Anchors aweigh! Scientists depart for American Samoa, Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. - NOAA Ocean Acidificat

Anchors aweigh! Scientists depart for American Samoa, Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. - NOAA Ocean Acidification Program
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Ocean Acidification Program News
Anchors aweigh! Scientists depart for American Samoa, Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument.
Featured
OA News
OAP Happenings
April 21, 2026
A scientist prepares to photograph a reef at Swains Island during the 2023 National Coral Reef Monitoring Program survey in American Samoa. Credit: NOAA Fisheries (Permit #NMSAS-2023-002)
NOAA
Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
scientists set sail this week from Hawai’i aboard the NOAA Ship
Oscar Elton Sette
headed for
American Samoa and the
Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument
(PIHMNM) to monitor vital coral reef ecosystems. During this mission, they will assess coral reef health and its drivers, including fish communities, ocean acidification, and warming. The mission continues long-term monitoring that will inform science-based conservation and management to drive resilient, place-based economic development. by providing work helps ensure sustainable domestic seafood production, maintaining and enhancing fishing opportunities, recovering protected species, safeguarding ecosystem health, and strengthening coastal resilience.
This year marks the 10th survey by the NOAA
Coral Reef Conservation Program
‘s
National Coral Reef Monitoring Program
in American Samoa since 2002 and was
last surveyed
in 2023. It also marks the 16th survey in the PIHMNM since 2000. The team departed April 17 aboard the NOAA Ship
Oscar Elton Sette
will arrive in Pago Pago, American Samoa on May 12 and will work through July. Their first stop is Palmyra Atoll in the Monument.
Follow the journey with this interactive storymap!
What scientists will do for this survey
During this survey mission, researchers will survey coral reefs by diving and taking images and measurements. They will collect water samples to assess water conditions and compare them to the long-term record to determine trends. At some sites, scientists will visit and measure how the reef is growing or shrinking using Calcification Accretion Units (CAU’s). These CAUs provide a longer record of calcium carbonate accretion, which is the buildup or growth of the mineral building block corals and some algae use for their skeletons and structures. Since commercial and non-commercial fishing industries are important parts of the economies in the Pacific Islands Region, contributing nearly $1.7 billion in sales and support nearly 16,000 jobs, the team will also collect larval fish to better understand the health of fish stocks. Data collected from this survey will be publicly available next year.
Keep a lookout
for NOAA offshore
People from shore may see a large white ship offshore and small orange boats with divers who are surveying the health of reefs. These scientists do not take any marine life; instead, they gather data to share with local agencies and communities to to better manage and protect our ocean resources. The team will also provide outreach activities while stationed in American Samoa. Connecting with local decision-makers, school groups, and the public provides a opportunities for people to meet the scientists and crew and learn more about these surveys.
See what a day is like aboard
These surveys are funded by NOAA’s
Coral Reef Conservation Program
and are part of the
National Coral Reef Monitoring Program
. NOAA’s
Ocean Acidification Program
funds the monitoring of the carbonate system and ocean chemistry. Ocean acidification is one known driver of coral reef health in the Pacific.
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MANAGEMENT
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TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
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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:
Work with informal educators, such as aquarium outreach programs and local non-profits, to teach the public about ocean acidification. Visit our
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Participate in habitat restoration efforts to restore habitats that help mitigate the effects of coastal acidification
Facilitate conversations with local businesses that might be affected by ocean acidification, building a plan for the future.
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.
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