National Coral Reef Monitoring Program: American Samoa Infographics
The Socioeconomic Component of the National Coral Reef Monitoring Plan (NCRMP) gathers and monitors a collection of socioeconomic variables with the overall goal of tracking relevant information regarding each jurisdiction's population, social and economic structure, the impacts of society on coral reefs, and the impacts of coral management on communities.
Why Care about Coral Reefs?
Diver at the Coral Reefs of American Samoa [Photo Credit: Ben Carroll]
Coral reefs provide many benefits to communities, regions, nations, and the world at large. They protect many marine species, and provide a significant source of protein to people all over the world, in addition to producing natural compounds that scientists have used to develop treatments for illness and disease. Coral reefs also act as natural barriers to coastal storms and aid in the protection of our coasts and coastal communities, as well economically supporting local and global communities. Coral reefs and their protected beaches provide an attractive setting for travelers and locals, alike, and between the tourism industry and fisheries, coral reefs generate billions of dollars and millions of jobs in more than 100 countries around the world.
Why Care about Coral Reef Communities?
American Samoa Village of Vatia [Photo Credit: NOAA]
People are very much a part of coral reef ecosystems, and their connections can have lasting impacts. Because of this, NCRMP gathers data from coral reef communities about:
Public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about coral reefs
Participation in coral reef activities, such as fishing
Economic and cultural value of coral reefs
Community well-being
Population changes and the distribution of people in coral reef locations
Surveryor at American Samoa [Photo Credit: Stacey Kilarski]
Researchers collect data through periodic surveys that include standardized questions, as well as questions specific to local management needs. Data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and local government agencies supplement these results. In addition to using this information for conservation and restoration efforts, scientists and communities use these data to measure social and economic conditions and document how people use and perceive coral reef resources.
Trends in NCRMP socioeconomic data from American Samoa’s first (2014) and second (2021) monitoring cycles are highlighted in this infographic. The trends shown are based on surveys of residents in the islands of Tutuila and Manu’a. The infographic shows how there have been some changes in residents’ participation in coral reef activities, perceptions of resource conditions, importance of coral reefs, familiarity with threats, and support for management.
Results of the 2021 NCRMP socioeconomic monitoring survey of American Samoa residents are shown here in this infographic. Using a stratified random sampling methodology, the survey targeted individuals aged 18 and older on the islands of Tutuila (further stratified by rural, semi-rural, and urban villages, and Aua) and Manu’a. Surveys were conducted in person, and were offered in English and Samoan. A total of 1,318 surveys were completed with a response rate of 19%. All results are representative of the American Samoa population and strata.
Results of the 2014 NCRMP socioeconomic monitoring of American Samoa are shown here in this infographic. They highlight American Samoans' perceptions, values, and level of support for American Samoa coral reef management alternatives.
Using a stratified random sampling approach, this survey targeted American Samoan residents over the age of 18. Surveys were conducted in-person by going directly to houses in randomly selected villages on Tutuila during weekday afternoons and weekends. Residents were sampled proportionate to the total population in each village. A total of 448 surveys were conducted in English or Samoan (based on respondent preference). The results are statistically representative of the population of American Samoa.
