The american samoa department of port administration (ASDPA) will remove three vessels from the marine environment in american samoa, totalling approximately 400 tons of debris

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded a $3,049,396 Cooperative Agreement under the Marine Debris Program (CFDA 11.999) to the American Samoa Department of Port Administration (ASDPA). The purpose of the award is to remove three vessels totaling approximately 400 tons of marine debris from locations in American Samoa, including a sunken vessel and an abandoned vessel in Pago Harbor, as well as a grounded vessel on a reef flat. The vessels will be sectioned, transported in shipping containers, and recycled in Washington State. The project will also monitor the Nuuuli reef site and a nearshore location in Pago Harbor for recovery, and assess the sunken F/V Tatoso I vessel to determine appropriate future removal methods. Additionally, ASDPA will post signs at the marina to notify local mariners of the environmental impacts of derelict vessels and distribute informational flyers to vessel owners. The award has a period of performance from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2028.

Of those vessels, one is sunken and one is abandoned in pago harbor, and one is grounded on the reef flat in the channel between the international airport in tafuna and nuuuli village. The vessels, after being sectioned up on land, will be transported in ocean going shipping containers to the port of tacoma for recycling in washington state. The nuuuli reef site and one nearshore location in pago harbor will be monitored for recovery. The project team will also assess the sunken vessel F/vtatoso I to determine the appropriate removal method for future efforts. ASDPA will also post signs at the marina to notify local mariners (local fishermen and recreational boaters) of the impacts of derelict vessels on the the environment that they rely on for their food source. They will also send fliers to vessel owners and distribute them at a booth at coast week to raise awareness of the impacts of derelict vessels