TThe National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa kicked off its 10th anniversary celebrations yesterday with an opening event at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center.
NMSAS Superintendent Atuatasi Lelei Peau greeted guests and
Rev. Liusamoa Simolea of CCCAS Futiga gave the invocation.
This was followed by acScience on a Sphere (SOS) exhibit showing a 10-year highlight reflection of the marine sanctuary and a short documentary of interviews from esteemed partners of the sanctuary over the years.
Special guests included Lt. Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale, Commissioner Lefiti Pese, Rev. Elder Tusi and Faletua Afutoto, Rev. Patolo Mageo, HC Pulu Ae Ae Jr. of Congresswoman Uifaatali’s Office, Sen. Togiola Tulafono, Sanctuary Advisory Council Chair Genevieve Gregg, Swains Island Representative Su’a Alex Jennings and Aunu’u Village Council member Rep. Kitara Vaiau.
Also present were Director of Commerce, Petti Matila, Port Administration Director Chris King and National Park of American Samoa Acting Superintendent, Eric Linnaris.
Student groups from Samoana High School, Manumalo Baptist Academy, Grace and Peace Academy, and Fa’asao Marist High School took tours of the center yesterday.
Other events planned for this week are—
- Walk-in tours of the Ocean Center from 9am-4pm
- Wednesday, September 14th, is the Tautai Festival at the Su’igaula Faletalimalo in Utulei from 8am-12pm
- Thursday, September 15th, is Ocean Film Festival at the Ocean Center from 9am-4pm and
- Friday, September 16th, is the Family Fun Carnival Day at the Ocean Center from 3pm-6pm
For questions, contact americansamoastaff@noaa.gov or call 633-6500.
Photos: Leua Aiono Frost
