Federated States of Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is part of the Freely Associated States, which also includes the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau. With the dissolution of the Trust Territory of the Pacific (TTPI), a United Nations mandate managed by the United States, and comprised of those islands that had been Japanese colonies until the end of WW II, Micronesia emerged as a separate political entity. Palau and the Northern Mariana Islands negotiated independent terms with the United States. The three former TTPI districts of Yap, Chuuk (formerly Truk) and Pohnpei united to form the new Federated States of Micronesia. A portion of the Pohnpei district was separated to make the state of Kosrae. Consequently the FSM has four states, from west to east: Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae. Each state supports population centers on high volcanic islands.

Yap State consists of four volcanic islands plus 19 inhabited outer islands and atolls, with a total land area of 46 square miles. Yap State can be divided into two distinct spheres: "Yap Proper" and the "Outer Islands." Yap Proper is a cluster of relatively high islands with volcanic and continental rock, surrounded by a fairly wide reef platform. The Outer Islands are coral islands and atolls scattered over a wide area, with relatively low populations.

Chuuk State comprises the volcanic islands in the Chuuk Lagoon and some 24 outer-island atolls--in all, some 290 islands. Chuuk is the most populous of the FSM states with a land area of 49 square miles. Chuuk lagoon is the largest in the FSM. It is a world famous spot for scuba divers, with a sunken WWII Japanese fleet to explore on the floor of the lagoon. Chuuk was formerly known as “Truk.”

Pohnpei State is the national capital of the FSM. It is made up of one large volcanic island and six inhabited atolls, with most of its 133 square miles on Pohnpei Island. Pohnpei Island has a well developed barrier reef and associated lagoon.

Kosrae State is one volcanic island of 43 square miles, surrounded by a fringing reef. Its reefs and mangrove forests are considered to be among the healthiest in Micronesia. However, recent coastal development and land use patterns place the coral reefs at risk.

Each island group has its own language, culture, local government, and traditional system for managing its marine resources. The FSM has both high islands and low atolls. The islanders have strong cultural and economic dependence on coral reefs and marine resources.

Reefs in the FSM are generally in good shape, but there are water quality concerns in areas where there is ongoing coastal development and agriculture. Some degradation of reef ecosystems has already occurred in the more populated areas. Several large development projects, such as construction of an airport and a deep draft harbor, have had significant impacts on mangrove forests and local reefs. Reefs located near population centers, within harbors, and close to shipping lanes have had the largest impacts from fishing and ship groundings. Over-fishing and other harmful fishing practices are also causes of concern.

Federated States of Micronesia location map

More Photos

State of The Reefs Report (SOTR)

The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States: 2008.

The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States: 2005.

The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States and Pacific Freely Associated States: 2002.

Metadata, Data and Publications Search in CoRIS

Search the CoRIS Data & Publications Section for Federated States of Micronesia metadata, data and publications.

ReefBase Coral Bleaching Reports

Select "Micronesia" in the Region window and "Federated States of Micronesia" in the Country window

Other Data & Information

Seagrasses: Pohnpei Island and Ahnd Atoll Marine Assessment

Real Time and Near-Real Time Monitoring Data

FSM Weather Information
http://www.fm/weather.htm

National Weather Service-Pacific Region Headquarters
http://www.prh.noaa.gov/
http://www.prh.noaa.gov/pohnpei/
http://www.prh.noaa.gov/chuuk/
http://www.prh.noaa.gov/yap/

Pohnpei Continuous GPS station
http://www.ga.gov.au/geodesy/slm/spslcmp/micronesia.jsp

Key Documents

Executive orders, Secretarial Orders, and Congressional Acts

Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

Government of the Federated States of Micronesia – Natural Resources

Education and Outreach

FSM Visitors Board

Jane’s Federated States of Micronesia

U.S. State Department Background Note: Micronesia

Pacific ENSO Applications Center

U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet

CIA World Fact Book - FSM

Conservation Society of Pohnpei

Conservation Society of Pohnpei Fact sheet

Conservation Society of Pohnpei Marine Program

Bibliography of Education Materials (General for Coral reefs)

Marine Protected Areas/Marine Managed Areas

National Marine Fisheries Service Inventory of Marine Managed Areas

Report on the Status of Marine Protected Areas in Coral Reef Ecosystems of the United States. Volume 1: Marine Protected Areas Managed by U.S. States, Territories, and Commonwealths. NOAA Technical Memorandum CRCP 2 February 2007

Marine Protected Areas of the United States Home Page

The Marine Protected Areas Inventory

Federal MPA Legislation

Marine Federal Areas Fact Sheet

Executive order 13158: Marine Protected Areas

MPA Virtual Library

Enipein Marine Park and Mangrove Sanctuary

Enipein Marine Park and Mangrove Sanctuary

Lenger Island Marine Protected Area, Pohnpei Island

Lmma network, Pohnpei,

Nahtik Marine Protected Area

Highlights and Press Releases

FSM and MCT Sign Historic Agreement for Conservation

(top)