One of the experts that local non-profit group Finafinau has brought here to help residents learn more about deep sea mining is impressed with the awareness people have shown about the issue.
The experts represent Green Peace USA, Maui Nui Makai Network, Pacific Islands Heritage Coalition and Salt Horizon.
Environmental regulatory lawyer Bobbi-Jo Dobush said people they meet at the grocery store, or in line for coffee, are in tune with deep sea mining and the proposal to explore near waters of American Samoa for minerals. She complimented that this is the result of efforts to communicate the pros and cons of deep sea mining in a relatively short time.
Dobush said her focus is financial and economic benefits as well as potential legal liabilities associated with seabed mining.
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Finafinau founder Sabrina Suluai-Mahuka said the group is providing information and technical expertise and keeping American Samoa in the center of the conversation about deep sea mining.
