The US Federal Government's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA has proposed adding five reef and offshore areas to the Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary in American Samoa.
The Deputy Sanctuary Superintendent, Kevin Grant, says the new 14-thousand square mile sanctuary would be renamed American Samoa National Marine Sanctuary.
Mr Grant says when the offices of the Sanctuary reviewed their management plans, an overwhelming number of residents highlighted various areas worthy of sanctuary designation.
"When we asked that question to the public in 2009 they came back with a number of areas within American Samoa, five of which are additional units that we are proposing to include this time around."
The public has until the 6th of January to comment on the draft proposal.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hopes to have a final document out by July next year.
