American Samoa’s Delegate to the U.S. Congress, Uifa’atali Amata, has renewed her call for a moratorium on deep seabed mining near the territory, warning that unanswered scientific questions and potential threats to fish stocks require a cautious approach.
In an update issued in response to questions from constituents, Amata said she remains opposed to deep seabed mining while federal authorities carry out an environmental review of proposed activities in federal waters between three and 200 miles offshore of American Samoa.
“I want to emphasise several key points as the federal government is currently conducting the environmental review required by law under the DOI/BOEM process that controls the Federal waters outside of American Samoa from 3-to-200 miles offshore.”
Amata stressed that American Samoa must receive the same treatment under federal law as any U.S state.
“First, federal officials must follow the law and not contemplate any shortcuts just because we are a territory and not a state.”
She also warned against rushing decisions that could have long-term environmental consequences.
“Second, there cannot be a rush to potential destructive consequences for our oceans, so we need a full and thorough environmental impact statement (EIS) completely based on science, not politics.”
Amata highlighted concerns about the unknown impacts of deep-sea mineral extraction, particularly the movement of sediment generated by mining operations.
“Third, there are many unresolved scientific questions surrounding deep-sea mineral activity, including the potential impacts beyond the mineral extraction sites through sediment movement — known as sediment ‘plumes.’ Since the impact of these are unknown, we have reasonable concerns that this could be catastrophic to fish stocks.”
She noted that healthy fish populations are critical not only to American Samoa’s economy but also to broader food security.
“Not only does American Samoa rely on healthy fish stocks for our economy, but they are a part of national and even global food security.”
Amata questioned whether federal agencies could adequately assess the environmental risks within the current timeframe.
“Fourth, I don’t see how the Feds can analyze these new mining processes and their impacts on us in just a few weeks, so I will work to make sure there is a diligent and environmentally thorough process.”
She pledged to oppose any proposal that does not meet legal and environmental standards.
“Further, I will do everything in my power to stop this in its tracks if all legal and environmental hurdles are not well cleared.”
Amata also suggested that the speed of the review process could become a basis for future legal challenges.
“I don’t see how any legitimate environmental review can ever be done in mere weeks, so that may well become the best case for a challenge once we see the environmental review results, which are expected in a few months according to BOEM and DOI.”
She urged continued public attention to the issue.
“Finally, vigilance by all is required now more than ever, and I will as always keep you posted to any new developments.”
The statement comes amid growing international debate over deep seabed mining and its potential environmental impacts on marine ecosystems, fisheries and coastal communities across the Pacific.
