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Gov. Togiola Completes SCUBA Certification In Preparation For Rose Island

Tuesday: December 11, 2007

(Office of the Governor)

American Samoa Governor Togiola Tulafono completed a two-week scuba diving training last Friday in preparation for a future visit to Rose Island.

At the August 2007 U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meeting in American Samoa, Governor Togiola pledged to be certified as a scuba diver before the end of the year so that he can participate in the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coral Reef Ecosystem Division’s (CRED) Monitoring mission in March 2008 to Rose Island.

After application of the initial training at the Turtle and Shark Lodge in swimming pool in Vaitogi, Governor Togiola made the first two of four certification dives in Fagaíalu behind Matafao Elementary School. The final two dives were made at Tafeu Cove in the National Park of American Samoa between Fagasa and Vatia.

During the scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) dive training, Governor Togiola enjoyed the wonderful experience of seeing American Samoa’s many coral and fish habitats as well as learned several different species. He also saw the apparent effects on the coral reef ecosystem and had the opportunity to discuss ways to improve the Territory’s coastal zones and coral reefs for future generations.

“I’ve visited all the islands of American Samoa, including Swains this year, and going to Rose Island will complete that personal goal of setting foot on every island of the Territory,” said Governor Togiola.

“Too often it is the visitor that tells me about our beautiful reefs, gorgeous marine life, and the deep drop offs of the tunnels and caves. With this training, I can now dive and see our beautiful ecosystem up close that supports a great concentration of rich marine life and the many species of fish, and different kinds of coral and formations. I hope we can
start a new experience in the Territory by promoting scuba diving.”

Governor Togiola will accompany the NOAA research team for coral reef monitoring work to Rose Island next year in the NOAA vessel ‘Hiíialakai’-- Hawaiian for
“embrace the ocean.”

The NOAA-CRED mission to assess the status of the Territory’s coral reefs occurs every two years. The vessel conducts research from February to March with renowned off-island scientists, as well as local scientists. Previous missions were in 2002, 2004 and 2006.  For the first time this research team will have for a governor on board who will participate in the monitoring dives of Rose Island.