Author: Angelo Villagomez

I am a scientist by training, a policy advocate in profession, but an Indigenous Micronesian from the island of Saipan since birth. I use Indigenous knowledge and values and the scientific method to address modern threats to nature including habitat loss, fishing, and climate colonialism.

How to help protect the deep sea in the Marianas and American Samoa today

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Conservation, Featured, News, Policy

Deep sea mining lease sales are scheduled to take place in American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands in November and December, respectively.  The Trump administration has advanced a rushed and secretive process in both U.S. territories with limited public participation. Thankfully the United States is still a democracy and the First Amendment guarantees us … Read More “How to help protect the deep sea in the Marianas and American Samoa today” »

Trump Administration Advances Mariana Trench Offshore Mineral Leasing Process

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Conservation, Featured, News, Policy

Yesterday the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management ignored the voices of 60,000 public comments and issued a proposed leasing notice for the seabed surrounding the Mariana Trench. This is a key step in selling off 69 million acres of the American seafloor to the mining industry, an area about the size of Nevada. A new … Read More “Trump Administration Advances Mariana Trench Offshore Mineral Leasing Process” »

Please Help This Little Dumbo Octopus Travel Across America

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez 1 Comment on Please Help This Little Dumbo Octopus Travel Across America
Climate change, Education, Featured, Policy

A small, friendly Dumbo Octopus named Miss Abyss is currently traveling across the United States, and she needs your help.  Miss Abyss carries a message of urgent importance for the future of our oceans. As she makes her journey, she is gathering allies from every corner of the country to oppose the looming threat of … Read More “Please Help This Little Dumbo Octopus Travel Across America” »

My Journey Into Researching Historical Erasure on Public Lands

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Conservation, Education, Featured, Policy

Most people know me for my work on ocean conservation, Indigenous-led stewardship, and marine protected areas. Over the past year, however, I have found myself increasingly drawn into a different but deeply connected area of research: how public lands tell America’s story, and what happens when that story is deliberately altered or erased. This work … Read More “My Journey Into Researching Historical Erasure on Public Lands” »

Deep Sea Mining Symposium Announcement

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Featured, Science

Abstract submissions are now open for the 8th International Marine Conservation Congress (IMCC8), taking place November 13–17, 2026, in Edinburgh, Scotland—and we’re excited to announce an open symposium on deep‑sea mining. Titled “Between a Rock and a Deep Place: Science and Deep Sea Mining Policy,” this session will examine the science, ethics, and governance shaping … Read More “Deep Sea Mining Symposium Announcement” »

Join Me at Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice — Our Fourth Year!

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Conservation, Featured, News

I hope that you will join me at Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice this June 2-3 in Washington, DC. Please register today. Due to popular demand, Upwell is moving to a larger venue this year and we are adding a second day. We are holding this year’s event at the Martin Luther King Jr. … Read More “Join Me at Upwell: A Wave of Ocean Justice — Our Fourth Year!” »

Walking Backwards Into the Future: Applying Indigenous Knowledge to Deep Sea Mining

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Conservation, Featured, Policy

The Trump administration argues that opening America’s seafloor to deep sea mining is essential for strengthening our economy and securing our energy future. But from a Pacific Islander perspective, this rush to extract metals from the ocean – especially near the Mariana Trench and American Samoa – ignores hard-earned lessons and risks repeating past mistakes. … Read More “Walking Backwards Into the Future: Applying Indigenous Knowledge to Deep Sea Mining” »

Bipartisan Concern Expressed Over Deep Sea Mining at Congressional Hearing

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Conservation, Featured, News, Policy

On January 22, 2026 the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing titled “Deep Dive: Examining the Regulatory and Statutory Barriers to Deep Sea Mining.”  The hearing revealed significant bipartisan resistance to deep-sea mining in the US Pacific territories, including a unified position from Republican members Radewagen of American … Read More “Bipartisan Concern Expressed Over Deep Sea Mining at Congressional Hearing” »

Beyoncé is Right: History Can’t Be Erased

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
Featured, News, Policy

“My family lived and died in America, hmGood ol’ USA (good ol’ USA), shitWhole lotta red in that white and blue, huhHistory can’t be erased, ooh-ohAre you lookin’ for a new America? (America)Are you tired, working time and a half for half the pay?” – Ya Ya lyrics, Beyonce The Trump administration is attempting to … Read More “Beyoncé is Right: History Can’t Be Erased” »

Right to Democracy and the America the Beautiful for All Coalition Stand with American Samoa in Opposing Unilateral Proposals for Deep Seabed Mining

Posted on By Angelo Villagomez
News, Policy

Right to Democracy and the America the Beautiful for All Coalition have united in support of American Samoa’s right to protect its ocean and seabed from destructive deep seabed mining. The organizations have drafted a petition to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, backed by residents and diaspora from the five U.S. Territories: American Samoa, … Read More “Right to Democracy and the America the Beautiful for All Coalition Stand with American Samoa in Opposing Unilateral Proposals for Deep Seabed Mining” »