral Reef Fishery Workshop Stacey Kilarski and Alan R. Everson (Editors) U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-F/SPO-114 Proceedings of the American Samoa Coral Reef Fishery Workshop Convention Center, Utulei, American Samoa October 21-23, 2008 Edited by: Stacey Kilarksi AECOS, Inc. 45-939 Kamehameha Highway Suite 104 Kane‘ohe, HI 96744 Alan R. Everson Pacific Islands Regional Office, NMFS Habitat Conservation Division 1601 Kapiolani Blvd Suite 1110 Honolulu, HI 96814 [email protected] NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-F/SPO-114 U.S. Department of Commerce Gary Locke, Secretary of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., Administrator of NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Eric C. Schwaab, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries Suggested citation: Kilarski, Stacey, and Alan Everson (eds.). Proceedings of the American Samoa Coral Reef Fishery Workshop (October 2008). U.S. Dep. Commerce, NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS- F/SPO114, 143 p. A copy of this report may be obtained from: Alan R. Everson Pacific Islands Regional Office, NMFS Habitat Conservation Division 1601 Kapiolani Blvd Suite 1110 Honolulu, HI 96814 [email protected] Or online at: http://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/tm/ American Samoa Coral Reef Fishery Workshop Convention Center, Utulei, American Samoa October 21-23, 2008 Organizers: NOAA-Pacific Island Regional Office NOAA-Pacific Island Fishery Science Center Department
    [Show full text]
  • IFE and Wlldll ITAT of AMERICAN SA VIRONMENT and ECOLO
    IFE AND WlLDLl ITAT OF AMERICAN SA VIRONMENT AND ECOLO By A. Binion Amerson, Jr., W. Arthur Whistler, and Terry D. Schwaner Environment Consultants, Inc., Dallas, Texas Edited by Richard C. Banks U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Washington, D.C. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF T E INTERIOR FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Washington, D.C. e 1982 Foreword A survey of the status of the wildlife and wildlife habitat of American Samoa. an unincorporated Territory of the United States. was recommended by administrative officials of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in the early 1970s .Environ- ment Consultants. Inc . (ECI). based in Dallas. Texas. was selected to conduct a 2-year survey with A .Binion Amerson. Jr., as Principal Investigator . The contract was administered through the Division of Federal Aid in FWS Region I. Portland. Oregon . The primary objectives of the survey were (1) to define the major ecosystems and to inventory their physical components. vegetation. and wildlife constituents; (2) to prepare maps of these ecosystems; (3) to identify any threatened or endangered species of wildlife; and (4) to recommend wildlife management opportunities and needs . The report of the survey was to be in two parts . The first was to be a non-technical account suitable for wide general distribution; the second was to include the technical aspects of the data and data gathering. with accounts of the wildlife species . This volume represents the first part of ECI's report . The final report submitted by ECI contained more than 1. 200 pages. 200 figures. and 110 tables. many of thelatter several pages long .
    [Show full text]
  • Marine Conservation Science & Monitoring
    Sanctuary Advisory Council UPDATE: January - August 2015 CULTURAL HERITAGE & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT In February 2015, the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (sanctuary) launched American Samoa "Get into Your Sanctuary (GIYS)" cam- paign that will run through October 2015. The campaign highlights communities, partnerships and the special places of the sanctuary. Additionally, the campaign includes community and outreach events as well as eco-tours led by sanctuary community members. GIYS LAUNCH: Over 200 government leaders, community UPCOMING EVENTS members, local residents, and students filled the Ocean Center for the February launch of the "Get into Your Sanc- September 3rd @ 9am tuary" Campaign where 200 students from 13 different schools pledged “Ta’iala mo le Sami" (Ocean Action Initia- Ocean Center - Google Street and Catlin Seaview Survey Launch tives) to further efforts to conserve natural and cultural re- sources for a better tomorrow for American Samoa. Richard September 4th @ 9am Vevers, Executive Director of Catlin Seaview Survey, pre- sented on the recent global coral bleaching event that im- Ocean Center - Sanctuary Advisory Council Meeting pacted the Territory’s reefs. He also compared bleaching September 19th @ 9am - 12pm imagery from February with pre-bleaching 360 degree im- agery captured during a visit in December 2014. Malaloa Dock – SSV Robert C. Seamans Open House GIYS SITE EVENTS: In March the Fagatele Bay event drew more than 200 visitors that explored the wonders of this ocean treasure and its unique surroundings. Tours included information on sanctuary programs, birds, veg- etation, an umu/weaving/traditional food tasting and hike down to the bay. 200 people participated in the Aunu’u “GIYS” event in April.
    [Show full text]
  • CHAPTER II Planning Area Profile for Hazard Mitigation Analysis
    CHAPTER II Planning Area Profile for Hazard Mitigation Analysis 24 Territory of American Samoa Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan A U.S. Territory since 1900, American Samoa is located in the central South Pacific Ocean, 2,300 miles south-southwest of Hawaii and 1,600 miles east-northeast of New Zealand. American Samoa has a total land area of approximately 76 square miles and consists of a group of five volcanic islands and two atolls (Rose Atoll and Swains Island). The five volcanic islands, Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega, and Ta’u, are the major inhabited islands. Tutuila is the largest island and the center of government. Ofu, Olosega, and Ta’u, collectively are referred to as the Manu’a Islands. Figure 1 Base Map of American Samoa depicts all of the islands of American Samoa. Figure 1. Base Map of American Samoa. The five volcanic islands, Tutuila, Aunu’u, Ofu, Olosega, and Ta’u, are the inhabited islands. At 53 square miles, Tutuila is the largest and oldest of the islands, and is the center of government and business. It is a long, narrow island lying SW-NE, is just over 20 miles in length, and ranges from 1 to 2 miles wide in the eastern half, and from 2 to 5 miles wide in the western half. Home to 95 percent of the territory’s 55,000 residents, Tutuila is the historic capitol (Pago Pago), the seat of American Samoa’s legislature and judiciary (Fagatogo), as well as the office of the Governor. Tutuila is often divided into 3 regions: the eastern district, the western district and Manu’a district.
