Location
Key Information
| 0.53 km2 | MARINE AREA |
| 0.71 km2 | TOTAL AREA i |
Regulations: U.S. Code of Federal Regulations
Boundary: NOAA MPA Center (Unmodified)
2.0
April 2025
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Purpose
To protect the rich culture and natural resources of American Samoa. The sanctuary is the only true tropical reef within the National Marine Sanctuary System, and is thought to support the greatest diversity of marine life in the sanctuary system. The sanctuary protects extensive coral reefs, including some of the oldest and largest Porites coral heads in the world, along with deep-water reefs, hydrothermal vent communities, and rare marine archaeological resources.
Species of Concern: Corals (Scleractinia)
Regulations Summary
Restrictions
In addition to the activities that are prohibited throughout the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa, the following activities are prohibited in the Fagatele Bay Unit:
1. Taking, catching, removing, injuring, destroying, collecting, moving, possessing or causing the loss of any Sanctuary resource, including but not limited to fishing, or attempting any of these activities.
2. Possessing fishing gear unless such gear is stowed and not available for immediate use.
Allowed
Fagatele Bay can be accessed from the village of Futiga from 7:30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 7.30 a.m to 1.30 p.m. on Saturdays. Interested visitors or groups to the bay must check in with Mr. Asuemu Fuimaono's family prior to passing beyond the gate, and pay a customary fee of $5. The access lands are maintained by the Fuimaono family and the entrance fee helps with costs of maintenance.