Comment from Anonymous

I strongly oppose the Exploration License Application for American Deep Sea Minerals. This reckless and unnecessary venture prioritizes short-term profits for a few over the vital health of our oceans, which we all depend on. Deep-sea mining poses a grave risk of irreversible damage to ocean ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. The deep sea is our planet's least understood and most fragile ecosystem, with new species like glowing sharks and armored snails being discovered annually. Alarmingly, a test site on the Blake Plateau shows no recovery even after 50 years. NOAA scientists report that mining impacts extend from seafloor to surface, threatening coastal industries like fisheries and tourism. The Global Tuna Alliance and Sustainable Seafood Coalition have already voiced concerns about the $5.5 billion Pacific tuna industry. A global consensus advises caution: 41 countries, over 65 major corporations, 37 financial institutions, and more than 940 marine experts advocate for a moratorium on seabed mining due to its environmental risks and uncertain economics. Crucially, those most impacted by seabed mining are against it. Nearly all U.S. Pacific States and territories, including California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, American Samoa, and Guam, have prohibited or banned deep-sea mining. The American Samoa government stands in unified opposition.