What is special about the coral reefs in Samoa?

What is special about the coral reefs in Samoa?

National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa protects lush coral reefs throughout the Samoan archipelago. The coral reef is a vibrant marine ecosystem. It provides shelter and habitat for tropical fish of all shapes, sizes, and colors, as well as other sea life such as crustaceans, squid, sharks, and sea turtles.

Does Samoa have a reef?

Around 55,000 people live in American Samoa and they rely on the 115 square miles of reef for food, jobs and coastal protection. Home to roughly 2,700 known marine species (and undoubtedly vast numbers of unknown species), the reef is an immensely diverse and important ecosystem.

Is Samoa a coral Island?

The tropical South Pacific island paradise of American Samoa is home to some of the largest documented coral colonies in the world.

Why is over fishing bad for the environment?

The price of fish can increase as supply falls and demand continues to increase. Fishing can become harder and less efficient. When one fish is removed from an ecosystem it can lead to an ecosystem collapse. Protein demand shifts to other parts of the ocean or land placing pressure on other food systems.

Is American Samoa part of America?

American Samoa became a U.S. territory by deed of cession, starting in 1900. The matai (local chiefs) of Tutuila, the largest island in American Samoa, ceded the island to the United States in 1900.

Is Samoa a coral atoll?

The limited shallow water coral reef habitats surrounding all of the islands consist primarily of fringing coral reefs, a few offshore banks, and two atolls. Many species of Indo-Pacific corals, other invertebrates, and fishes are members of the American Samoa coral reef ecosystem.

What is the famous reef found in the American Samoa?

Coral Reef
Coral Reef, Ofu Lagoon. The National Park of American Samoa is a remote park distributed on four volcanic islands in the South Pacific Ocean.

What is the name of the famous reef in American Samoa called?

Coral Reef, Ofu Lagoon. The National Park of American Samoa is a remote park distributed on four volcanic islands in the South Pacific Ocean.

Who is causing overfishing?

What leads to overfishing? Poor fishing management is the primary cause. Around the world, many fisheries are governed by rules that make the problem worse, or have no rules at all.

Is overfishing illegal?

Is illegal fishing the same as overfishing? No. Overfishing occurs in domestic and high-seas fisheries where politicians, managers or the industry fail to set, implement, or enforce appropriate catch levels. Some Illegal fishing includes fishing that takes place over and above established catch limits.

Do American Samoa pay taxes?

Unlike citizens of other U.S. territories who are U.S. citizens, American Samoans are U.S. nationals. However, neither citizens nor nationals of U.S. territories vote in Federal elections and pay Federal taxes.

What race are Samoans?

Polynesian
Ethnic groups Samoans are mainly of Polynesian heritage, and about nine-tenths of the population are ethnic Samoans. Euronesians (people of mixed European and Polynesian ancestry) account for most of the rest of the population, and a tiny fraction are of wholly European heritage.

How does fishing affect the environment in American Samoa?

Fishing and gleaning activities are the primary way that people in American Samoa directly affect marine resources. In addition to impacting fish populations, fishing can have cascading effects throughout the ecosystem, as well as negative effects on corals through destructive fishing practices.

Are reef fish protected in American Samoa?

American Samoa responded to protect these fish by banning all fishing of large reef fish species. Now, more kinds of large reef fish are protected in American Samoa than anywhere else in the world. Fishing of small- and medium-sized fish continues, but not as intensely as in previous decades or as intensely as in many other places in the world.

Why did coral reefs rebound in American Samoa?

This rebound is due to a combination of good protection efforts and good luck. The lesson of American Samoa is clear: the work of coral reef protection is never truly finished. Despite these many efforts, the reefs in American Samoa are always in danger of their next assault.

What are the effects of overfishing on the marine environment?

This, too, is a serious marine threat that causes the needless loss of billions of fish, along with hundreds of thousands of sea turtles and cetaceans. The damage done by overfishing goes beyond the marine environment. Billions of people rely on fish for protein, and fishing is the principal livelihood for millions of people around the world.