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Larsen Bay is a bay in the
Western District, American Samoa The Western District is one of the three primary divisions of American Samoa. It consists of the western portion of Tutuila Island. It has a land area of and contains 29 villages plus a part of Nuʻuuli village. Among these is the largest villa ...
. Comparable to its neighboring Fagatele Bay, Larsen Bay serves as a vital habitat for marine biodiversity. Larsen Bay, covering approximately 0.46 square miles, is located east of Fagatele Bay, stretching from Steps Point to Sail Rock. The bay features a steep descent to depths exceeding 500 meters and is characterized by rich coral coverage and diverse marine species.


Geology

The bay's geological foundation stems from volcanic activity, with its surrounding terrain shaped by erosion and volcanic collapse. Its proximity to Fagatele Bay and inclusion in volcanic craters, such as the adjacent Fogāmaʻa Crater, underscores its origin within the island's dynamic volcanic history. The unconsolidated ash and cinder deposits from Larsen Bay to
Olotele Mountain Mount Olotele, also referred to as Olotele Mountain, is a 493-meter (1,617-foot) peak in the Western District, American Samoa, Western District of Tutuila Island in American Sāmoa. It is the highest peak on the western part of Tutuila Island. Sev ...
provide essential geological insight into the region's formative processes. There are two coves at Larsen Bay: Fogāmaʻa Cove and Fagalua Cove.


Ecology

Larsen Bay mirrors the ecological structure of Fagatele Bay, making it a hotspot for coral and fish species richness. Surveys conducted in 2004 and 2006 indicated an above-average coral cover and a high proportion of large coral colonies. The presence of the calcified red alga '' Peyssonnelia'' was particularly abundant. Additionally, the bay supports turtle nesting and harbors buried archaeological deposits in Fagalua Cove. The
National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (formerly the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuaryhttp://americansamoa.noaa.gov ''National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.'' NOAA.gov. Retrieved 1 January 2018.) is a federally-designated unde ...
, established in 1985, expanded protection to Larsen Bay in July 2012.


History

During World War II, a contingent of U.S. Marines, including the Weapons Platoon of Company B, was stationed at the remote Fagalua Cove within Larsen’s Bay. The Marines resided there for several months, dedicating their time to constructing fortifications and shelters as well as conducting weapons training.


Fauna

Larsen’s Bay hosts a rich avian population, including the
Brown Noddy The brown noddy or common noddy (''Anous stolidus'') is a seabird in the family Laridae. The largest of the noddies, it can be told from the closely related black noddy by its larger size and plumage, which is dark brown rather than black. The ...
, which is abundant both in Larsen’s Bay and the neighboring area of Fagatele. The
Blue-gray Noddy The blue noddy or ''hinaokū'' or ''manuohina'' (''Anous ceruleus'') is a seabird in the family Laridae. It is also known as the blue-grey noddy. It is found in American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands ...
, another notable species, is fairly common and serves as a resident breeder within the bay. Additionally, this species roosts and nests in Larsen’s Bay and at nearby Steps Point. The
Gray-backed Tern The spectacled tern (''Onychoprion lunatus''), also known as the grey-backed tern, is a seabird in the family Laridae. Description A close relative of the bridled and sooty terns (with which it is sometimes confused), the spectacled tern is les ...
, although an uncommon resident on Tutuila Island, nests there and is frequently observed in and around Larsen’s Bay. Marine wildlife in Larsen’s Bay includes occasional sightings of the Black Turtle, recorded in small numbers.Amerson, A. Binion, W. Arthur Whistler, and Terry D. Schwaner (1982). “Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat of American Samoa II: Accounts of Flora and Fauna. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.


See also

* Fogāmaʻa Crater National Natural Landmark * Steps Point * Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary * Le'ala Shoreline National Natural Landmark


References

{{coord, 14, 21, 47, S, 170, 44, 59, W, type:watrbody_region:AS, display=title Tutuila Geography of American Samoa Landforms of American Samoa Tourist attractions in American Samoa