Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Dr. Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka, Founder of the youth-led environmental nonprofit Finafinau, was recently invited to participate in the 17th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability (CIS 2026), a regional convening that brings together Pacific leaders, researchers, policymakers, and community advocates to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing island communities.

Her invitation, extended by Dr. Austin Shelton, Director of the University of Guam Sea Grant Program, reflects the growing recognition of community-based leadership in regional environmental advocacy. His invitation underscored both the importance and urgency of ensuring that American Samoa’s voice is present in these critical regional discussions.

Dr. Suluai-Mahuka’s participation comes at a pivotal moment, as conversations around deep-sea mining (DSM) continue to gain traction across the Pacific. While DSM is often framed as an economic or strategic opportunity, many Pacific communities are raising concerns grounded in environmental risk, cultural impact, and long-term sustainability. As one of the most vocal advocates opposing DSM in American Samoa, she used this platform to amplify these concerns while engaging in broader dialogue on ocean protection and community-driven decision-making.

As a featured speaker, Dr. Suluai-Mahuka delivered a message centered on the cultural, environmental, and intergenerational implications of deep-sea mining. Her remarks emphasized that for Pacific Island communities, the ocean is not simply a resource, but a foundation of identity, food security, and heritage. She called for greater regional unity, noting that fragmented responses weaken Pacific voices, while a collective stance strengthens the region’s ability to influence federal and international decision-making.

She also served as a panelist in “Ocean Prosperity at Risk: The False Promise of Deep Sea Mining,” alongside Lauren Swaddell, Brent Tibbatts, and Dr. Miriam Goldstein. The panel critically examined the economic, environmental, and social risks associated with DSM, challenging the narrative that it offers a viable pathway to prosperity. For American Samoa, participation in this discussion placed local concerns within a wider Pacific context, highlighting shared vulnerabilities and reinforcing the need for coordinated advocacy.

Feedback following the panel was notably strong. Many participants expressed appreciation for the candid and grounded discussion, sharing that while the DSM process has been progressing at a frustrating pace, the dialogue left them with a renewed sense of hope and determination to take action.

Beyond the conference, Dr. Suluai-Mahuka engaged directly with Guam’s elected leadership, including Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio, both who commended Dr. Suluai-Mahuka on her leadership in American Samoa against DSM. Both leaders have taken a clear and public stance against deep-sea mining. Their efforts—through direct engagement with federal agencies such as the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), as well as legislative action—demonstrate that territorial governments can take assertive positions to protect their resources. Their leadership provides a tangible example of how Pacific territories, including American Samoa, can advocate more strongly on behalf of their communities.

During her time in Guam, Dr. Suluai-Mahuka was also invited to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Blue Planet Alliance, formally elevating American Samoa’s presence within a global network of organizations focused on climate and energy advocacy. This milestone marks American Samoa’s first representation within this international NGO network, creating new opportunities to amplify local voices on a global stage.

Further extending her outreach, she was invited to appear on Guam’s top-rated radio program, Mornings with Patti on The Wave 105.1 FM, where she discussed the realities of deep-sea mining, the importance of Pacific solidarity, and the need for communities to remain informed and engaged.

Throughout this work, Dr. Suluai-Mahuka has also been collaborating with organizations such as the National Ocean Protection Coalition (NOPC), Greenpeace, Pacific Island Heritage, and other partners to stay informed, build technical understanding, and secure broader support for American Samoa’s opposition. These partnerships are critical in ensuring that local concerns are supported by scientific, legal, and policy expertise.

Reflecting on the current situation in American Samoa, she stated, “Federal representatives are already on the ground in Tutuila telling us they are providing education and outreach on deep-sea mining, but our people have been educating ourselves because we had no other choice. We understand what’s at stake, and we’ve made our position clear.”

She further emphasized that opposition to deep-sea mining is not rooted in fear or resistance to progress, but in careful consideration of existing evidence. While DSM is sometimes framed as necessary for national security or technological advancement, Pacific communities are raising concerns based on real-world examples and documented impacts, rather than hypothetical benefits tied to an industry that remains largely unproven at scale.

Across discussions at CIS 2026, a consistent message emerged: Pacific territories must work together, because strength lies in unity. There is also an increasing need for elected leaders to take a more active role—whether through supporting legal action or initiating it themselves—to ensure that community concerns are not overshadowed by speculative economic promises. At the same time, the public must remain informed, engaged, and persistent.

The path forward will not be easy, but it is clear. This is not a moment for silence or complacency—it is a moment for sustained action and collective responsibility in protecting the Pacific’s ocean and future.