States / American Samoa
Total Population
Total Employment
Climate and Weather Disasters
(Affecting American Samoa 2010 to 2018)*
American Samoa’s ocean economy employs up to 4,834 people annually—about 40 percent of the territory’s total employment. Annual gross domestic product is about $641 million.
Of the four sectors of American Samoa’s ocean economy, living resources is the leading employer, accounting for over 60 percent of ocean economy employment and about 37 percent of total private sector employment. Tourism and recreation accounts for about 20 percent of employment within the ocean economy.
Two weather disasters affected American Samoa in 2018—and a total of three affected the territory between 2010 and 2018.
American Samoa’s coral reefs provide over $33 million in protection to buildings and the local economy every year.**
Sources:
ENOW Pacific Final Report (NOAA Report)
*Disaster Declarations for States and Counties (FEMA Website)
**Rigorously Valuing the Role of U.S. Coral Reefs in Coastal Hazard Risk Reduction (U.S. Geological Survey Report)
(All economic and demographic facts represent the latest data available [2015] and are regularly updated as new data become available)
The Takeaway: A race of traditional long canoes creates a platform for islanders to learn about coastal challenges. The effort was established by American Samoa’s coastal zone management program.
Learn MoreThe Takeaway: Coral Reef program co-leads volunteer efforts to plant native vegetation that helps absorb runoff and fortify vulnerable shorelines.
Learn MoreThe Takeaway: Digital Coast data were used to document shoreline changes over time and peer into the future.
Learn MoreThe Takeaway: Digital Coast data were used to create high-resolution waterway maps.
Learn MoreThe Takeaway: American Samoa’s coastal program partnered with the visitors bureau to promote local culture, coastal stewardship, and economic development.
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