Residents of Saleimoa are concerned that people are dumping rubbish and other waste into the mangroves that form part of the village and are going to crackdown on residents responsible for this.

A majority of the rubbish is plastic and there is concern that plastics would wash out to ocean.

Saleimoa is a small village located on the northwestern coast of Upolu. The village is split into five sub-villages of Levi, Alamutu, Lotoso’a, Salepouae, and Nonoa  and has a total population of 3816.

The villagers are not happy that plastic waste thrown into the ocean is getting stuck in the mangroves and are reminding residents that the ocean is not a place to throw their litter.

A village elder, Faumuina Alefosia Mika, of Nono’a Saleimoa, 73, told the Samoa Observer, the back of their house is covered with plastics and rubbish next to the mangroves.

“It is hard to find who is at fault here but, almost all families that are close to the ocean are dumping and littering in the mangroves,” he said.

“Not only that, but mosquitos are to be found everywhere, at nights we hardly sleep until we light up mosquito coils”

Currently, the village chiefs have been emphasising on the cleanliness as families are suffering from the rubbish that is in the ocean.

The families that live closer to the mangroves have already discussed this case and they are still waiting for the first person to make a move. While the wait is on, more rubbish is piling up in the mangroves.

Faimuina said they would be discussing the issue in the next village council meeting and also try and catch villagers if they are the ones responsible for the litter.

Mangroves provide more than just protection from waves but is home to many organisms and a very important ecosystem. 

While mangroves may seem like a distant concern, it is actually very important to us. Mangroves help to maintain water quality, protect wildlife and coasts. Mangroves can treat wastes in rivers and streams. Roots of mangroves trap wastes and filter the water before it flows back into the sea. Bacteria in soil can break down the biodegradable wastes and convert them into nutrients for mangroves. 

The roots of mangroves also hold the soil together firmly and prevent it from being washed into the river. Mangroves can also protect coastal areas from erosions. It can absorb the impact of currents and strong wind, creating a natural shield that helps to stop erosion. Mangroves are good breeding and nursery grounds for many fish and other animals. 

Many ocean fish raise their young in mangroves. Murky water in the mangroves can provide camouflage for young fish, making it difficult for predators to find them. Also, cavity between the roots of the Rhizophora tree can protect young fish from predators which are too large to enter through the roots of the tree. 

These ‘nurseries’ are very important for marine life. Mangroves also provide rich food sources for the animals.