She governs a US territory. But she has no say in who mines its waters.

The story of a US territory governor having no say in who mines its waters highlights the ongoing issues of colonialism and lack of representation in decision-making processes that affect local communities and the environment. This is particularly concerning for the aqua industry, as deep sea mining can have devastating impacts on marine ecosystems and the health of our oceans. The fact that the governor has no authority to stop or regulate mining activities in her own territory raises questions about the balance of power and the prioritization of economic interests over environmental and social concerns.

The enabling of Trump's deep sea mining ambitions in the Pacific through modern-day colonialism is a worrying trend that has significant implications for the aqua industry and the health of our oceans. The Pacific Ocean is home to a vast array of marine life and ecosystems, and deep sea mining can disrupt these delicate balances and cause irreparable harm. Furthermore, the lack of representation and decision-making power for local communities and governments undermines the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship that are essential for the long-term health of our oceans.

As this story continues to unfold, it will be important to watch how the US government and other stakeholders respond to concerns about deep sea mining and its impacts on the environment and local communities. The aqua industry will be closely following developments in this area, and advocating for more sustainable and equitable approaches to managing our oceans and their resources. Key areas to watch will include the development of regulations and policies governing deep sea mining, as well as efforts to increase representation and decision-making power for local communities and governments in the Pacific and other affected regions.

Originally reported by grist.org. AquaNews adds analysis for climate & energy readers.