CoastWeeks and NMSAS each kick off their celebrations today
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 2022 CoastWeeks in American Samoa — under the theme “A Healthy Coast is a Wealthy Coast”, kicks off today, Sept. 12 at Suigaula o le Atuvasa at Utulei with various events as Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga has proclaimed Sept. 11 to Sept. 24 as CoastWeeks in the territory.
Today also kicks off the celebration of the 10th Anniversary since the establishment in 2012 of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS) with week-long activities planned under the theme of ‘Puipui Mata'ina — Save Spectacular’.
COASTWEEKS
In his proclamation, the governor pointed out that American Samoa has a varied coastline of rocky shores, sandy beaches and harbors. Additionally, the marine environment is of the most valuable resource supporting an active subsistence and commercial industry.
Through the management, sustainment and protection of the territory’s coastal zone and marine environment, future generations of American Samoa will benefit and prosper, he said.
In “light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is extremely important to keep our islands clean,” said Lemanu, who urged all residents to take notice of Coastal weeks and participate “in events to promote our costal environment and to thank our Almighty God for His many blessings on American Samoa.”
Among the events, according to the schedule released by the Commerce Department, which is coordinating the Coast Weeks events, is the Environmental Career Fair today, at Suigaula o le Atuvasa. There’ll be educational booths, food booths and a fashion show.
Other planned events, is a volleyball tournament and paddle challenge from Sept. 13 to Sept. 17; a seafood festival and fishing tournament on Sept. 15. Next week’s events include the island-wide coastal cleanup and the family fun beach day — which includes the finale with the fireworks display on Sept. 24 sponsored by Bluesky Communications.
MARINE SANTUARY — “PUIPUI MATA'INA”
The NMSAS anniversary celebratory opening event is set for 9a.m today and lasting for the whole day, at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center in Utulei.
Other planned events include a Tautai Festival on Wednesday at Su'igaula Beach Fales in Utulei from 8a.m-12p.m.
There will be a variety of booths including woodcarving, basket weaving, storytelling, and music, as well as a blessing of two newly carved paopaos, created in collaboration with NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and local Department of Education's STEAM program.
The Ocean Film Festival is all day Thursday at the Ocean Center and Friday is the Family Fun Carnival Day at the Ocean Center from 3p.m- 6p.m.
“We hope that everyone can join us after work and after school, because there will be games, food, and activities that are free for everyone to enjoy,” said NMSAS in a statement.
The NMSAS was established in 2012 — an expansion from Fagatele Bay to include Fogama’a/ Fagalua, Aunu’u, Ta’u, Swains, and Rose Atoll/ Muliava.
In addition, “we are also celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the National Marine Sanctuary System, which oversees our office and 14 other marine protected areas across the United States,” said NMSAS.
“This year’s theme is ‘Puipui Mata'ina — Save Spectacular’ because we look forward to many more spectacular years working with our communities to protect and preserve our marine environment,” the Marine Sanctuary release said.