American Samoa Department of Commerce (ASDOC) – Coastal Zone Management (CZM)Program

Mentor: LaunJohn Isaako

ASDOC logo

STEM Fields:
Biology; Environmental Studies; Marine Science; Restoration Ecology; Oceanography; Biogeography

Internship Research Goal: Discover creative ways to and assist in implementing the territory wetlands management plan and engage in coordination of awareness programs and education activities to enhance and improve wetlands management and protection in American Samoa.

About the Internship Site:

ASDOC-CZM program office is on the second floor of the A.P Lutali Executive Office Building in Utulei, AS. The Wetlands Management team conducts research and administrative work within the office, but often conducts field site visits at our wetlands and special management areas throughout the islands of American Samoa – Tutuila, Aunuu, Ofu, Olosega, Ta’u. Also, our wetlands team also works closely with our valued partners in our Wetlands Council out in the field and at their respective research facilities – American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), American Samoa Community College (ASCC)-Agriculture, Community, and Natural Resources (ACNR), National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa (NMSAS), Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), National Park of American Samoa (NPSAS), Governor’s Resilience Office (GRO).

Meet Our Internship Mentor: Launjohn Isaako

Person smilingLaunjohn Isaako is 30 years old and a proud veteran who has returned home and currently giving back to his community through his current capacity as a Wetlands Specialist. He is from the village of Nuuuli, which is one of our Special Management sites and location of the largest wetlands in American Samoa. LaunJohn’s upbringing is split between Hawaii and American Samoa, which allowed him to experience the unique cultures and environments of both islands.

LaunJohn began working with the Department of Commerce as a wetland specialist, where he has been involved in numerous conservation and restoration projects and outreach initiatives focused on preserving and protecting the wetlands of American Samoa. “It has been a fulfilling experience contributing to the conservation efforts in our community, and I am excited to share and engage our youth in taking care of our environment, through outreaches, restoration projects, clean ups in coastal areas especially our wetlands.”

Internship duties and responsibilities:

This internship will introduce students to the depths of our coastal resources, emphasizing our wetlands in American Samoa. They will engage in field research and site visits, delineation projects, and developing and implementing new and current restoration projects. They will also be youth leads to conduct and spearhead outreaches and community projects with the village youths. Students will:

  • Conduct site visits for monitoring and enforcement of developments within the wetlands.
  • Monitoring and conducting wetland clean ups with faith-based groups and nonprofit organizations in wetland villages.
  • Assist in wetland delineation with our wetlands specialist and Maui Environmental Consulting team.
  • Students will prepare outreach materials for all outreaches and booths.
  • Students will pack and load equipment for clean ups, monitoring projects, and delineation projects.

Interns should be comfortable and able to:

  • Lift 25lbs (to carry equipment from parking area to the shoreline)
  • Walk in mangrove swamps
  • Work outdoors on the beach and in the ocean
  • Work in a laboratory setting and comply with all safety procedures indoors and outdoors.
  • Adhere to wearing safety gears for field visits

Tentative 2025 Internship Schedule

This internship will occur over the following dates:

2025 Internship Schedule*

  • 2025 Spring: 
    • January – 2hrs for Introductions after selection process
    • Spring break – 8 hrs for Orientation
  • 2025 Summer:
    • 40 hrs
    • 4 weeks : Tuesday, Thursdays, Saturdays – 7:30am – 12pm

*Schedules are tentative and are subject to change. Interns will be required to work 8 hours in the Spring 2025. Interns will be required to work 40 hours in the Summer 2025.

Internship Meeting Location:

ASDOC-CZM Office
2nd Floor of A.P Lutali EOB
Utulei, AS 96799

*Field Sites vary and will inform interns accordingly