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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR – American Samoa
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Saturday, December 8, 2007)
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Gov. Togiola completes SCUBA dive certification
in preparation for Rose Island
(UTULEI) - Governor Togiola Tulafono completed a two-week scuba diving training last Friday in preparation for a future visit to Rose Island.
At the August 2007 U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meeting in American Samoa, Governor Togiola pledged to be certified as a scuba diver before the end of the year so that he can participate in the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coral Reef Ecosystem Division’s (CRED) Monitoring mission in March 2008 to Rose Island.
Conducted by Mr. Paul Brown, marine ecologist and a federal dive instructor with the National Park Service (NPS), and assisted by Jay Roth, a divemaster and NPS volunteer diver, the training for Governor Togiola required classroom training, which included familiarization on physics and physiology, as well as safe scuba diving practices and dive tables that determine a particular dive profile and what is required for the dive in order to avoid decompression sickness.
After application of the initial training at the Turtle and Shark Lodge in swimming pool in Vaitogi, Governor Togiola made the first two of four certification dives in Faga’alu behind Matafao Elementary School. The final two dives were made at Tafeu Cove in the National Park of American Samoa between Fagasa and Vatia.
During the scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) dive training, Governor Togiola enjoyed the wonderful experience of seeing American Samoa’s many coral and fish habitats as well as learned several different species. He also saw the apparent effects on the coral reef ecosystem and had the opportunity to discuss ways to improve the Territory’s coastal zones and coral reefs for future generations.
“I’ve visited all the islands of American Samoa, including Swains this year, and going to Rose Island will complete that personal goal of setting foot on every island of the Territory,” said Governor Togiola. “Scuba diving is a wonderful experience and I’ve learned a whole new set of skills that now allows me to explore our oceans and our coral reefs. It has been a relaxing, enjoyable and learning experience.”
Governor Togiola said the training covered a tremendous amount of material in two weeks that included making four dives. He said he enjoyed the experience and had fun in the process of gaining knowledge and care in the open water, but must complete a total of 10 dives before the trip to Rose Island.
“I learned to anticipate possible problems and how to avoid them. It’s always safety first and I look forward to completing all the required dives. It’s amazing that by adding an air tank on your back diving becomes a whole new experience,” said Governor Togiola. “Too often it is the visitor that tells me about our beautiful reefs, gorgeous marine life, and the deep drop offs of the tunnels and caves. With this training, I can now dive and see our beautiful ecosystem up close that supports a great concentration of rich marine life and the many species of fish, and different kinds of coral and formations. I hope we can start a new experience in the Territory by promoting scuba diving.”
Governor Togiola will accompany the NOAA research team for coral reef monitoring work to Rose Island next year in the NOAA vessel ‘Hi’ialakai’ – Hawaiian for ‘embrace the ocean.’
The NOAA-CRED mission to assess the status of the Territory’s coral reefs occurs every two years. The vessel conducts research from February to March with renowned off-island scientists, as well as local scientists. Previous missions were in 2002, 2004 & 2006. For the first time this research team will have for a governor on board who will participate in the monitoring dives of Rose Island.
“I’m very excited about the trip and I look forward to utilize this newly acquired skill. It’s been an educational experience in learning how to dive and enjoying what’s beneath the surface. And it truly is magnificent,” said Governor Togiola.
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