    [Show full text]
  • American Samoa
    Date visited: November 8, 2016 American Samoa Previous (American Revolutionary War) (/entry/American_Revolutionary_War) Next (American civil religion) (/entry/American_civil_religion) American Samoa Amerika Sāmoa / Sāmoa Amelika is an unorganized, American Samoa incorporated territory of the United States (/entry/File:American_samoa_coa.png) (/entry/File:Flag_of_American_Samoa.svg) Flag Coat of arms Motto: "Samoa, Muamua Le Atua" (Samoan) "Samoa, Let God Be First" Anthem: The Star­Spangled Banner, Amerika Samoa (/entry/File:LocationAmericanSamoa.png) Capital Pago Pago1 (de facto (/entry/De_facto)), Fagatogo (seat of (/entry/List_of_national_capitals) government) Official languages English, Samoan Government ­ President Barack Obama (/entry/Barack_Obama) (D) ­ Governor Togiola Tulafono (D) ­ Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia (D) Unincorporated territory of the United States (/entry/United_States) ­ Tripartite Convention 1899 ­ Deed of Cession of Tutuila 1900 ­ Deed of Cession of Manu'a 1904 ­ Annexation of Swains Island 1925 Area (/entry/List_of_countries_and_outlying_territories_by_area) Date visited: November 8, 2016 199 km² (212th ­ Total (/entry/List_of_countries_and_outlying_territories_by_area)) 76.83 sq mi ­ Water (%) 0 Population ­ 2009 estimate 66,432 ­ 2000 census 57,291 326/km² ­ Density 914/sq mi GDP (/entry/Gross_domestic_product) 2007 estimate (PPP) ­ Total $575.3 million ­ Per capita (/entry/Per_capita) Currency (/entry/Currency) US dollar (USD) Internet TLD (/entry/List_of_Internet_top­ .as level_domains) Calling code ++1­684 (/entry/List_of_country_calling_codes) (/entry/United_States), located in the South Pacific Ocean (/entry/Pacific_Ocean) southeast of the sovereign state of Samoa (/entry/Samoa). The native inhabitants of its 70,000 people are descended from seafaring Polynesians (/entry/Polynesia) who populated many islands in the South Pacific. It is a destination spot of many vacationers due to its seasonally sublime climate and miles of clear sandy beaches.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 5. Social and Economic Environment 5.1 Cultural Resources
    Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan Chapter 5. Social and Economic Environment 5.1 Cultural Resources Archaeological and other cultural resources are important components of our nation’s heritage. The Service is committed to protecting valuable evidence of plant, animal, and human interactions with each other and the landscape over time. These may include previously recorded or yet undocumented historic, cultural, archaeological, and paleontological resources as well as traditional cultural properties and the historic built environment. Protection of cultural resources is legally mandated under numerous Federal laws and regulations. Foremost among these are the NHPA, as amended, the Antiquities Act, Historic Sites Act, Archaeological Resources Protection Act, as amended, and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Additionally, the Refuge seeks to maintain a working relationship and consult on a regular basis with villages that are or were traditionally tied to Rose Atoll. 5.1.1 Historical Background The seafaring Polynesians settled the Samoan Archipelago about 3,000 years ago. They are thought to have been from Southeast Asia, making their way through Melanesia and Fiji to Samoa and Tonga. They brought with them plants, pigs, dogs, chickens, and likely the Polynesian rat. Most settlement occurred in coastal areas and other islands, resulting in archaeological sites lost to ocean waters. Early archaeological sites housed pottery, basalt flakes and tools, volcanic glass, shell fishhooks and ornaments, and faunal remains. Stone quarries (used for tools such as adzes) have also been discovered on Tutuila and basalt from Tutuila has been found on the Manu’a Islands. Grinding stones have also been found in the Manu’a Islands.
    [Show full text]
  • Unlocking the Secrets of Swains Island: a Maritime Heritage Resources Survey
    “Unlocking the Secrets of Swains Island:” a Maritime Heritage Resources Survey September 2013 Hans K. Van Tilburg, David J. Herdrich, Rhonda Suka, Matthew Lawrence, Christopher Filimoehala, Stephanie Gandulla National Marine Sanctuaries National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Maritime Heritage Program Series: Number 6 The Maritime Heritage Program works cooperatively and in collaboration within the Sanctuary System and with partners outside of NOAA. We work to better understand, assess and protect America’s maritime heritage and to share what we learn with the public as well as other scholars and resource managers. This is the first volume in a series of technical reports that document the work of the Maritime Heritage Program within and outside of the National Marine Sanctuaries. These reports will examine the maritime cultural landscape of America in all of its aspects, from overviews, historical studies, excavation and survey reports to genealogical studies. No. 1: The Search for Planter: The Ship That Escaped Charleston and Carried Robert Smalls to Destiny. No. 2: Archaeological Excavation of the Forepeak of the Civil War Blockade Runner Mary Celestia, Southampton, Bermuda No. 3: Maritime Cultural Landscape Overview: The Redwood Coast No. 4: Maritime Cultural Landscape Overview: The Outer Banks No. 5: Survey and Assessment of the U.S. Coast Survey Steamship Robert J. Walker, Atlantic City, New Jersey. These reports will be available online as downloadable PDFs and in some cases will also be printed and bound. Additional titles will become available as work on the series progresses. Cover Image - Figure 1: Swains Island satellite image: Image Science & Analysis Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center.
    [Show full text]