The U.S federal government is proposing adding five new reef and offshore areas to the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary in American Samoa.
The sanctuary currently includes a coral reef ecosystem in an eroded volcanic crater in Fagatele Bay on Tutuila Island.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is proposing adding Larsen Bay, waters around Swains Island and Muliaya, also known as Rose Atoll, and some of the waters around Aunuu and Tau islands.
The protected area would be renamed the American Samoa National Marine Sanctuary.
The agency is to hold public meetings in American Samoa next month to hear feedback.
It will also accept public comment online and by mail until early next year.
