Samoa and Tokelau have decided to cross the international date line.  119 years ago, U.S. traders persuaded local Samoan authorities to align their islands’ time with neighboring U.S.-controlled American Samoa and the United States to assist their trading with California.  But Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji have grown to be more important trading partners; The decision to cross (back) the international date line is intended to facilitate trade with them.

This news will not have any direct impact on aquarists … but who knows?  Perhaps aligning their time with Fiji (a major aquarium fish/coral exporter in close proximity) may foster an ornamental fishery industry in Samoa through established logistical channels.  Whatever happens, an entire day ‘vanished’ is interesting trivia!