Request for Information and Interest: Commercial Leasing for Outer Continental Shelf Minerals Offshore Alaska

A large group of concerned ocean advocates submitted a joint letter urging the Department of the Interior not to advance lease sales for minerals on the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf. They argue that seabed mining poses immense risks to marine environments, threatens Alaskan fisheries, and could destroy critical seafloor habitats and deep-sea species.

The Northern Alaska Environmental Center (NAEC) opposes the proposed commercial mineral leasing in the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf, citing significant risks to fisheries, subsistence resources, and deep-sea ecosystems. They urge the BOEM to adopt a precautionary approach and conduct comprehensive environmental reviews and baseline data collection before proceeding with any tract identification or leasing.

OCEANA, an ocean conservation organization, opposes the proposed ocean mining initiative off the coast of Alaska. They argue that mining will cause irreversible damage to fragile marine ecosystems, harm wildlife, and negatively impact coastal industries like fisheries and tourism.

Jeff Pedersen, representing Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge and Kenai Fjords Sea Treks, opposes the proposed commercial leasing for seabed mining offshore Alaska. He argues that mining would damage healthy ocean ecosystems, disrupt marine life, and negatively impact the tourism-based businesses that depend on these environments.

Earthjustice, submitting on behalf of the Association of Village Council Presidents, Native Village of Eek, and Alaska Community Action on Toxics, opposes the proposed commercial leasing for minerals offshore Alaska. They argue that energy development and increased shipping traffic threaten the Arctic cod, a vital species that anchors the marine food web and supports various predators.

Earthjustice, submitting on behalf of the Association of Village Council Presidents, Native Village of Eek, and Alaska Community Action on Toxics, argues that seabed mining poses significant risks to human health and marine biodiversity. They contend that the current draft regime for seabed mining is incompatible with international human rights law and should be subject to the precautionary approach.

The provided text is not a public comment but rather a collection of unrelated documents, including a USGS report on platinum deposits, a research article from the journal *Marine Policy* regarding the spatial intersection of high-seas fisheries and deep-sea mining, and a notice regarding a submission by Earthjustice. No specific stance on the proposed action is expressed in the provided text.

The Alaska Wilderness League and 53 other organizations urge the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to stop the OCS mineral leasing process offshore Alaska. They argue that deep-sea mining poses irreversible harm to marine habitats and wildlife, and they call for a moratorium and meaningful consultation with Alaska's governments and Indigenous communities.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Defenders of Wildlife urge the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to immediately halt the leasing process for offshore minerals in Alaska. They argue that deep-sea mining poses significant risks to marine environments, wildlife, and Indigenous subsistence practices, and call for a moratorium or precautionary pause instead.

The Alaska Wilderness League and 52 other organizations urge the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) to stop the OCS mineral leasing process offshore Alaska. They argue that deep-sea mining poses irreversible harm to marine habitats and wildlife, and they advocate for a moratorium on such activities.