The ocean systems and the interdependent lives and economies that are protected by our National Marine Sanctuaries (NMS) are affected by diverse and compounding anthropogenic factors. These range from marine debris and pollution, to human development and fishing practices, to climate change and ocean acidification. Sanctuary planning and management help to ensure that the natural systems on which wildlife and human communities depend are healthy and sustainable for generations to come despite these far-reaching stressors. For emerging threats like climate change and ocean acidification, marine and coastal resource managers often recognize the threats climate change poses to the resilience, health, and ecosystem services of the special coastal and ocean places they protect, yet are still struggling with how to develop appropriate management options.

This project will support a rapid vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning for the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS) by engaging with stakeholders, including community members, resource managers, local government, and business owners that rely on the sanctuaries resources with the goal increasing climate resilience of the NMSAS.

Funded by:

The overarching goal of this project is to assess regional vulnerabilities of natural resources and ecosystem services to climate change and to develop adaptation actions for the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. The project’s objectives are to:

1. Assess the regional vulnerabilities and resilience of priority natural resources and ecosystem services to climate and non-climate stressors using an expert-driven approach;
2. Collaboratively identify adaptation strategies and actions and develop an adaptation plan, including where, when, and how to implement, in order to conserve priority natural resources and ecosystem services.

National Marine Sanctuary Program

National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa

Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary