Coastal Virginia pushing back against proposed offshore seabed mining

The Trump administration is considering leasing a tract of ocean off the eastern shore for mineral mining that dredges up huge portions of the seabed. WHRO reports communities along the shore are pushing back. Shinkatik resident Jim Dawson has been fishing these waters for more than 40 years. He worries digging up the seafloor would disturb the complex microscopic world that dwells there and helps feed his livelihood. It's just a very diverse. phenomenal amount of species that are all together out there. And when you mess with one thing, you know, it all sets the other. Jill Bieri with the Nature Conservancy says mining could threaten 60 years of conservation work in the area, like restoring seagrass. Not only has there been millions and millions of dollars invested in protecting this place, but it is a huge driver in our culture here on the eastern shore. It's just too important a place to embark on something that might have a negative impact. The counties of Acomac and Northampton formally oppose the proposal. Catherine Hafner, WHRO News. The public can submit comments about the proposal through August 22nd. Learn more at WHRO.org.