According to some sources, French Polynesia has expressed strong objections to a seabed mining plan proposed by an American startup, claiming that it was approached but not properly consulted regarding the project. The territory's president, Moetai Brotherson, emphasized the importance of protecting ecosystems that are vital to their culture and environment. The proposal reportedly aims to explore seabed mining in international waters surrounded by the maritime borders of French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, and Kiribati. Critics argue that the plan violates international law and undermines the rights of Indigenous peoples to consent to such developments on their ancestral territories. The claim remains independently unverified, and the situation is further complicated by the lack of a seat for French Polynesia at the International Seabed Authority, which is currently discussing regulatory frameworks for seabed mining. The reports allege that the area in question is not only ecologically significant but also a popular fishing spot, raising concerns about the potential environmental impact of mining activities. The claim has not been confirmed by reliable sources, and the ongoing discussions at the International Seabed Authority may influence the future of seabed mining regulations.