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Fatoata: Sami a Taeao (Tomorrow’s Ocean)

A large coral in American Samoa known as "Big Momma" Credit: NOAA Fisheries
A large coral in American Samoa known as "Big Momma" Credit: NOAA Fisheries
  • Principal Investigator(s): Vera Peck, Fatoata
  • Fiscal Year Funded: 2024, 2025, 2026

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. 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.

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 to enhance livelihoods and ocean literacy. 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 engage in new careers and enhance capacity 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. 

Investigators
Vera Peck, Fatoata
Bel Anne Goateote Halatuituia, National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa
Valerie Brown, National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa

Image: A large coral in American Samoa known as “Big Momma.” Credit: NOAA Fisheries

Effects of ocean acidification and temperature on Alaskan crabs

Red King Crab
Image credit: David Csepp, NMFS AKFSC ABL

Long-term declines of red king crab in Bristol Bay, Alaska may be partially attributed to ocean acidification conditions. These impacts may be partially responsible for the fishery closures during the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 seasons. Researchers found that ocean acidification negatively impacts Alaskan crabs generally by changing physiological processes, decreasing growth, increasing death rates and reducing shell thickness. Funded by the Ocean Acidification Program, scientists at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center continue to investigate the responses of early life history stages and study the potential of various Alaska crabs to acclimate to changing conditions. Results will inform models that will use the parameters studied to predict the effects of future ocean acidification on the populations of red king crab in Bristol Bay as well as on the fisheries that depend on them. Fishery managers will better be able to anticipate and manage stocks if changing ocean chemistry affects stock productivity and thus the maximum sustainable yield.

More about this work

Forecasts for Alaska Fisheries

Crab pots and fishing nets in Alaska's Dutch Harbor
Image credit: Michael Theberge

Understanding seasonal changes in ocean acidification in Alaskan waters and the potential impacts to the multi-billion-dollar fishery sector is a main priority. Through work funded by NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program, the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory developed a model capable of depicting past ocean chemistry conditions for the Bering Sea and is now testing the ability of this model to forecast future conditions. This model is being used to develop an ocean acidification indicator provided to fisheries managers in the annual NOAA Eastern Bering Sea Ecosystem Status Report.

ADAPTING TO OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) works to prepare society to adapt to the consequences of ocean acidification and conserve marine ecosystems as acidification occurs. Learn more about the human connections and adaptation strategies from these efforts.

Adaptation approaches fostered by the OAP include:

FORECASTING

Using models and research to understand the sensitivity of organisms and ecosystems to ocean acidification to make predictions about the future, allowing communities and industries to prepare

Closeup of oysters cupped in someone's hands

MANAGEMENT

Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally

REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

50 more ways to reduce your carbon footprint >

On the Road

Drive fuel-efficient vehicles or choose public transportation. Choose your bike or walk! Don't sit idle for more than 30 seconds. Keep your tires properly inflated.

With your Food Choices

Eat local- this helps cut down on production and transport! Reduce your meat and dairy. Compost to avoid food waste ending up in the landfill

With your Food Choices

Make energy-efficient choices for your appliances and lighting. Heat and cool efficiently! Change your air filters and program your thermostat, seal and insulate your home, and support clean energy sources

By Reducing Coastal Acidification

Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats

TAKE ACTION WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

You've taken the first step to learn more about ocean acidification - why not spread this knowledge to your community?

Every community has their unique culture, economy and ecology and what’s at stake from ocean acidification may be different depending on where you live.  As a community member, you can take a larger role in educating the public about ocean acidification. Creating awareness is the first step to taking action.  As communities gain traction, neighboring regions that share marine resources can build larger coalitions to address ocean acidification.  Here are some ideas to get started:

  1. Work with informal educators, such as aquarium outreach programs and local non-profits, to teach the public about ocean acidification. Visit our Education & Outreach page to find the newest tools!
  2. Participate in habitat restoration efforts to restore habitats that help mitigate the effects of coastal acidification
  3. Facilitate conversations with local businesses that might be affected by ocean acidification, building a plan for the future.
  4. Partner with local community efforts to mitigate the driver behind ocean acidification  – excess CO2 – such as community supported agriculture, bike & car shares and other public transportation options.
  5. Contact your regional Coastal Acidification Network (CAN) to learn how OA is affecting your region and more ideas about how you can get involved in your community
       More for Taking Community Action