Report on the distribution of the introduced seaweeds (Codium arenicola and Spatoglossum macrodontum) and the distribution and density of the crown of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) Reports 1 & 2 in Samoa

Abstract

An initial survey of the marine environment carried out in 2008 byDr.Posa Skelton and the Marine Conservation Section of the Division of Environment and Conservation, assessed selected sites for the presence of introduced species and the potential impacts on the marine environment. Surveys were conducted around the Apia harbour, Mulinuu and the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve- a total of eleven (11) sites. Findings from this initial assessment confirmed the presence of introduced species that were potentially invasive. This included two introduced seaweeds, Codiumarenicolaand Spatoglossummacroduntum that were observed distributed and well established across these sites.