Mangroves of Samoa : status and conservation

Abstract

The marine environment and its resources have always been an important part in the way of life for small Pacific Island countries such as Samoa. A vast majority of Samoa's population inhabit the coastal fringes of the islands, thus depending largely on coastal marine resources and ecosystems for daily sustenance. Coastal waters support some of the most productive ecosystems such as mangrove forests, coral reefs and seagrass beds, which are all interrelated features crucial to marine wildlife and their habitats. In addition to playing extremely important ecological roles, marine ecosystems provide coastline protection, and sustain resources that contribute significantly to the country's economy.