Rose Atoll Marine National Monument

President George W. Bush signs paperwork establishing the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument on January 6, 2009

The Rose Atoll Marine National Monument covers 13,451 square miles (8,608,640 acres) and encompasses the Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1973 with 39,066 acres (only 20 acres emergent). Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refugeis part of the Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The monument's marine areas are also likely to also be incorporated in the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The Rose Atoll is a diamond-shaped island to the east of American Samoa - the southernmost territory of the United States. It is the smallest atoll in the world with about 20 acres of land and 1600 acres of lagoon. This atoll is inhabited by rare species of nesting petrels, shearwaters, and terns. The waters surrounding the atoll are the home of many rare species, including giant clams and reef sharks - as well as an unusual abundance of rose-colored corals. Resource destruction or extraction, waste dumping, and commercial fishing will be prohibited in the new monument areas. Research, free passage, and recreation will be allowed. The wildlife refuge is managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service and the wider ranging monument waters are managed by NOAA.

External links

• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service profile
• Refuge Website
• Copy of official map of National Monument designation (PDF)

• White House Press Release on Monument Designation