Ocean Conservation

Remote Henderson Island in the Pacific used to hold this dubious record, but a 2017 study found that Cocos (Keeling) Islands' beaches were even more densely covered in plastic debris. Millions of plastic items wash ashore annually, posing a severe threat to marine life.

The National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa protects a diverse array of marine habitats, including coral reefs, deep-sea canyons, and hydrothermal vents. It's a critical site for ocean research, conservation, and cultural preservation, covering six distinct areas.