American Samoa Project
American Samoa holds significant populations of seabirds, with up to 20 species confirmed breeding on the islands (in some cases in large numbers). However, data collection on seabirds is currently limited and restricted to a few focused short-term projects.
ARC started working in American Samoa in 2019, initially through a NFWF funded project to plot the distribution of nocturnal seabird species (particularly the Tahiti Petrel (globally Near Threatened) and Tropical Shearwater using acoustic sensors.
In 2023 we started a new multi-year seabird project with the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) to broaden the scope of seabird work on the island to all seabird species, assess the threats facing seabirds in American Samoa, assess sites for potential long term management work and train staff from DMWR on seabird survey methodologies.
Data gathered from this project will include seabird distribution maps, an assessment of any potential impacts of a proposed wind farm project, base line surveys, off-shore foraging patterns and transit routes of seabirds, and maps highlighting areas where light attraction and powerline collisions may be an issue. Outputs of the project include threat assessments, action plans, scientific publications, and workshops and training opportunities for local staff. It is anticipated that this project will help initiate and lay the groundwork for long term seabird work on American Samoa.
Focal Species
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Samoan Name: Taʻiʻo
Common Name: Tahiti Petrel
Scientific Name: Pseudobulweria rostrata -
Samoan Name: Tavaʻe mataʻele
Common Name: Tropical Shearwater
Scientific Name: Puffinus bailloni
