Rose Atoll, Marine sanctuary in American Samoa, US.
Rose Atoll is a protected marine refuge in the southwestern Pacific that comprises two small islands surrounded by coral reefs. The two land masses sit within a larger lagoon system bordered by living coral formations.
French explorer Louis de Freycinet discovered the atoll in 1819 during a Pacific voyage and named it after his wife. This early documentation placed it on maritime maps of the region.
The atoll serves as a protected marine habitat within American Samoa, supporting traditional Pacific marine conservation practices.
Visiting requires a special use permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service obtained in advance. The journey demands careful planning due to remote location and protection measures.
The refuge holds most of American Samoa's seabird population and supports numerous species of giant clams. It serves as one of the region's most important breeding grounds for marine birds.
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