Comment from Anonymous

I'm here today to firmly oppose American Deep Sea Minerals' request for an exploration license in international waters. Scientists have made one thing clear: deep-sea mining harms the deep ocean. We still don’t grasp the full scale of the damage because the deep sea is the least understood ecosystem on Earth. New species, like glowing sharks and armored snails, are discovered each year. Leading marine scientists urge extensive research on the deep ocean before any mining is considered, including studies that account for seasonal and annual changes. Only with detailed biological baselines can we truly understand the potential losses. The risks go well beyond the seafloor. NOAA’s research shows that mining impacts reach from the seabed to the surface. Test sites on the Blake Plateau show little ecological recovery even after fifty years. These effects could jeopardize fisheries, tourism, and coastal economies. Industry leaders, like the Global Tuna Alliance and the Sustainable Seafood Coalition, have warned about the potential risks to the $5.5 billion Pacific tuna industry. There's a growing consensus globally that these risks are too great. Forty-two countries, over sixty-five major corporations, more than 35 financial institutions, and over 940 marine experts have called for a moratorium or pause on deep-sea mining due to its environmental risks and uncertain economic viability. Those directly affected have spoken clearly. Nearly every U.S. Pacific state and territory—including California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaiʻi, American Samoa, and Guam—have taken steps to restrict or prohibit deep-sea mining. Additionally, it's not just an environmental risk—it's a financial one. No commercial deep-sea mining operations exist globally. The technology is unproven, costs are enormous, and taxpayers shouldn’t fund another failed experiment. 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 race to the bottom. We should lead by following sound science, protecting our ocean, and investing in sustainable solutions to meet our mineral needs. We urge NOAA to reject this exploration permit and all similar applications. Thank you!