Algal species and other data collected using photographs in the southern coast of the island of Ofu from 1992-09-08 to 1992-09-11 (NCEI Accession 9800197)

The US Congress has authorized the Department of the Interior to enter into a lease agreement with the Governor of American Samoa to establish the National Park of American Samoa. This park would include a nearshore reef along the southern coast of the island of Ofu. This fringing reef on Ofu provides a natural lagoon habitat which is uncommon in American Samoa. This area supports a local subsistence fishery and provides excellent opportunities for diving and snorkeling.

A survey of the nearshore reefs in the area of the proposed national park at Ofu was conducted between 7-12 September, 1992. The goals of the survey were to: 1) collect baseline data on the current status of the reefs and reef resources in the area, 2) to establish long-term monitoring stations to enable documentation of the health of the reef communities through time, and 3) to contribute information to a comprehensive coastal resource survey of Tutuila and the Manua Islands. The overall purpose of the work was to design and implement the biotic component of a reef monitoring program for the areas within and adjacent to the proposed national park site.