Residents in American Samoa say they are worried that a proposal to list 82 species of coral as endangered under the Endangered Species Act may affect their livelihoods.
A team from the United States National Marine Fisheries Service has visited residents in the territory to discuss the petition.
Our correspondent reports that some residents are disheartened that social and economic concerns are not being considered in the initial process of the Act and are worried it could be disastrous for the people.
A House Representative, Vaamua Henry Sesepasara says the territory is being punished because other places under US jurisdiction are not caring for their coral.
