The central south pacific ocean (American Samoa) - Chapter 103
Craig P, Saucerman S, Wiegman S. 2000. The central south pacific ocean (American Samoa) - Chapter 103. Pages 765-772. In Sheppard C. Seas at the millennium: an environmental evaluation. Pergamon - Elsevier Science. Volumn II regional chapters: the Indian Ocean to the Pacific
This chapter describes several environmental issues in a small portion of Oceania, the vast expanse of open ocean and small tropical islands that are scattered across the South Pacific Ocean. American Samoa consists of seven islands, ranging from a small uninhabited atoll to the densely populated high island of Tutuila. The fringing coral reefs around the islands support over 200 coral and 890 fish species. The corals are recovering from a series of natural disturbances over the past two decades; however some reef resources are overfished for local consumption. The most serious environmental problem facing American Samoa is its uncontrolled population growth rate (2.5%). The current population of 63,000 in 2000 is already straining the coastal environment, with extensive harbor pollution, loss to coastal habitats by urban expansion, and coastal sedimentation from poor upland management practices. Enforcement of environmental regulations is not widespread, and environmental education programs have difficulty keeping pace with population growth. Several marine protected areas have been established, but illegal fishing is a general problem.
- Type
- Book Chapter
- Authors
- Craig, Peter; Saucerman, Suesan; Wiegman, Sheila
- Units
- NPSA , PACN
- Keywords
- American Samoa, Ecology (Aquatic Marine Terrestrial), Environmental issues, harbor pollution, marine general, population growth, terrestrial general