A Japanese research vessel is in port to collect samples of fresh water eels found in the territory.
Its believed to be the first time that a research vessel from Japan has called into port.
The Hakuho Maru is a large-scale research vessel that’s operated by an independent research institute in Japan.
Its able to conduct long-term, multipurpose research cruises around the world, including the Antarctic.
What is it about our eels that has attracted the Japanese researchers?
Chief Scientist Tsuguo Otake and a PhD student from Fiji studying at the University of Tokyo, Chinthaka Anushka Hewavitarane, explains that eels are rare and highly sought commodity in the Asian Pacific region. However they are not as plentiful as they once were.
Play Audio Eels
The researchers from Japan were escorted by government employees to various sites including Fagatele Bay to gather eel samples.
They were thankful for the assistance from the American Samoa Government for their research.
The Hakuho Maru will be here until tomorrow.
