Photo: AFP
Researchers have completed 490 dives in an eight-day expedition to collect information on Samoa's coral reefs, fish populations, and water quality.
The dives at 36 sites were close to shore in the waters of both main islands, despite bad weather.
Science director at the Waitt Institute Andrew Estep said more than 250 different species of fish were found.
Three-dimensional imagery of 36 reefs was also collected.
On Monday, the researchers shared their initial findings with the government in Apia.
The expedition data will be processed and published in a scientific report that will be made available to the public in the coming months.
The information collected will be used to inform the Samoa Ocean Strategy to guide decision-making on the best ways to manage Samoa's ocean and marine resources.