American Samoa coral reef marine protected area strategy
Oram RG. 2006. American Samoa coral reef marine protected area strategy. Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources. Pago Pago, American Samoa
Coral reefs are an important natural resource in American Samoa providing protection, food, and other benefits. American Samoa's reefs have suffered numerous natural and anthropogerric destructive impacts including crown-of-thorns starfish infestations, coral bleaching events, cyclones, sedimentation and pollution. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are one form of management that can be used to address some of these threats to the reefs. MPAS also protect trophic systems and ecosystem resilience. The American Samoa Coral Reef MPA Strategy describes guiding principles for selecting areas to become no-take MPAs. The two primary concepts to consider during site selection are diversity and reproductive potential. Other things to consider such as social, economic, enforcement, pragmatic, and regional criteria, MPA size and period of closure are also listed. The process to follow during a no-take MPA site selection is detailed. Management plans are required for each no-take MPA designated in American Samoa. The necessary elements of an acceptable management plan are described along with a checklist.