SOA, representing the largest global network of young ocean leaders, calls for a moratorium on deep-seabed mining, for at least for 10 years, in line with the UN Decade of Ocean Science, which enables the global community to:
Undertake scientific research to better understand the unique deep-sea biodiversity, the seabed’s role in carbon storage and the larger climate system, the potential impacts of mining and the risks to deep-sea species and ecosystems, the potential for mitigation and recovery, and the opportunities to invest in and expand the circular economy; and
Ensure that decision-making processes around deep-seabed mining, such as those at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) are inclusive, transparent, accountable, adequately account for intergenerational equity, and ensure the protection of marine biodiversity and the ocean’s health.
SOA will add your name to the campaign letter below. Your signed letter will be sent to your appropriate National Ministers/Representatives, the International Seabed Authority, and the UN Secretary General
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Dear Esteemed Representative,
As young ocean leaders, we are extremely concerned by the evolving interest in mining the deep-seabed, under the guise of fueling the green energy revolution. We are unwavering in our belief that deep-seabed mining is an unjustified threat to the health of our ocean and the present and future generations that depend on it. Therefore, with so much at stake, we are asking you to stand with us in calling for a moratorium on deep-seabed mining, for at least 10 years, in line with the UN Decade of Ocean Science.
We believe that a moratorium on deep-seabed mining is necessary for two primary reasons:
As a global community, we need to undertake scientific research to better understand the unique deep-sea biodiversity, the seabed’s role in the larger climate system, the potential impacts of mining and the risks to deep-sea species and ecosystems, the potential for mitigation and recovery, and the opportunities to expand the circular economy; and
We need to ensure that any decision-making processes around deep-seabed mining, such as those taking place at the International Seabed Authority (ISA), are inclusive, transparent, accountable, and adequately account for intergenerational equity.
Though at present no commercial deep-seabed mining is taking place, the pressure is mounting for national governments and the ISA, the body that regulates mining in the international seabed, to allow widespread extraction to begin internationally. If this is allowed, we will exploit incredibly biodiverse and fragile ecosystems that will result in severe environmental impacts that we cannot fully understand, let alone predict or mitigate. Moreover, deep-seabed mining stands in conflict with many widely accepted norms and current global commitments, such as the precautionary principle, science-based, transparent decision-making, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, the BBNJ process, the recent IPCC report, and the Blue COP. Despite all of this, few stand to profit from deep-seabed mining, while many stand to be affected.
For all these reasons and more, we, as the generation inheriting this planet, ask you to stand with us to support a moratorium on deep-seabed mining in line with the UN Decade of Ocean Science. We ask you to stand for science, stand for the ocean, and stand for the rights of current and future generations.
We sincerely thank you for your support and for your leadership,
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