Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Democratic Party commends the Catholic Diocese of Samoa-Pago Pago and the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific (CEPAC) for their joint stance on addressing the dire issue of deep-sea mining and protecting the Pacific Ocean from industrial exploitation.

“As shepherds and stewards of God’s creations, we are deeply concerned about activities that could threaten the health and integrity of our oceans. The Pacific Ocean is not merely a resource to be exploited. It is part of our common home, a source of life, culture, food, livelihoods, and identity for our Pacific people”, stated Bishop Bishop Kolio Tumanuvao Etuale

Nationally and across the region, support for American Samoa has been swift and strong.

Pacific civil society, faith institutions, scientists, and communities across other Pacific U.S. territories have stood in solidarity with American Samoa, arguing that “any approval of deep-sea minerals leasing plans would be contrary to the wishes of the local people.”

Party Chair Patrick Ti’a Reid applauds “the courageous faith leaders and denominations whom have stepped forward and utilized their platform to express their support and advocacy for climate justice, ocean guardianship, and calls for protecting the moana for generations to come”

Editor’s Note: At its XXXVI General Assembly in July 2026, the Congregational Christian Church of American Samoa (CCCAS) officially adopted a resolution strongly opposing deep-sea mining (DSM) in the Pacific. Representing over 600 delegates, the church declared the ocean a sacred trust tied to Samoan identity and faith, demanding legislative bans and permit denials from local and U.S. federal authorities.