Welcome to Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge! Established to conserve and protect fish and wildlife resources, this refuge houses assemblages of plants and animals that are rare or unique apart from the rest of Samoa.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) NOTICE

Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you recreate responsibly.

  • Check alerts and local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information. Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, all visitors (age 2 and older), who are fully vaccinated are required to wear a mask inside of federal buildings in areas of substantial or high community transmission.. All visitors who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.

Latest News

Aerial view of an island atoll surrounded by sandy reef in the deep blue ocean
Wildlife Management
"Hope Spots" in the Ocean
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, state and territorial governments and others to conserve the ocean and remote islands and atolls in it. The two federal agencies cooperatively manage four marine national monuments in the...
A polar bear adult and cub sit on ice.
Climate Change
Climate Change Impacts
Across the National Wildlife Refuge System, climate change is fueling historic changes to wildlife habitat. Land conservation managers face hard choices on what to try to save and what to let go.
View All News

Visit Us

Rose Island as it peaks out beyond the reef.
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Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is not open to the public and entry is only allowed through a special use permit when the activity is deemed appropriate with purposes to the refuge establishment.

Location and Contact Information

      REPORT VIOLATIONS

      Law enforcement issues should be referred to the deputy refuge manager or refuge manager.  

      You may also report violations to our "TIPS" line 1-844-FWS-TIPS (379-8477).

      About Us

      Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is 180 miles of  Pago Pago Harbor, American Samoa, and the only atoll in the Samoan Archipelago. Rose Atoll, like Jarvis Island, are the only national wildlife refuges located south of the equator. The atoll itself is made up of a coral and coralline algal reef, with two tiny islands, Rose and Sand Islands. Rose Island is 17 acres with a maximum elevation of 10 feet, while Sand Island is approximately seven acres, but can change in size and shape in response to weather. 

      What We Do

      The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

      Our Species

      Rose Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is home to numerous species of unique wildlife. The coral communities of Rose include about 100 species that are distinctive and different than other islands in Samoa. The biodiversity of the atoll teems with fish, sea turtles, and seabirds. 

      A teal parrotfish swims next to some coral. It has pink lines running across its face.
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      Get Involved

      There are many ways to support your national wildlife refuges. There are non-profit organizations that support wildlife and restoration projects within the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. Volunteer opportunities can also be found at volunteer.gov.