Long term monitoring of Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Tutuila Island (American Samoa) 1985 to 2001: summary of surveys conducted in 1998 and 2001.

Long-term monitoring of coral and fish communities in Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary since 1982 shows that coral communities are recovering well, with increased colony numbers, size, and cover, particularly since 1998. However, fish communities are recovering more slowly, and shallow water areas have suffered from recent low tide events, with some key locations still showing signs of distress but gradual improvement.