A House Concurrent Resolution that was introduced on Friday resolves that the American Samoa Legislature opposes deep sea mining without science driven policies, legal transparency and mandates that all entities engaging in marine extraction respect the binding fiduciary duty outlined in the Deeds of Cession.
Sponsored by Representative Malaeoletalu Melesio Gurr and House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale, the measure affirms the Fono’s support for Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata’s leadership in safeguarding and preserving territorial sovereignty and marine integrity of the South Pacific.
The concurrent resolution states that the ocean is more than a natural resource, it is the lifeblood of Samoan identity, a sacred inheritance passed down through generations, providing sustenance, trade, cultural continuity and a spiritual connection to our ancestors.
“…the Deeds of Cession of Tutuila and Aunuu and Manu’a represent solemn contracts entered into by our forefathers and the United States ensuring the protection of our lands and surrounding waters under explicit terms of sovereignty and stewardship. They establish a binding fiduciary duty, a legal obligation requiring governance decisions to align with the foundational assurances given to American Samoa at the time of cession, safeguarding territorial integrity against unauthorized exploitation.”
The measure cites the provision in the the Deed of Cession of Tutuila and Aunuu that the Government of the United States of American shall respect and protect the individual rights of all people residing within the territory so ceded; and it is especially declared that the rights of the chiefs in their respective villages and the rights of all people to their lands shall remain in full force and virtue.”
And the Deed pf Cession of Manu’a further solidifies our authority over both land and sea declaring: The sovereignty of these islands is hereby transferred to the United States, but the land shall remain the property of the people. No part of the land shall be taken without just compensation.”
The resolution quotes studies that have shown the detrimental effects of deep sea mining and international organizations that have warned that deep sea mining lack adequate long term impact studies and that irreversible damage may likely outweigh any anticipated economic benefits.
According to the resolution, the American Samoa Legislature asserts its authority as the governing entity responsible for safeguarding territorial and marine sovereignty, reinforcing that economic policies must comply with scientific integrity, legal protections and cultural mandates. Through its lawmaking and oversight responsibilities the Legislature has and shall continue to establish frameworks that uphold environmental protection, preserve cultural heritage and ensure that any external commercial interests, comply with American Samoa’s governance principals.
