Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — As the federal government considers opening U.S. territorial waters to deep sea mining, Pacific Island communities and territorial governments are going on record to oppose the imposition of these activities, warning of irreversible harm to ocean ecosystems, cultural lifeways, and the democratic rights of island peoples.

Just hours before the comment period closes this week, Right to Democracy, in partnership with the America the Beautiful for All Coalition, will host a virtual panel examining the federal call to open the waters of the Marianas to deep sea mining and its implications for island communities, ocean ecosystems, and self-determination.

The panel will feature Andra Samoa, Maria Hernández, and Sheila Babauta, all of whom are Right to Democracy Environment & Democracy Fellows, and will be co-moderated by Neil Weare, Co-Director of Right to Democracy, and Angelo Villagomez, Ocean Co-Lead for the America the Beautiful for All Coalition.

Local and national civil society organizations will announce the results of their respective outreach efforts and successes in submitting petitions, letters, and comments to the federal register. 

Special guests include Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio, Speaker Frank Blas, Jr., and others.

The Virtual Panel Will Take Place:

• •          Monday, January 12th at 5:00pm EST, 6:00pm AST, 11:00 am SST (American Samoa)
• •          Tuesday, January 13th at 8:00am ChST (Guam / Northern Mariana Islands)