Lessons learned in lead up to Coral Reef Task Force Meeting

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa delegation to the U.S Coral Reef Task Force Meeting in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands (USVI) led by Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga participated in one of the activities leading up to the event that allowed the opportunities for task force members to witness the challenges coral reefs face with climate change, land-based activities and develop resolutions that will assist in addressing these challenges.

The US Virgin Islands experiences unique challenges as they continue to combat the impacts of climate change coupled with the aftermath of the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), providing insight into the current state of the Virgin Islands' reefs and how the USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources works to identify innovative solutions and effectively implement measures to mitigate the ongoing threats.

A press release from the Governor’s Office says while SCTLD has yet to manifest itself in the Pacific waters, it remains vital that the Pacific jurisdictions including American Samoa remain steadfast and continue to understand the mechanisms crucial to develop preventative measures to protect its fragile coral reef ecosystems.

Accompanying Governor Lemanu was Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) Deputy Director Selaina Tuimavave and staff.

At the same time, Lemanu had the opportunity to meet with Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs (OIA), Carmen G. Cantor, who is also chair of U.S. Coral Reef Task Force.

The meeting covered a wide range of important topics to ensure that American Samoa is well-equipped for future opportunities and challenges. Discussions revolved around renewable energy initiatives and electric subsidies, biosecurity measures, potential funding avenues for U.S. territories, infrastructural grant funding (BIL/IRA), and increased benefits for veterans and their families, among other pressing issues.

The aim was to delve into these matters with thoroughness and foresight to promote the overall progress and readiness of American Samoa on both local and national levels.

There was a strong emphasis on American Samoa's membership in the Pacific Island Forum. It was revealed that attorneys from both the U.S. State Department and Interior are actively engaged in discussions to explore possibilities for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa becoming associated members of the PIF under certain conditions.

BACKGROUND

Of interest, American Samoa’s coral reefs are considered relatively resilient in the face of global and local stressors. Scientists are currently studying American Samoa’s coral to try and figure out why.

It is also home to two of the world’s oldest and largest coral colonies on record, and to more than 250 species of coral. It also has the oldest continuously monitored coral reef transect of its kind in the world — located in the waters of Aua village.