Pacific voices condemn US plan for offshore mineral extraction off American Samoa

Pacific leaders and environmental advocates have strongly condemned a United States government proposal to advance plans for an offshore mineral lease sale in federal waters near American Samoa. Critics argue the move disregards widespread public opposition, evidenced by approximately 70,000 comments submitted against deep-sea mining. They assert that the proposal threatens the region's unique culture, livelihoods, and fragile marine environment. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) recently issued a Proposed Leasing Notice, a critical procedural step toward a potential lease sale planned for November 19. This announcement has intensified concerns among Pacific communities who view the ocean as integral to their identity and survival. Dr. Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka of Finafinau in American Samoa stated, "They can schedule a lease sale. They cannot lease our identity." She emphasized the ocean's role as a "first teacher, our source of life, and our greatest inheritance," adding, "Our home is not for sale." Representatives from Guam and Puerto Rico echoed these sentiments, criticizing the lack of equal representation in decisions made by Washington and calling for stewardship and self-determination over unilateral federal action. They stressed that for the people of the US territories, the ocean is a sacred space connected to culture, identity, and future, not merely a resource for extraction.

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They can schedule a lease sale. They cannot lease our identity.