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Description:
Author(s):
Joy Smith
Title:
Sediment Pollution Changing Aua Reefs
Publication Date:
2024
Institution:
NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
Page(s):
2
Type Period Note:
Brochure
Abstract:
"In September of 2022, staff from NOAAs Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center's Ecosystems Science Division, conducted underwater surveys in Aua, American Samoa to determine coral cover and coral demographics at 18 sites along a range of water pollution. These surveys documented the water quality impacts on coral reef communities. This information helps determine whether land-based pollution (runoff, sedimentation, and nutrient loading) affect adjacent coral reef communities. Sediment pollution was identified as a major problem, and was associated with a shift from corals to more turf and sediment. Our results showed that sediment reduction can increase coral cover, density, diversity, and juvenile recruitment."
Keywords:
American Samoa, watershed, land-based sources of pollution, LBSP, coral reef
Electronic Access:
NOAA Line Office:
NMFS
NOAA Program Office:
PIFSC
Notes:
FY2024 CRCP Project ID 31303; Project Title: Linking watershed management actions to reef health in American Samoa; Principal Investigator: Joy Smith
Funding Organizations:
NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program
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