International Seabed Authority Council Meeting Opens Amid Growing Calls for a Moratorium on Deep-Sea Mining
From 17 to 28 March 2025, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council convenes in Kingston, Jamaica, against a backdrop of intensifying concerns over deep-sea mining (DSM). Environmental advocates, scientists, and a growing number of states are urging governments call for establishing a moratorium — or precautionary pause — on DSM activities.
“A moratorium on deep-sea mining is urgently needed,” says Nicolas Entrup, OceanCare’s Director of International Relations, adding: “We must prioritise the protection of the ocean and its biodiversity rather than push through a mining code that could enable irreversible destruction of deep-sea ecosystems.”
The Environmental Threats of Deep-Sea Mining
The deep sea remains one of the least understood ecosystems on the planet. Scientific research is only beginning to reveal the vast biodiversity and ecological significance of these habitats. As a result, the full extent of the devastation that deep-sea mining could cause remains unknown.
However, existing research and early observations from exploratory mining indicate that biodiversity loss would be inevitable, extensive, and likely irreversible. Scientists warn that deep-sea mining would not only cause direct harm to marine life, including through underwater pollution, but also exacerbate existing pressures on the ocean, such as climate change.
With UNOC 3 Approaching, the Case for a Moratorium Is Stronger Than Ever
In just a few months, the global community will gather in Nice, France, for the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) — a pivotal moment for ocean conservation. At a time when the ocean faces unprecedented threats, allowing industrial deep-sea-mining to go ahead—without any comprehensive scientific knowledge nor proper regulatory safeguards — would directly contradict the international community’s commitments to protecting marine biodiversity. Ahead of UNOC 3, OceanCare has outlined six concrete priority actions for governments to adopt to effectively tackle threats to marine biodiversity, including the need for a moratorium on deep-sea mining activities.
Instead of exposing the deep sea to irreversible destruction, OceanCare — alongside the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC), which represents over 130 environmental organisations—joins the growing calls for countries to defend the ocean. Governments must prioritise ocean protection, honour their international commitments, including the BBNJ Agreement, and safeguard the deep sea for future generations.
The ocean needs to be protected and restored. With UNCOC 3 rapidly approaching, the case for a moratorium on deep-sea mining is stronger than ever. Join OceanCare’s call to protect our ocean and sign our Because Our Planet is Blue Petition.
PETITION
Become part of OceanCare’s global initiative!
We call on the world’s governments to use the UN Ocean Conference in June 2025 to agree upon taking effective action to tackle the most pressing threats to marine life. The Ocean needs to be protected and restored so that its inhabitants can survive and thrive.
Because Our Planet is Blue.
