Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
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Ridge-to to-Reef: American Samoa Pilot StudyPIERC Project Leaders: Carter Atkinson, Ph.D. and Arthur Medeiros, Ph.D |
Objectives: Identify a network of watersheds on the main islands that can be used for long term investigations of the effects of terrestrial land use and resource management on water quality, erosion, sedimentation, and point source pollution on coral reef biodiversity and health |
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Accomplishments: Met with partners and stakeholders Visited sites on main island of Tutuila Identified incipient and established invasive trees (Falcateriaand Psidium) that may affect forest succession and watershed function Identified potential research opportunities and collaborations for USGS |
Significance: Pollution, urban development, erosion, and habitat degradation from invasive species can impact watersheds and coral reefs Collaborators include USCRTF / Am.SamoaCoral Reef Advisory Group, NPS, FWS, Am.SamoaDept of Marine and Wildlife Resources, EPA, Am.SamoaCommunity College, Am.SamoaDept of Commerce and Am.SamoaDept of Health |