Pacific delegates in the U.S. Congress are cautioning that initiatives to expedite deep-seabed mining could marginalize island communities and inflict irreparable harm on delicate ocean ecosystems. These concerns were highlighted during a recent House Natural Resources Committee hearing in Washington, which occurred shortly after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) finalized new regulations that streamline the permitting process for seabed mining.
The updated rules permit companies to apply for exploration and potential commercial recovery through a singular process, replacing regulations that have been in place since the 1980s. NOAA claims that these changes reflect advancements in deep-sea science and technology while maintaining essential environmental safeguards.
However, Guam Delegate James Moylan emphasized the real and lasting repercussions of decisions made in Washington on Pacific communities: “The ocean is how we live. It feeds our families, holds our history, and connects our people to generations before us,” he stated. American Samoa Delegate Aumua Amata Radewagen expressed her concerns that seabed mining could jeopardize fisheries, which are critical to the economic wellbeing of the islands. Northern Marianas Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds underscored that Pacific territories cannot afford missteps in ocean policy, warning that any harm to the seabed could be irreversible.
While industry stakeholders assured lawmakers that the new expedited process would not compromise environmental reviews, experts cautioned that recovery for deep-sea ecosystems could take decades, if recovery is even possible. The message from Pacific delegates is unmistakable: efforts to fast-track permitting must prioritize the voices of island communities and the protection of the ocean.
This dialogue underscores the importance of balancing economic interests with environmental stewardship, especially in areas as vulnerable as the Pacific Islands. It is hoped that the ongoing discussions will lead to policies that safeguard both local communities and precious marine habitats for future generations.
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