Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Democratic Party commends the Guam Legislature for taking decisive action to prohibit deep sea mining in Guam’s territorial waters and surrounding seas. Guam’s leadership illustrates that Pacific Island communities are not willing to sacrifice our ocean, environment, cultural heritage, and way of life for the profits of outside corporate interests.

Guam’s proposed legislation, Bill 253-38, would prohibit seabed mining activities in territorial waters, deny permits for infrastructure supporting mining operations, and restrict port access for vessels engaged in deep sea mining activities. The legislation comes amid growing concern over federal efforts to open millions of acres of Pacific waters near American Samoa, CNMI, and Guam to commercial seabed mining operations.

ASDP Chair Patrick Reid praised Guam lawmakers for taking substantive action for their communities:

“We applaud the Guam Legislature for taking proactive action to protect Guam from the irreversible environmental risks posed by deep sea mining”. Pacific communities continue to be treated as sacrifice zones for corporate profit and geopolitical competition. The same communities on the frontlines of climate change should not also be forced to shoulder the economic risks associated with experimental seabed mining operations.”

The American Samoa Democratic Party reiterated its support for regional cooperation among Pacific territories and island nations opposing deep sea mining and calls on federal leaders to adopt a moratorium on seabed mining activities until comprehensive environmental, cultural, and economic studies are completed.

“The Pacific Ocean sustains our people and connects all of our island communities,” Reid said. “Protecting it must remain a moral and regional priority.”