Congresswoman Aumua Amata has welcomed $560,000 in federal funds for the territory’s cooperative agreement with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for coral reef conservation, along with a related grant that also includes American Samoa.
As part of NOAA’s extensive Coral Reef Conservation Program, well over a half million in federal dollars will be directed to the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife for coral reef preservation efforts, as conducted in cooperation with NOAA. The grant requires $16,340 in matching funds.
“Our beautiful islands need healthy coral reefs, so that all the marine life in our waters continues to thrive,” said Aumua Amata.
“These federal resources will help the Territory conduct efforts to manage these resources so future generations can enjoy the same things we love about our islands now.”
According to the congresswoman, American Samoa is also receiving part of a second grant of $335,000.
This is for Western Pacific Coral Reef Ecosystem Fishery Resource Assessment and Management, and includes American Samoa, Hawaii, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, through the activities of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.
