

Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary, American Samoa

Fagatele Bay sits in an eroded volcano crater on the southwestern corner of Tutuila Island, about 5,000 miles from the U.S. mainland. Its 163 acres is home to parrot fish, sharks, octopus, dolphins and sea turtles. The bay also supports a fringing coral reef ecosystem with over 140 species of animal and plant life. In its submission to UNESCO, the U.S. highlights the bay's exceptional beauty, endangered animal population and coral reef ecosystem. Above, spinner dolphins, known for their acrobatic displays, swim in Fagatele Bay. More info: Ed Lyman / NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries