The deep sea is home to the greatest diversity of species and ecosystems on Earth. Deep-sea mining for metals, such as nickel, manganese, cobalt, and copper, risks harming this critical and largely unexplored part of our blue planet. Scientists, Indigenous leaders, and governments have raised widespread concerns about the irreversible impacts mining could have on fragile deep-sea ecosystems and biodiversity. It has not been demonstrated that deep-sea mining can occur without causing significant damage to marine life, ocean ecosystems, and the ocean systems that help regulate our climate.
We are at a crucial turning point for our ocean. From July 13–31, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) will meet in Kingston, Jamaica, to decide whether deep-sea mining will be permitted in international waters. As mining companies push to open international waters to exploitation, this is a defining moment to stand together in defense of our ocean. Protecting the deep ocean is essential for safeguarding biodiversity, maintaining a stable climate, and ensuring a healthy future for generations to come. Now is the time to raise our voices and stop deep-sea mining before it starts.
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