Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources

Connectivity between MPA sites on Tutuila, American Samoa

2014

Pago Pago, American Samoa

Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR)

3

Final Report, 04/01/2011 - 12/31/2013

"Coral reefs in American Samoa are characterized by low abundances of certain key reef species and few apex predators. In addition, many locations are impacted by polluted watersheds, sediment run-off and seasonal increases in sea temperatures. The causes of these impacts range from high fishing pressure in the past, to habitat degradation, population pressure and also include the physical features of the reef. A network of Marine Protected Area sites (MPAs) is in the process of being designed to protect coral reef habitat and ensure the sustainability of fish stocks into the future. An effective MPA network depends on the ecological connectivity between the sites and the selection of resilient areas that are less impacted from watershed intrusion and more flushed by fresh oceanic water. The main objective of the project was to develop a model of MPA connectivity in Tutuila Island, American Samoa. Specifically, a preliminary model of circulation around Tutuila, American Samoa will be validated with drifter data taken at existing and proposed MPA sites and other important locations. The model will be run multiple times under different lunar and seasonal scenarios to predict the impact of watersheds on MPAs, identify potential larval pathways among MPAs, and to use this information to build a more resilient MPA network. The model will be available and maintained on island with a trained local agency staff member capable of running scenarios."

FY2010 CRCP Project ID 1021; Project Title: Connectivity Between MPA Sites on Tutuila, American Samoa: Larval Transport, Watershed Impacts and Cli; Principal Investigator: Fatima Sauafea-Leau; NOAA grant NA10NMF4630360

NA10NMF4630360