PARENT SESSION
Wednesday, August 9, 8:00-11:30 am
COS 52 - Restoration ecology I: aquatic and riparian ecosystems
L-3, Lobby Level, Cook Convention Center
Presiders: B Clinton
Coral reefs of American Samoa.
Tuamoheloa, Malia*,1, Braun, Karolyn 2, 1 American Samoa Community College, Pago Pago, AS2 American Samoa Community College, Pago Pago, AS
ABSTRACT- From the earliest beginnings in Samoa some 3000 years ago Samoans have learned to appreciate their natural surroundings. They developed a culture and way of life that respected and maintained a balance with their tropical island environment; however this balance is now in jeopardy. This presentation will examine the coral reefs of American Samoa today and their importance to American Samoa and its citizens. The need to protect this fragile ecosystem from current and potential problems that endanger their health and future will be highlighted. Coral Reefs around American Samoa are our heritage, Samoan culture; traditions and livelihood are bound to the coral reefs. Samoans need to preserve our coral reefs for present and future generations. This presentation will be divided into three parts: A synopsis of history and culture of American Samoa, A look at the diversity of its coral reefs and an examination of coral reef management issues and practices.
Key words: coral reefs, preservation, management