The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Ocean Service has launched a hydrographic survey project aimed at mapping and characterizing over 30,000 square nautical miles of federal waters off the coast of American Samoa. Announced today, this initiative aligns with the Department of Commerce's efforts to execute the U.S. Offshore Critical Minerals Mapping Plan, which was established under President Trump’s Executive Order 14285. This order seeks to enhance the exploration and utilization of America's offshore critical minerals and resources, highlighting the government's commitment to advancing marine resource management and environmental stewardship. The survey will utilize advanced mapping technologies to gather essential data, which will inform future resource development and conservation strategies in the region.
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