National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa Community Profile, 2010–2019

This sanctuary community profile provides cultural, demographic, and socioeconomic information for the communities adjacent to National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS). Data from 2010 through 2019 were sourced from the American Samoa Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, World Bank, and other federal and territorial agencies, such as the Central Intelligence Agency. Socioeconomic characterization of the sanctuary community is essential for systematic planning and sanctuary management. This report includes data and information collated and reviewed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NMSAS protects 13,581 square miles of natural and cultural resources across six sanctuary units: Muliāva, Swains Island, Ta’u, Aunu’u, Fagalua/Fogama’a, and Fagatele Bay. The sanctuary community of NMSAS includes three counties (Sa’ole, Ta’u, and Tualatai counties) and Swains Island. Local resource managers play a key role in the collaborative governance of cultural and natural resources of NMSAS. These local partners include: village councils of Futiga, Vaitogi, Ta’u/Manu’a, Aunu’u, and Sa’ole County; Western District Governor; Swains Island community; and Aunu’u Village. The benefits derived from the NMSAS ecosystem include various fishing, subsistence, cultural, and recreational activities.

Key Words

National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa, culture, economics, ecosystem services, community engagement, American Samoa, tourism, demographics, population, labor, employment