Fatoata: Sami a Taeao (Tomorrow’s Ocean) – Ocean Acidification Education Program in American Samoa
Why we care
While American Samoa does not currently experience corrosive waters yet, future ocean change can pose a great threat to people’s security and wellbeing. Coral reefs in particular are not only essential to the economy and culture, they are also susceptible to ocean acidification and warming. Samoans have been historically underserved, due to their remote geographic location, unique culture and language. There is a need to support education and recent NOAA missions in the region make integrating ocean acidification into education in American Samoa timely. This project aims to increase ocean acidification awareness and literacy in American Samoa among the youth and community, a region that has been historically underserved.
What we will do
This project aims to instill a sense of environmental stewardship among students and propose sustainable practices to mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification in American Samoa. Fatoata’s Sami a Taeao Ocean Acidification Education Program will provide students with hands-on activities that bring awareness of ocean acidification and its impact on marine life. Fatoata, is a nonprofit focused on habitat restoration, conservation and education in American Samoa. In collaboration with NOAA National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAM), the team will conduct introductory workshops to educate students about the basics of ocean acidification, its causes, and its potential impacts on marine life. pH measuring kits will be supplied for students during the program to measure ocean water adjacent to their schools. Boat trips to the ocean acidification buoy at Fagatele Bay will be provided through the Pago Pago Game Fishing Association. Students will test water samples, analyze existing data from the PacIOOS Portal and interpret their finding to determine the best mitigation strategies for American Samoa. Students will have several opportunities during the two-year program to showcase their findings, experiences, and proposed mitigation strategies to the broader community.
The target audience for this work includes students aged 13 to 18 and any community member interested in learning more about ocean acidification. The team anticipates reaching 100 students and 50 community members.
Benefits of our work
Fatoata’s Sami a Taeao Ocean Acidification Education Program will educate students about a critical environmental issue, bring awareness to the community, and empower them to become advocates for change in American Samoa. This fosters increased literacy in ocean acidification among youth, educators, and the public. Participants receive hands-on experience with the research and observing assets and data in the region to strengthen their skills and also connection to ocean acidification. This work also results in mitigation options for local communities.
Image: A large coral in American Samoa known as “Big Momma.” Credit: NOAA Fisheries