Excess Nutrients in Vatia Bay, American Samoa: Spatiotemporal Variability, Source Identification and Impact on Coral Reef Ecosystems

This study articulated the spatiotemporal variability in nutrient concentrations in Vatia Bay. Results showed that while the magnitude of nutrient pollution is similar to the island as a whole, it exceeds the territorial water quality standards for embayments (total nitrogen and total phosphorus). Water quality patterns generally mirror the previously observed patterns in coral reef ecosystem condition. While coral reefs in Vatia are almost certainly exposed to multiple stressors (nutrients, sedimentation, temperature, fishing, etc), the data in this paper provide strong evidence that nutrient pollution is a problem in Vatia Bay. Furthermore, the use of sucralose and caffeine and tracers have definitively established that human waste is reaching the Bay. This information is critical to coastal managers in making decisions about remediation activities and best management practices.