American Samoa Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga has issued an executive order imposing a moratorium on seabed mining in American Samoa waters.

The moratorium applies to the mining, extraction or disposal of minerals.

The decision states that deep sea mining poses significant risks to marine biodiversity, including the potential for habitat destruction, pollution and disruption of critical ecological processes, which could have irreversible impacts on marine life and local communities;

It is also noted that deep-sea ecosystems are among the least understood places on Earth and support essential elements of the ocean ecosystem such as fish stocks, coral reefs, and ecosystem functions including water temperature regulation, carbon sequestration, and nutrient cycling.

Furthermore, there is insufficient scientific information and technological development to understand the full extent of the potential impacts of seabed mining. Furthermore, technologies for extracting minerals from the ocean floor have not yet been tested for their environmental safety.

The governor said the moratorium should not be construed as a prohibition on scientific research or collections conducted by or on behalf of an educational, scientific or research institution or a governmental entity. Such research activities are subject to local laws, regulations and licensing requirements.

He added that during this moratorium, American Samoa will commit to improving marine research, developing sustainable ocean policies, and promoting local and international cooperation on sustainable management of marine resources.

Meanwhile, Greenpeace USA welcomes American Samoa’s decision to impose a moratorium on seabed mining in its waters.

According to the report, Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga’s order underscores the serious risks of deep seabed mining, including threats to marine biodiversity, habitat destruction, pollution and disruption of essential ecological processes, all of which could have lasting and irreversible impacts on marine life and local communities.

Arlo Hemphill, Greenpeace USA Oceans Are Life campaign director, said: “The governor’s action is a powerful statement against the risks of deep seabed mining. It is a clear example of the kind of leadership we need to protect our oceans. We urge the Biden-Harris administration to take decisive action by joining the growing global movement against deep seabed mining. Now is the time to support the call for a global moratorium, prioritize investments in sustainable alternatives, and strengthen protections for our oceans.”

American Samoa joins Hawaii, California and several other states in imposing their own bans or restrictions on mining in their waters.

U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii) joined a dozen House Democrats in calling on President Biden to support a moratorium on deep seabed mining, stressing the need for a robust scientific review before any mining can begin.

In July 2023, Rep Case filed two measures calling for a moratorium on deep seabed mining unless and until its impacts are fully understood and an appropriate protective regulatory regime is in place.