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Whales and other marine life have played a central part in many Pacific Island cultures for thousands of years. The warm Tongan waters have always provided a safe annual haven for migrating humpback whales to breed and give birth after their long journey north from the Antarctic.

Samoa was first sighted by Roggerwein in 1722,. He gave the Samoa Islands the name the Isles of the Navigators, when he noted how much the natives used canoes.