Environmental and community groups from across the US Pacific and Caribbean territories are urging the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) governor to formally oppose a proposed federal deep sea mining lease sale near the Marianas.
Representatives from the Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands have written to Governor David Apatang, asking his administration to recommend that the US Department of the Interior halt the leasing process.
The groups want the federal government to suspend or terminate the Northern Mariana Islands Outer Continental Shelf Pacific Mineral Lease Sale, known as PACM-2, decline to issue a final leasing notice, and cancel the proposed 16 December lease sale.
They said Apatang has until 19 October to make recommendations to the US Secretary of the Interior under federal regulations.
The coalition is also calling on the CNMI administration to hold public outreach on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, seek community input, include technical comments from relevant CNMI agencies, and request additional time for public participation.
The campaign comes amid growing debate in the Northern Marianas over deep seabed mining and the territory’s role in federal decisions affecting waters surrounding the islands.
According to the coalition, more than 65,000 comments opposing the federal proposal were submitted during an earlier stage of the process, while a separate petition opposing deep-seabed mining near the Mariana Trench has collected more than 6000 signatures.
The groups have also launched an online letter campaign calling on Apatang to formally recommend an immediate halt to PACM-2 before the October deadline.
“Consultation and engagement do not equal consent or approval,” the coalition said in its letter.
“We deserve to exercise our human right to free, prior, and informed consent, and a meaningful seat at the table must include the ability to say no.”
The coalition raised concerns about potential impacts on seamounts, hydrothermal vents, abyssal plains, marine biodiversity, fisheries, and regional food security.
It said allowing deep-seabed mining without the consent of the CNMI government and its people would also raise questions about the Commonwealth’s ability to influence decisions affecting its waters and communities.
The letter was signed by representatives of the Micronesia Climate Change Alliance, Right to Democracy, and From Luta, For Luta.
The coalition has requested a meeting with the Apatang administration and offered to support the government in opposing deep-seabed mining in the Marianas.
