National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa

rdf:langString National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa

rdf:langString National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa

rdf:langString National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa

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rdf:langString American Samoa: *Fagatele Bay, Tutuila *Fagalua/Fogama'a, Tutuila *Aunu'u Island *Ta‘ū Island *Rose Atoll *Vailulu'u Seamount *Swains Island

rdf:langString NMS of American Samoa map.jpg

rdf:langString Map of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa

rdf:langString The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (formerly the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary) is one of many federally-designated underwater areas protected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adimistration's (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. This sanctuary is the largest and most remote in the National Marine Sanctuary system. Spanning 13,581 sq mi, it is home to the greatest biodiversity of aquatic species of all marine sanctuaries. Among them are expansive coral reefs, including some of the oldest Porites coral heads on earth, deep-water reefs, hydrothermal vent communities, and rare archeological resources. It was established in 1986, and then expanded and renamed in 2012. The American Samoa archipelago is located in the mid-south Pacific Ocean, halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand. It is the only American Territory south of the equator. The Park has one visitor center in Tutuila, known as Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center. There are exhibits for all ages, and it is open year-round.