AGP Executive Report
Last update: 11 hours agoDeep-Sea Mining Pushback: American Samoa’s Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula says the territory doesn’t support commercial deep-sea mineral extraction “at this time,” citing major gaps on impacts to deep-ocean ecosystems, fisheries, and the local economy, as the U.S. Interior/BOEM moves toward a fast lease sale. Local Law & Moratorium: Swains Rep. Su’a Alex Eli Jennings introduced a bill to codify American Samoa’s deep-sea mining moratorium into permanent territorial law and block permits for mining in territorial waters. Regional Opposition: Northern Mariana mayors and Pacific leaders are also challenging seabed mining over lack of clear information and transparency, while Blue Ocean Law signals a court fight over whether federal agencies have the legal authority to issue leases. Coral Reef Funding: NFWF and NOAA-backed grants totaling $2.1 million aim to boost heat-resilient coral restoration in American Samoa and other U.S. territories. Tuna & IUU Threats: American Samoa lawmakers are urging stronger science-based safeguards to protect the tuna market from illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Sea Turtle Protections: The Western Pacific Fishery Council is pressing federal agencies to speed up green sea turtle status reviews for Guam, CNMI, and American Samoa to support cultural harvest.
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