13 May 2008

American Samoa asks US to make Rose Atoll a national monument

1:54 pm on 13 May 2008

American Samoa's Governor, Togiola Tulafono, has asked President Bush to designate Rose Atoll as a national monument.

The governor says Rose Atoll serves as a vital undisturbed nesting ground for the endangered green sea turtle, and provides a habitat to 12 species of migratory birds.

Togiola says the national monument status will provide greater protection for the atoll.

Togiola has announced in March following a visit to Rose Atoll, that he will ask the federal government for this designation.