Comment from Anonymous

I'm here to firmly oppose American Deep Sea Minerals' bid for an exploration license in international waters. Scientists have clearly shown that deep-sea mining harms the ocean depths. We still don't fully understand the scale of the damage since the deep sea is the most mysterious ecosystem on our planet. New species, such as glowing sharks and armored snails, are discovered yearly. Top marine scientists recommend expanding deep-ocean research before considering any mining approvals, with studies that account for seasonal and annual changes. Only with detailed biological baselines can we grasp what's at risk. The dangers extend beyond the seabed. NOAA research indicates that mining impacts can stretch from the ocean floor to the surface. Test areas on the Blake Plateau show little recovery more than fifty years after disturbance. These impacts could jeopardize fisheries, tourism, and coastal economies. Industry leaders like the Global Tuna Alliance and the Sustainable Seafood Coalition have expressed concerns about potential threats to the $5.5 billion Pacific tuna industry. Additionally, a global consensus is forming that these risks are too significant. Forty-two countries, over sixty-five major companies, more than 35 financial institutions, and over nine hundred forty marine experts have called for a moratorium or pause on deep-sea mining due to its environmental risks and questionable economic viability. Those most directly affected have voiced their opposition too. Nearly every U.S. Pacific state and territory—including California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaiʻi, American Samoa, and Guam—have moved to restrict or ban deep-sea mining. Finally, this issue poses not just environmental but financial risks as well. There are no commercial deep-sea mining operations globally. The technology is unproven, and the costs are huge, with taxpayers shouldering the burden of failed ventures. The collapse of Nautilus Minerals, which reportedly cost Papua New Guinea over $100 million, should be a warning—not a model. The United States shouldn't lead a race to the bottom but should instead follow sound science, protect our oceans, and invest in sustainable methods to meet our critical mineral needs. We urge NOAA to refuse this exploration permit and all similar applications. Thank you!