U.S. could begin seabed mining off the coast of American Samoa

There is still time to submit comments to the U.S. Department of the Interior on a proposal to authorize seabed mining in American Samoa’s 200-mile economic zone.

Seabed mining is the extraction of mineral deposits from the ocean floor, primarily in the deep sea. There is little research done on deep-sea mining activities, and it could have far-reaching harmful impacts on marine ecosystems, important commercial fisheries, and food security.

The U.S. Department of the Interior is requesting public input regarding a plan that ignores Sāmoa’s moratorium on deep seabed mining exploration and activities and contradicts unified opposition from the American Sāmoa government.

American Sāmoa opposes seabed mining due to the potential impact on access to healthy and productive fishing grounds, including the tuna industry. There are vibrant deep-sea ecosystems in the proposed project area, including mesophotic coral reefs, sponges, and algae that support hundreds of different marine species. However, seabed mining can create sediment clouds in the water column that disturb and harm sensitive marine life, including plankton, fish, whales, and dolphins.

As islands in the Pacific Ocean basin, American Sāmoa and Hawaiʻi have strong connections across marine ecosystems and cultures. While Hawaiʻi has banned seabed mining in state waters, which extend three nautical miles offshore, deep-sea habitats near Hawaiʻi are still at risk.

Surfrider, an environmental nonprofit that works to protect and preserve the world’s oceans and beaches, urges supporters and other concerned members of the public to submit comments in opposition to commercial seabed mining off American Sāmoa. The comment period ends on July 16.

The group suggests making comments focused on potential impacts on marine ecosystems, fishing industries, recreation, tourism, and economic development.

To submit comments, please visit the Federal Comment Portal and follow the instructions provided.