Protecting Coral Reefs in Vatia, American Samoa

Beautiful corals live in Vatia’s tidepools. The skeleton of the reef is made of calcium carbonate. The living colonies of coral polyps and the light-dependent zooxanthellae upon which coral rely give the reef color, life, and help the stony reef skeleton grow. 

Healthy reefs protect and support local and migrating species, provide subsistence fishing areas, and support an ecotourism economy. Strong reefs also provide protection to coastal areas as they naturally attenuate the energy from storm waves. This provides a valuable buffer for coastal communities. 

Excess nutrients in the water cause harmful growths and block sunlight, causing coral bleaching. Recovery is slow for bleached corals. Protecting the water column and limiting stressors is vital for increasing the reef’s ability to withstand climate change.

Ridge to Reefs' work with the community in Vatia will help to restore this ecosystem for the long-term and increase the ecosystem’s capacity to withstand the effects of climate change.