Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga issued an executive order last week imposing a moratorium on seabed mining in American Samoa’s waters. The moratorium bans the mining, extraction, or removal of minerals, citing significant risks to marine biodiversity.
The order highlights the potential for habitat destruction, pollution, and disruption of critical ecological processes, which could irreversibly impact marine life and local communities. Deep-sea ecosystems, crucial for fish stocks, coral reefs, water temperature regulation, carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling, remain among the least-understood environments on Earth.
The Governor said that there is insufficient scientific information and technological development to fully grasp the potential impacts of seabed mining. Current extraction technologies are untested for environmental safety.
The moratorium allows for scientific research by educational, scientific, or research institutions, subject to local laws and permitting. During this period, American Samoa will advocate for marine research, sustainable ocean policies, and international cooperation in managing marine resources.