Lidar-Derived Waterway Data Reveals Runoff Threats
Outdated, inaccurate maps made it difficult for people in American Samoa to locate waterway runoff and sediment areas that can imperil coastal and coral reef health. A project to extract information from Digital Coast lidar has given this U.S. territory much-needed data with high-resolution waterway (hydrographic) information and maps. Coastal researchers and managers use the data to identify runoff-plagued streams and lakes that could threaten marine life. The data set also includes the official NOAA coastline for American Samoa, which is key to creating other mapping uses. (2016)
More information: viewer.nationalmap.gov/launch
Partners: American Samoa Department of Commerce, NOAA Office for Coastal Management, U.S. Geological Survey
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Fautasi Coastal Challenge Leads Stewardship Efforts
In the American Samoa islands, the traditional way of life includes dense coastal villages with open, thatched-roof homes that are highly vulnerable to damage from cyclones and tsunamis. These villages exist near beaches and coral reefs that are vulnerable to pollution from waste and agricultural chemicals, as well as marine debris.
To inspire action and awareness about these coastal hazards, the American Samoa Coastal Management Program established the Fautasi Coastal Challenge—a celebratory canoe race that includes a coastal management component. With this program, community unity and pride is harnessed and steered toward environmental stewardship. Participants learn about cyclone and tsunami preparedness, land management, resource conservation, and youth engagement, while also adopting a coastal area to monitor throughout the year. The challenge has triggered a larger regional discussion about waste management and prevention. (2016)
Partners: American Samoa Coastal Management Program, NOAA Office for Coastal Management
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Assessing Potential Hazard Risk in Tutuila
The seven islands that compose the U.S. territory of American Samoa are at risk from a variety of natural hazards. To mitigate the impact, NOAA and the American Samoa Coastal Management Program developed on online hazard assessment tool for Tutuila. The tool displays flood, landslide, earthquake, and tsunami data, all useful when evaluating potential risk. (2016)
More information: coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/stories/tutuila
Partners: American Samoa Coastal Management Program, NOAA Office for Coastal Management, NOAA Office for Coastal Management – Pacific Islands
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Regulating a Quarry to Reduce Environmental Impacts
American Samoa developed a corrective action plan to mitigate massive erosion and sedimentation runoff from a major quarry (Samoa Maritime). This runoff was threatening coastal habitat and water quality. The plan requires the quarry to stay within the existing footprint and be subjected to continuous site monitoring with regularly scheduled visits.
The corrective actions were developed through a partnership between the American Samoa Coastal Management Program and American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency. (2016)
Partners: American Samoa Coastal Management Program, American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency
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