Oceana Condemns the First Lease for Deep-Sea Mining in U.S. Waters  - Oceana USA

Oceana Condemns the First Lease for Deep-Sea Mining in U.S. Waters

Press Release Date: July 16, 2026

Location: WASHINGTON

Contact:

Erin Vande Ven | email: EVandeVen@oceana.org | tel: 303.829.3877

The following is a reaction by Julia Singer, Oceana campaign manager, after the Trump administration set a clear path to open the first U.S. waters to deep-sea mining. The move proposes to offer over 30 million acres around American Samoa for mineral leasing. The proposed area is directly adjacent to the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument, an important protected area that includes crucial nesting grounds for sea turtles, refuge for humpback whales, and key habitat for other endangered species. 

“The people of American Samoa, scientists, and others across the U.S. have made it very clear: they do not want deep-sea mining in their waters. Despite this, the Trump administration continues to push forward with leasing federal waters off the territory’s coast, putting irreplicable ocean resources vital to American Samoa’s economy and culture at risk. The stakes are not theoretical; they are very real for our oceans and the people who rely on healthy fisheries. Any destruction done today will be felt for generations to come. This is yet another instance of this administration not only disregarding long-term damage to the environment but ignoring both science and the will of the people in pursuit of short-term gains. Mining our oceans needs to be stopped now before irreparable damage destroys American Samoa’s waters.”   

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), which is set to become part of the Marine Minerals Administration, received over 76,000 public comments on this issue – most against mining. The American Samoa Government has also been unified in its opposition to deep sea mining off its coast because its economy and way of life depend on healthy and abundant ocean resources.  

The Governor of American Samoa will now have 60 days to comment on the Proposed Leasing Notice. The Marine Minerals Administration plans to hold the lease sale on November 19, 2026.