American Samoa Gov. Togiola Tulafono Joins NOAA Research Expedition in Local Waters

NOAA Ship Hi'ialakai embarks on a coral reef monitoring cruise in American Samoa

The governor of American Samoa, the Honorable Togiola Tulafono, recently joined PIFSC scientists on the NOAA Ship Hi'ialakai to conduct coral reef ecosystem research in waters around Rose Atoll and other locales in American Samoa. The Governor's office in Pago Pago issued regular press releases to keep the public abreast of progress during the expedition.

Other news about the cruise has appeared in Pacific Magazine.

The current expedition is part of an ongoing NOAA program of comprehensive marine ecosystem research in American Samoa to provide critical baseline surveys of coral reef resources, cetacean abundance and distribution, albacore fisheries oceanography, and more. Much of the program's success is due to the enthusiastic participation and support of the Governor's Office and other partners.

More information on NOAA's American Samoa research:

  • The NOAA Fisheries Mission

    Stewardship of living marine resources through science-based conservation and management, and the protection of healthy ecosystems.
  • The Primary NOAA Fisheries Goal

    To protect, restore, and manage the use of coastal and ocean resources through an ecosystem approach to management.
http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov
Last updated March 24 2008