Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary provides an economic foundation and is poised to help local communities expand their economic future.

We are expanding our resilience thinking to human communities, and working to increase our economic and social resilience in the face of a changing global economy and society. - Governor Togiola T.A. Tulafono American Samoa

• The coral reefs of American Samoa provide for subsistence fishing, traditional nearshore commercial fishing, recreation and non-use (existence) values. Total benefits to American Samoa residents and visitors are estimated to be worth around $5 million/year for coral reefs. When potential non-use benefits accruing to U.S. citizens are included, overall benefits may reach at least $10 million/year.
  
  
• Recreation activities are increasing in popularity in American Samoa, including snorkeling, scuba diving, sport fishing, kayaking and hiking. The 2010 census indicated that 6,126 tourists entered American Samoa in 2010; an additional 5,873 business travelers and 10,630 travelers visiting friends and relatives also visited the territory.
  
  
• In 2010, 57 vessels were active in the American Samoa commercial fishery. Approximately 90,000 pounds of bottom, reef and other fish species (excluding pelagic species) were commercially landed in 2009. According to the Pacific Islands Fishery Science Center, the value of these fish in 2009 was approximately $250,000. Applying an appropriate multiplier for this region (1.25 x landings value), the 2009 total economic value of the near shore fishery is estimated to be $312,000.

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