Status of the coral reefs of the Samoan Archipelago

Coral reefs are diverse marine ecosystems that flourish in the clear, tropical waters of the South Pacific. Samoa is fortunate to have well developed coral reefs surrounding most of the islands in the archipelago. These reefs are an important natural resource, since they provide the basts for the valuable inshore fishery for the people of American and Western Samoa (Craig et ai. 1993, Zann 1991). Coral reefs also play an integral role in the rich cultural heritage of these islands.