Rose Atoll Marine National Monument

The monument extends 50 nautical miles from Rose Atoll, covering 13,436 square miles of marine ecosystem with extensive coral reefs and deep ocean waters.

Louis de Freycinet discovered and named Rose Island in 1819 during his circumnavigation voyage, while his wife Rose became the second woman to sail around the globe.

The original Samoan name, Motu O Manu, translates to Bird Island, reflecting its significance as a nesting ground for 97 percent of American Samoa's seabird population.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages the monument in collaboration with NOAA, implementing strict regulations to protect marine species and their habitats.

The fringing reef displays a pink color due to the abundance of coralline algae, containing 272 fish species with seven first documented in these waters.

Operator: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Website: https://fws.gov/refuge/Rose_Atoll_Marine_National_Monument

GPS coordinates: -14.82834,-168.14748

Latest update: March 2, 2025 20:52