Communities in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are raising alarms about growing interest in deep-sea mining near the Mariana Trench. Scientists and local advocates warn that mining the seabed for minerals such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese could permanently damage fragile deep-ocean ecosystems, threaten fisheries, and disrupt cultural relationships with the ocean. Deep-sea species depend on mineral nodules and seafloor habitats that take millions of years to form, meaning damage could be effectively irreversible. Residents and environmental groups are calling for stronger protections and a moratorium on mining in these waters.

Deep-sea mining interests raise alarms among Mariana Trench communities

Petition against deep sea mining near Mariana Trench gaining support