A preliminary survey of the coral reef resources in the Tutuila unit of the National Park of American Samoa
Green A and Hunter C. 1998. A preliminary survey of the coral reef resources in the Tutuila unit of the National Park of American Samoa. Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources. Pago Pago, AS
A survey of reefs in the national park on Tutuila; 85 coral taxa were recorded. In general coral cover tended to be higher at the eastern end of the park; primarily had encrusting with massives also common and other forms rarer; coral recovering from recent hurricanes. 192 fish species found; tended to be dominated by damselfish and surgeonfish. The most abundant species varied among sites; burrowing urchins, encrusting sponges,and tunicates were the only common macro-inverts. Nudibranchs and sea stars seen at most sites; lobsters, cucumbers, and turbos were rare. No COT's were observed although feeding scars seen; giant clams were relatively uncommon in the park. Only one turtle was observed during the surveys; spinner dolphins were observed three times; humpback whales were not seen because out of season but have been recorded previously. Reported night spear fishing occurs in the park at night and evidence (battery dump, boats anchored in the area) supports this occurance. Coral appear healthy although some sick. Includes charts and tables.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Green, Alison; Hunter, Cynthia
- Date of Issue
- 1998-02
- Publisher
- Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources
- Units
- NPSA , PACN
- Keywords
- American Samoa, Animal Studies, Coastal/Marine Systems, Coral Reefs, corals, Fish/Ichthyology, Fishing activity, Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Macroinvertebrates, Spinner dolphins (Stenella spp.), Turtles, Tutuila