American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group

Dated 12/30/2024.

Public Law 38-12 or the Polystyrene Foam Container Ban, commonly referred to as the “Foam Ban”, took effect on May 7, 2024, 60 days after the end of the Third Regular Session, 38th Legislature, during which the bill was passed by the Fono and signed into law by Honorable Governor Lemanu.

AS-EPA recognizes the significant reforms and adjustments required by this new law and the Agency has stood by its pledge to support local businesses in the transition from polystyrene foam containers to acceptable alternatives, ultimately benefitting both the community and our natural environment. This was reflected by the Agency’s decision to delay enforcement of the sales and distribution ban until the new year, as announced in the Press Release issued on September 13, 2024 and again on December 20, 2024. This means that all businesses, including stores and food establishments, will have until December 31, 2024, to sell and distribute existing stocks of polystyrene foam containers in American Samoa without penalty. We now have one day left until enforcement of the sales & distribution ban will be in full effect (on January 1, 2025). As a reminder, the polystyrene foam container import ban remains permanently in effect and will continue to be strictly enforced by ASG Customs and AS-EPA.

We thank our partners both in the government and private sector and especially our community at large for their great support in this stride towards a greener American Samoa. 🇦🇸

For any questions or to report any violations, please do not hesitate to call or email us at [email protected].

An important component of our program efforts to protect coral reef ecosystems from land-based sources of pollution has been the development of watershed management plans. We developed a Watershed Management Plan for Aua, American Samoa in collaboration with the American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group and local partners. Check it out here:
https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/oceans/coris/library/NOAA/CRCP/NOS/OCM/Projects/31342/HorsleyWittenGroup2024_Aua_Watershed_Management_Plan_2023-2028.pdf
American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group

CRAG Quarterly Newsletter

New Blog Post CRAG Quarterly Newsletter (October 2024)

📢 Attention American Samoa High School Graduates!

The Spring 2025 Marine Science Semester Program is NOW OPEN for applications! 🌊🔬 If you’re passionate about marine science or a related field and plan to pursue a college or graduate degree, this opportunity is for you!

Scholarship Details: 🎓 Open to high school graduates from American Samoa
💰 $5,000 scholarship for two recipients (one semester)
👩‍🏫 Mentorship to guide you through your academic and professional journey

📅 Application Deadline: October 30, 2024
For more information, see the attached flyer. Please share with potential applicants!

Don't miss out on this chance to kickstart your career in marine science! 🌱🌏

🌊 Exciting Ship-to-Shore Interaction Opportunity with OET's E/V Nautilus! 🌊

Join in on a unique educational experience from September 1-24, brought to you by the Nautilus Live Ocean Exploration Trust! 🌍🚢

Currently, two Samoan interns and SAC member Magdalen Augafa, Program Director for the Division of Curriculum and Instructions at DOE, are aboard the E/V Nautilus until August 28.

What’s Happening?
Ocean Exploration Trust's (OET) ship-to-shore live interactions are free programs designed for K-20 or homeschool classrooms, community events, science centers, aquaria, museums, and other learning facilities. These 30-minute live interactions allow participants to engage in a unique two-way dialogue with scientists, engineers, educators, and mariners aboard the Nautilus.

Who Can Participate?
Whether in a classroom, at a community event, or visiting a science center, this is a fantastic opportunity to bring ocean exploration into your learning environment!

How to Join:
All interactions are pre-scheduled and conducted via Google Meet or Zoom. Interested in scheduling a session? Complete the request form here: 2024 Ship-to-Shore Live Interaction Request Form.

🗓️ Note: Completing the form does not guarantee your preferred date/time, but the OET team will work closely with you to find a suitable time for your interaction.

For more details, visit their website or check out the Live Interaction FAQs.

https://nautiluslive.org/education/ship-to-shore-interactions

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScoWMF8FqO5PoA7Ts857alzUu0P5TvsBEAancmiVMq-MNnIbw/viewform

Located along the eastern side of Pago Pago Harbor on Tutuila Island in American Samoa, Aua Watershed has been identified by the American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coral Reef Conservation Program as a priority area for watershed planning, due to its extensive community engagement, high density of developed lands, and the deteriorated conditions along the adjacent coral reef.

Check out the Aua Watershed Management Plan 2023-2028 to see what we hope to accomplish!

https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/data/oceans/coris/library/NOAA/CRCP/NOS/OCM/Projects/31342/HorsleyWittenGroup2024_Aua_Watershed_Management_Plan_2023-2028.pdf

Congratulations Team DMWR ... Job well done ...!

Save Naumati2024: Our Forest, Our Responsibility!

FYI

We are hiring a project technician in Tutuila, American Samoa! Half-time, competitive pay. Full job posting details at https://www.indeed.com/job/restoration-conservation-support-technician-american-samoa-1e8f77b5a9d045da or short link https://bit.ly/RTR-AmericanSamoa-Tech-Job

Read about the remarkable resilience of Fagatele Bay and the hope it offers for coral reefs in the face of environmental challenges.