American Samoa Coral Reef Monitoring Program
The American Samoa Coral Reef Monitoring program (ASCRMP) launched in 2005 as a comprehensive, long-term initiative to monitor reefs in American Samoa. Funded by the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, ASCRMP is the first program to annually monitor the reefs of Tutuila, Ofu, Olosega, and Rose Atoll.
Coral
ASCRMP monitors coral reef health through photo quadrat surveys at 12 key sites, tracking coral cover, disease, and bleaching severity. Long-term data reveal that while some reefs can recover from disturbances, the increasing rate of marine heatwaves are an existential threat to our coral reefs. The 2024 bleaching event caused widespread coral loss, with some areas showing signs of recovery while others remain degraded. By identifying trends in coral resilience and vulnerability, ASCRMP provides valuable data for conservation efforts, marine protected area management, and climate adaptation strategies to protect American Samoa’s reefs and the ecosystems they support.
Fun Fact:
Aua has the longest term data with the first surveys from 1917!
Fish
ASCRMP surveys reef fish populations at 12 long-term monitoring sites to assess trends in species composition, biomass, and size. Using stationary point counts, researchers document how fish communities shift over time in response to environmental and human factors. Findings show that larger predatory fish are less common in areas with higher fishing activity, while smaller fish dominate most sites. This research helps guide local efforts to protect important fish species, create effective marine protected areas, and support healthier, more resilient coral reefs for future generations.
