New species of Anemonefish in Fagatele Bay.
(Credit: DMWR - Doug Fenner)
N.O.A.A. today released a comprehensive outline management project and environmental assessment for Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary in American Samoa. The new outline project and accompanying suggested rule suggests the addition of 5 new reef and offshore areas, and a change of the name of the sanctuary to American Samoa National Marine Sanctuary.
The suggested new areas are Larsen Bay, waters around Swains Island and Muliāva, also known as Rose Atoll, and some of the waters around Aunu`u Island and Ta'u Island. Inclusion of these areas into the sanctuary will result in a high degree of protection for some of the oldest and biggest known corals in the world.
"The outline management project represents a milestone in the planning and development of our national marine sanctuary in American Samoa," said Allen Tom, N.O.A.A. Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Pacific Islands regional director. "It represents years of working with the local villages, chiefs, territorial programs and both the Delegate's and the Governor's office to ensure that the needs and concerns of the people of American Samoa are acknowledged and their marine resources are protected for future generations."
Based on several years of scientific assessment and public input, the project serves as a roadmap for addressing issues facing the sanctuary over the next 5 to ten years.
Divers with large coral at Ta'u.
(Credit: NOAA)
The outline project updates the original 1984 management project under which the sanctuary currently operates. The project describes the sanctuary's goals and guiding principles, regulations and boundaries, and guides future activities. It also sets priorities and performance measures for resource protection, research and education programs.
Comments from the public are requested on both the outline management project and suggested regulatory changes. All comments must be received by Friday, Jan. 6, 2012. Written comments should be sent by mail to: Gene Brighouse, Superintendent, Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, P.O. Box 4318, Pago Pago, American Samoa, 96799.
Comments may also be submitted electronically via the Federal eRulemaking Portal http://www.regulations.gov by clicking "Submit a Comment," then enter NOAA-NOS-2011-0243 in the keyword search. Locate the document you wish to review on from the resulting list and click on the "Submit a Comment" icon on the right of that line.
Public meetings will be held at the following locations and times:
- Nov. 17, 4:30 p.m. - American Samoa Community College Lecture Hall
- Nov.18, 9:00 a.m. - Auasi Village (High Chief Fonoti's Meeting Fale)
- Nov. 21, 9:00 a.m. - Fitiuta Village, Ta'u island (Mayor's Meeting Fale)
- Nov. 21, 2:00 p.m. - Ofu island (Mayor's Meeting Fale)
Copies of the outline management project and environmental impact statement can be obtained by calling 684-633-5155 ext 264, or downloaded from the sanctuary's Web site, http://www.fagatelebay.noaa.gov.
Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary protects and preserves a fringing coral reef ecosystem nestled within an eroded volcanic crater on the southern coast of Tutuila, American Samoa. It is the smallest and most remote of all the national marine sanctuaries and is the only true tropical reef in the program. The location is uniquely rich in both natural resources and cultural heritage. Fagatele Bay provides a home to a wide variety of animals and plants that thrive in the protected waters of the bay.
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