Features
Black Noddy
When this baby grows up, it will eat small fish and aquatic invertebrates that are found close to the surface of the water.
Black Noddy
Great Frigatebird
When this bird grows up, it will have a scissor-shaped tail and elongated angular wings, allowing it to make spectacular flight maneuvers.
Great Frigatebird
Masked Booby
When this dazzling white bird grows up, it will make high velocity plunge-dives in search of fish.
Masked Booby
Red-tailed Tropicbird
When this baby grows up, it will dive with wings half-folded into the water to catch its prey.
Red-tailed Tropicbird
Rose Atoll Marine National Monument
Approximately 10,156 square nautical miles of marine ecosystem at Rose Atoll were protected under the Antiquities Act of 1906 on January 6, 2009. Established as Rose Atoll Marine National Monument, it is one of four Marine National Monuments spanning across the Pacific that protects diverse marine ecosystems and the millions of wildlife dependent upon the Central Pacific. In coordination of management between the American Samoan Government, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the Monument area also encompasses protections afforded by the Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and the Muliava Unit of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.
Learn moreLatest Monitoring Results
In October 1993, a 137-foot Taiwanese flagged long-line fishing vessel, Jin Shiang Fa ran aground on the reef of Rose Atoll. Unfortunately, it was carrying whale steaks and the crew may have intended to poach giant clams and sharks. After 1.3 million was awarded to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resulting in a decade of debris removal and monitoring efforts the reefs are definitely on the mend. 75% of the corals have recovered and invasive algae have decreased by 25%!
Marine Conservation Institute ReportAbout the NWRS
The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.
Learn more about the NWRS
What's New!
Starring a business man, giant clams, a young child, hydro-thermal vents, seabirds by the millions, sharks by the tens, ridiculously colored coral and fish, coconut crabs that climb trees, and last but not least a baby! A not-to-be missed musical environmental and cultural report featuring all the Marine National Monuments in the Pacific including Rose Atoll Marine National Monument.
View it Here!
Check out a fantastic introductory video about the extraordinary cultural and natural life of the Marine National Monuments of the Pacific!
Our Deepest Waters
Catlin Seaview Survey crew used specialized equipment to capture thousands of panoramas of the coral reef that were stitched together using Google's famous Street View mapping technology. The results are three-dimensional slices of individual reefs, allowing one to virtually dive around at leisure. The virtual dive begins inside the protected lagoon of Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and moves through the channel on the ocean side of the reef crest, part of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.
Interactive Virtual Dive The Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan is available to view.
Comprehensive Conservation Planning
Faisua (Giant Clam)
Vibrant hues include electric blue, gold, and dark teal, faisua are rare in the rest of the region but thrive at the refuge.
Last Updated: Mar 28, 2016