stand with the moana
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A different approach to expressing strong opposition to deep‑sea mining in American Samoa’s waters took shape along the Utulei shoreline last Thursday, where youth, elders, educators, conservation advocates, government employees, fishermen, families, and community...

![“Stand with the Moana” (Stand with the Ocean) organized by Finafinau was held on Manu’a Day — Thursday, July 16, 2026 — rooted in Pacific values, participants gathered along the Utulei shoreline dressed in blue, offered flowers to the ocean, observed a moment of silence, and reflected on the moana’s role as a source of life, culture, identity, and the wellbeing of future generations. [photo: AF] Stand with the moana](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/stand_with_the_moana3.jpg?itok=inLUsCrI)