Guam lawmakers, scientists and activists warn deep-sea mining could harm ecosystems, call for tighter safeguards

Senators, scientists and community advocates told the General Government Operations and Appropriations committee that proposed deep-sea mining and renewed military testing risk substantial harm to Guam’s marine ecosystems and local livelihoods and that current enforcement and mitigation plans are inadequate.

The committee heard testimony that companies conducting seabed surveys have promised "no disturbance," but witnesses said that responsibility appears to fall to an agency different from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and asked who would enforce such commitments. "We do not want to be the guinea pigs," was cited in the hearing as a comment the lieutenant governor made during a related meeting, underscoring local unease about untested equipment and methods.

Why it matters: Witnesses said Guam’s deep waters are ecologically distinct and recovery from disturbance may be slow or impossible. Dr. Elsa, a scientist who works on endangered plants and coastal ecology, told the panel that deep-sea habitats have complex biological associations and that "we also don't know what the effects are going to be," adding skepticism that terrestrial-style mitigation approaches have equivalents for abyssal ecosystems.

Panelists pointed to regional precedent: the Cook Islands recently extended timelines and asked developers to redo environmental studies, delaying leases by five years. Speakers warned that U.S. partnerships and activity in international waters could place pressure on nearby island waters and that differences in capacity among Pacific states complicate unified responses.

Speakers also raised cumulative-stressor concerns. The Mariana Islands Training and Testing area (MITT) renewal, which could increase sonar and detonations, was cited as another threat to marine mammals and habitat. A witness noted a reported Fisheries Council interest in reopening the Marianas Monument to commercial fishing, which would add further stress to already vulnerable marine areas.

Senator Barnett thanked community groups including Protect Guam and Prutehi Guam and said public opposition is strong — he cited thousands of public comments — and urged colleagues to make their positions explicit. "When our legislature speaks unanimously that we oppose this infringement...it’s easy to be defeated, it’s easy to be discouraged, but I'm encouraged because we remain defiant," Barnett said in the hearing.

The transcript records that a related resolution passed "across the hall" unanimously, but the committee discussion noted that some members' private comments suggested partisan pressures; details and the text or number of the resolution were not provided in the hearing record.

What happens next: Senator Therese, recognized by the chair, thanked witnesses and said she would pursue tightened language and regional coordination; speakers urged additional co-sponsors. The committee did not record a final vote on a specific local ordinance or bill in this transcript; the resolution mentioned was described as already passed in a separate body.

Sources: Witness testimony to the General Government Operations and Appropriations committee, including remarks attributed to the lieutenant governor and testimony from Dr. Elsa; public advocates and named community witnesses addressed the panel.