The 40th meeting of the Coral Reef Task Force wrapped up yesterday and most of the off island delegates left last night.
At the final day of the conference yesterday chaired by the Director of the Office of Insular Affairs Nikolao Pula and Pat Montanio representing the US Department of Commerce, delegates heaped praise on their hosts for organizing a successful conference and for their warm hospitality.
Director of Marine and Wildlife Resources Vaamua Henry Sesepasara went outside the normal hosting arrangements where ASG staff coordinate everything from transportation to hotel logistics to tours and social events. 
He contracted the Sosaiete o Faafafine o Amerika Samoa, SOFIAS, to do all that and from the response from delegates, both local and off island, it was a very good decision because true to their reputation for efficient organization, the SOFIAS came through with flying colors.
The meeting began yesterday with a moment of silence for Ameko Pato, the Director of the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency, who died suddenly Sunday.
USEPA Region 9 Administrator Michael Stoker spoke fondly of Pato.
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Governor Lolo Moliga and Congresswoman Aumua Amata delivered remarks.
The congresswoman spoke about legislation she introduced for the protection of coral reefs in the US Pacific.
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