Preserving Samoa's Whale Migration Route: A Cultural Lifeline
Protecting Samoa’s Special Unique Marine Areas, where endangered whale species migrate, allows Samoa’s culture and marine ecosystems to thrive for generations to come.
Samoa is home to several endangered whale species, which play significant roles in indigenous Pacific culture. For centuries, these whales have been believed to be totem species, known indigenously as guardian spirits that have guided ancestors safely while navigating the Pacific Ocean.
Recognizing the importance of whales in Samoan culture and ecosystems requires acknowledging the Special Unique Marine Areas (SUMAs) they inhabit. Whales undertake extensive annual migrations using consistent migratory pathways, one of which passes through Samoa.
One SUMA, ‘Site Offshore 6: Whale Migration Route,’ spans the eastern portion of Samoa's ocean, measuring nearly 200 km long and 35 km wide. The northern section of this migratory route experiences significant ocean currents rising from the depths, while the southernmost portion has currents descending to the ocean floor. These dynamic ocean currents create substantial plant and algae growth, supporting a unique mix of marine life.
Figure 1: Map of Site Offshore 6: Whale Migration Route | Source: SUMA Report - SPREP
“By preserving these critical marine areas for endangered whales, we can act as good ancestors, ensuring future generations can experience the connection between our people and the ocean,” stated Danita Strickland, Conservation International Marine Programme Manager.
This site is identified as an ‘Important Marine Mammal Area.’ The Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is this area's most common whale species. Other species include the Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus), Minke Whale (Balaenoptera), Short-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus), and the False Killer Whale (Pseudorca crassidens).
Every whale species documented in Samoan waters is on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with varying conservation status according to the IUCN system of species classification. Endangered species include the Oceania subpopulation of the humpback whales. A 2010 survey done by the Samoan Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment recorded 31 sightings of cetaceans, with positive indications that 14 of these 31 cetaceans were humpback whales.
To protect these sacred animals, traditional leaders from the Pacific, including the Maori King, the Kaumaiti Nui (president) of the House of Ariki, and elders from Tonga, Tahiti, Hawai’i, and Rapanui, signed a landmark treaty recognizing whales as legal persons. Under this treaty, whales are recognized as legal entities with rights and legal standing if harmed. This treaty aims to ensure Indigenous communities have the authority to steward their ancestral waters, fostering stronger guardianship over whales and the Moana, ‘our ocean.’
Understanding the cultural significance of whales in Samoa’s tradition and heritage allows us to connect deeply with marine life and increase our understanding of why it is important to preserve these animals and their habitat for future generations.
“The vision is a healthy ocean, a resilient ocean, that is truly valued, genuinely valued not just for its monetary value,” stated Strickland.
Figure 2: Humpback Whale Pectoral Fins | Source: MNRE
Samoa has shown leadership in managing its rich ocean resources sustainably by launching the Samoa Ocean Strategy. It commits to managing its entire ocean domain sustainably and fully protecting 30% of this.
As part of this strategy, some of the Special Unique Marine Areas around Samoa that hold ecological value, including ‘Site O6: Whale Migration Route,’ are considered when planning for the optimal protection and management of the country’s ocean.
Figure 3: Humpback Whale Dorsal Fin | Source: MNRE
Samoa Ocean Strategy
The Samoa Ocean Strategy (SOS) is the national policy framework that seeks to sustainably manage Samoa’s vast ocean and marine resources for the well-being of all Samoans now and into the future. The SOS provides bold and comprehensive integrated ocean management solutions that will advance ocean stewardship and ensure the cultural and economic values that Samoans derive from their 120,000 square kilometer ocean are preserved for generations to come.
The SOS complements existing plans while strengthening ocean conservation efforts. It focuses on Marine Spatial Planning and sustainable fisheries management and further develops Samoa’s Blue Economy. The strategy also integrates the implementation and management of Sustainable Development Goals, regional policies, and international commitments that concern the marine environment.
Share why safeguarding Samoa’s ocean is important to you using #SOSMyOcean on social media.
To find out more about how you can participate in the Samoa Ocean Strategy, follow @SamoaOceanStrategy on Facebook and visit our website at www.samoaocean.org.