Comment from Anonymous

I am reaching out to express my firm disapproval of proposed seabed mining on Virginia's outer continental shelf, as outlined in your recent RFI (BOEM-2026-0100). This venture into uncharted exploitation territory poses significant risks and prioritizes short-lived profits over the enduring health of our oceans. The potential damage to marine ecosystems is alarming. The region in question is crucial for numerous species that sustain coastal communities along the Atlantic. It supplies a significant portion of the nation’s seafood, supports thousands of jobs, and contributes over a billion dollars to Virginia’s economy annually. Seabed mining threatens these ecosystems, especially given the proposed scale and methods. The prospect of deploying large-scale dredging equipment to extract mineral sands and phosphorites is particularly concerning. This would devastate the seafloor, potentially releasing harmful metals and pollutants into our waters. Such activities are planned over an expanse larger than Delaware, jeopardizing the entire eastern Atlantic shore of Virginia. There is a strong international call for caution. A global coalition of 40 countries, numerous corporations, financial institutions, and nearly a thousand marine experts advocate for a moratorium on seabed mining due to its dire environmental and economic consequences. Significantly, regions across the U.S. that depend on marine resources have rejected seabed mining. States like California, Washington, and territories including Hawaii and Guam, have already implemented bans. The United States must avoid setting a precedent that endangers Virginia's maritime environment. The risks are high, while the benefits remain uncertain, particularly for communities reliant on thriving fisheries and clean waters. I strongly urge BOEM to reconsider any plans for seabed mineral leasing in Virginia.