Algal species and other data collected using photographs in the southern coast of the island of Ofu from 08 September 1992 to 11 September 1992 (NODC 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.