Pink Coral Club: Pink Critters of American Samoa
During the E Mamana Ou Gataifale II expedition in American Samoa, our Corps of Exploration spent many days exploring the waters inside and around the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa, especially along seamounts including the active volcano Vailuluʻu Seamount. Scientists know that seamounts, in general, are biodiversity hotspots (due to the upwelling of currents that bring nutrients to surface waters), and this colorful array of critters left no doubt. Spending many hours exploring American Samoan waters, we came across all shades of pink in a stunning display of ocean animals.
E Mamana Ou Gataifale II - American Samoa
American Samoa is the southernmost U.S. territory, centered in the South Pacific, 2,300 miles southwest of Hawaiʻi, and 1,500 miles northeast of New Zealand. It is home to the cradle of Polynesia’s oldest culture.
