I worked with Jean-Michel Cousteau and the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa to create this series of videos about the unique culture and rich ocean resources of American Samoa.

Jean-Michel Cousteau says, “Diversity is synonymous with stability.” He says this because ecological communities that have many different species are more able to withstand adversity than ecological communities that have less diversity. Jean-Michel says cultural diversity also helps make our world healthier, since different cultures have different solutions to environmental and social problems that we can all learn from.

Respect, humility and service are important cultural tenets practiced by the people of American Samoa, an island country located in Polynesia. So, five short films were produced that have themes that center around community, caretakers, serving your village, church and family; parts of culture that pull us together, rather than show our differences. These themes also show ocean stewardship by a community that lives by the sea.

The stories in these short films are told by Americans Samoans who share their passion for their unique culture and for protecting their ocean resources for future generations.

Fangatele Bay – National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa: Two American Samoans: National Marine Sanctuary intern Rex Lokeni and landowner and gatekeeper Pio Fuimono share why Fagatele Bay is one of the special protected areas in the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.

Sundays and Family – Two American Samoans, High Chief Togotogo Sotoa and Rex Lokeni, an untitled man, share parts of their culture that bring families and communities closer together.

Two Dives in American Samoa – Ocean luminaries Jean-Michel Cousteau, Sylvia Earle and Nainoa Thompson share two dives on coral reefs in American Samoa, where a National Marine Sanctuary helps protect the ocean for future generations.

Hokulea – Arrival in American Samoa – Nainoa Thompson explains how early Samoans figured out how to create sailing canoes that could sail hundreds of miles and they figured out how to navigate using the stars so that they could migrate to distant islands such as Hawaii. He explains how Hokulea’s arrival to American Samoa is significant because he and his crew want to honor Samoans because if it wasn’t for their accomplishments than Hawaii would not have been discovered. He seeks their blessing and their permission before they continue their voyage around the world on Hokulea.

Youth in Ocean Conservation – Three ocean luminaries, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Sylvia Earle and Nainoa Thompson explain how important it is to educate and inspire kids to take part in ocean conservation because they will be the future decision makers. And two young American Samoans, Rex Lokeni and Patricia Penitito share their appreciation for the Hokulea and for protecting ocean resources for future generations.

I greatly appreciate the warm welcome I received while in American Samoa from all the people I worked with that helped make this series. It would not have been possible without all of the assistance and coordination provided, as well as the willingness of American Samoans to share intimate stories about their family and culture. In particular, I am very thankful for the support of Superintendent Gene Brighouse and Acting Superintendent Atuatasi-Lelei Peau and the amazing, hard-working staff of National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa, whose help was essential and much appreciated.

Executive producers: Jean-Michel Cousteau and Gene Brighouse
Producer: Jim Knowlton
Filmed and Edited by Jim Knowlton
Slack Key Guitar Music: Doug Shirley and Bolo Mikiela Rodrigues

Special thanks to:
National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa
National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Office of
National Marine Sanctuaries