The "American Seabed Protection Act" aims to safeguard marine environments by prohibiting certain mining activities on the deep seabed and Outer Continental Shelf. This legislation is driven by findings that highlight the significant risks deep seabed mining poses to marine ecosystems, including the loss of unique species, large sediment plumes, noise pollution, and potential impacts on food fish and carbon sequestration dynamics. It also notes insufficient scientific information to fully assess these risks and the inconsistency of such financing with Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles. Specifically, the bill prohibits the issuance of any license, permit, or authorization for exploration or commercial recovery on the deep seabed, and for exploration, development, or production of hardrock minerals on the Outer Continental Shelf. An important exception is made for activities related to scientific research . To further inform policy, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Commerce, through NOAA, seek an agreement with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a comprehensive study. This study will assess the environmental impacts of mining activities on these areas, including characterizing ecosystems, quantifying spatial extent and recovery potential of impacts on habitats and species, and evaluating effects on carbon sequestration, marine users, and indigenous peoples. It will also examine sediment plumes, greenhouse gas emissions, and the viability of alternatives such as mineral reuse, recycling, and substitute materials. The findings of this assessment are to be reported to appropriate Congressional committees.