Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — It is trending on our social media platforms — Rose Atoll. You say opening Rose Atoll is beneficial to our economy. We have to be more realistic. Are we really choosing money over our environment?

If we go and fish there, it will hurt nature and the environment. It could damage the coral and the ocean habitat. We are responsible for ensuring that the Environmental Species Act keeps our endangered species, like turtles safe. That’s our responsibility as the Samoan people. We are the caretakers of our ocean and land. Commercial fishing vessels threaten our turtles by catching them. It may not be on purpose but it happens.

This cannot be. Dear leaders of American Samoa, please protect Rose Atoll.