Underwater mining is drawing strong concern as it threatens seabed habitats, endangers marine life, and risks destabilizing climate regulation. Greenpeace launched the Stop underwater mining campaign, gathering more than 368,000 signatures in a matter of days with a target of one million. The message is clear: the seafloor, once thought to be a protected frontier, is not immune to the pursuit of minerals and profit.
Greenpeace emphasizes that the seabed hosts diverse ecosystems and serves as a critical part of the planet’s climate system. The campaign highlights the danger of letting large corporations push forward with deep-sea extraction, arguing that the oceans should not be sacrificed for short term gain. The organization warns that some governments may align with mining interests through legal shortcuts that could unlock large-scale seabed exploitation. The call is for careful consideration of environmental integrity and long term sustainability, not rushed approvals.
Spain and other nations involved in the International Seabed Authority (ISA) are urged to act decisively to safeguard seabed ecosystems. Greenpeace notes that recent ISA negotiations have fallen short of expectations, leaving the door open for contested mining decisions that could impact biodiversity and coastal communities. The group advocates precautionary measures to prevent irreversible harm.
irreparable damage
Greenpeace argues that ISA talks have failed to address scientific concerns and the rights of Indigenous peoples, creating an environment where some backers push governments to accept mining through controversial legal channels. The advocacy group stresses that real safeguards must be in place before any approvals are considered.
There are three principal reasons Greenpeace opposes seafloor mining:
1 It would threaten a vital climate ally. The seabed stores blue carbon through oceans, coastal ecosystems, and the organisms that inhabit them. Disturbing these sediments could release stored carbon and undermine climate regulation.
2 It could disrupt the marine food chain and fisheries. Damage to key species may ripple through the oceanic ecosystem, potentially reducing catches for fleets and altering food security in coastal regions.
3 It risks permanent harm to seabed life. Many deep-sea species rely on specific substrates for survival, and sediment plumes can spread and affect habitats far from the mining site.
Scientific findings released by Fauna & Flora International reinforce Greenpeace concerns, describing mining’s impact on deep-sea biodiversity as extensive and potentially irreversible. Once lost, certain ecosystems may be forever altered, with consequences for ecological balance and climate interplay. These results underscore the need for cautious policymaking and robust environmental review before any seabed activity proceeds.
A critical year for the oceans
Experts warn that this moment is pivotal for ocean health. Catherine Weller, who leads global policy efforts for Fauna and Flora, has repeatedly called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining until risks are fully understood and proven protections are guaranteed. The field continues to push for a pause on mining tenders as global deliberations proceed, insisting that a sustainable path be chosen.
Industry pressure to expand extraction, driven by demand for metals such as lithium, copper, and nickel, raises concerns about resource depletion and the potential for environmental tradeoffs. Scientists stress that deep-sea mining carries serious risks beyond marine life, potentially affecting the ocean’s role in climate regulation through disruption of carbon pools in seabed sediments and related processes.
Sophie Benbow of Fauna & Flora Marine highlights how little is known about the deep sea. More than 75% of the seabed remains unmapped and less than 1% of depths have been explored. Yet the ocean is central to planetary health, and protecting these fragile ecosystems is essential for all life on Earth. The call is clear: careful study, transparent governance, and strong safeguards must guide any future decisions about deep-sea mining.
For further context, Greenpeace has published a petition against underwater mining, and Fauna & Flora International has reported on the broader implications of deep-subsea operations. These materials are cited to inform public debate and policymaking, rather than as direct endorsements or sources of authority.
Enduring questions about the future of the oceans demand rigorous science, accountable governance, and a precautionary approach that honors the health of marine communities, the stability of coastal economies, and the integrity of global climate systems. The path forward should protect biodiversity and ensure sustainable stewardship of ocean resources for generations to come.