coral critical habitat designation
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — If you had to describe corals in one word, what would it be? Maybe “colorful,” “amazing,” or “vibrant” come to mind?
One word that definitely suits them is “powerhouse.” Corals do a lot for the ocean—and for us. They provide coastal protection for communities, habitat...

![NOAA Fisheries held multiple meetings to engage with communities during the critical habitat designation process. This meeting was held on Tutuila in American Samoa. [photo: NOAA Fisheries] NOAA fisheries meeting](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/fisheries_community_meeting_on_corals.jpg?itok=RIjpB1RV)