When the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council convenes June 9–11 in Honolulu, one of the key issues on the agenda will be seabed mining offshore American Samoa.
The Council will hear from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on a new initiative to evaluate a potential offshore mineral lease sale near American Samoa.
This follows a request from U.S.-based company, Impossible Metals, making the first such federal step in more than 30 years.
The proposal aligns with national priorities to expand domestic access to critical minerals and reduce reliance on imports.
BOEM will conduct a public review process to assess environmental impacts, geologic conditions, and potential conflicts with ocean uses—such as fishing.
American Samoa’s members on the Council are Taulapapa Will Sword and Archie Taotasi Soliai.
The Council will also discuss recent presidential actions that may have significant implications for fisheries management and ocean resource access in the region:
- Executive Order 14276 – Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness: Among other provisions, directs NOAA to review marine national monuments, including Papahānaumokuākea, Rose Atoll, and the Marianas Trench, to ensure alignment with national seafood priorities.
- Executive Order 14192 – Unleashing Prosperity through Deregulation: Requires identification of at least 10 regulations for repeal with each new regulation issued, with the goal of reducing regulatory burdens and encouraging efficient use of public and private funds.
- Executive Order 14303 – Restoring Gold Standard Science: Instructs the Office of Science and Technology Policy to issue guidance on how federal agencies must use, interpret, and communicate scientific data—with an emphasis on transparency and rigor.
The Council will review analyses of these actions and may make recommendations regarding their potential effects on fishing access and regulations in the region.
How to Join:
📍 In-Person: Ala Moana Hotel, Hibiscus Ballroom (410 Atkinson St., Honolulu, HI)
💻 Online: Join remotely via Webex: https://tinyurl.com/203CouncilMtg, Event password: CM203mtg
📜 Get the Full Agenda & Documents: www.wpcouncil.org/event/203rd-council-meeting
