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Protecting the deep for us all

Scientists in recent decades have uncovered a previously unknown wealth of life in the dark depths of the ocean. Cold-water corals, sponge fields, seamounts, hydrothermal vents and a multitude of other ecosystems are home to strange and mysterious creatures found nowhere else on Earth.

We are just beginning to discover how these extraordinary ecosystems can offer humankind new scientific avenues and answers about the nature of life itself. But these fragile places and their remarkable biodiversity are threatened by climate change, deep-sea fishing, deep-sea mining and other human activity. The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) wants robust action to be taken to protect the ocean depths, their remarkable species and the secrets they hold.

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Call on governments to take action now and protect the health of our ocean for future generations.

You can help stop deep-sea mining before it’s too late. Visit defendthedeep.org to ask your government to stop this destructive industry.

Protecting Global Seamounts - A DSCC briefing

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Follow key DSCC updates from the current ISA March 2025 Council Meeting

Follow key DSCC updates from the current ISA March 2025 Council Meeting

March 14, 2025

The ISA Council will meet in Kingston, Jamaica, from March 17-28, 2025, under the leadership of newly appointed Secretary-General Ms. Leticia Carvalho. This meeting presents a crucial opportunity for the ISA and its member states to unite and demonstrate responsible global leadership by adopting a moratorium on deep-sea mining.

Media Release: A new Secretary-General at the International Seabed Authority and an opportunity for leadership in ocean protection

Media Release: A new Secretary-General at the International Seabed Authority and an opportunity for leadership in ocean protection

March 17, 2025

Over the next two weeks, States will convene at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council meeting in Jamaica to continue negotiations on controversial deep-sea mining, under new leadership in the form of Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho. This change in the ISA’s leadership presents an opportunity for States to reconsider what is required of the ISA in a time where multilateralism, environmental protection and global equity are more important than ever.

Members

The work of the DSCC is made possible thanks to the dedication and expertise of our 115+ member organizations.