As pressure mounts to industrialize the largely unexplored and fragile deep ocean, decisions taken over the next year will shape the future of one Earth’s most critical ecosystems – and set far-reaching precedents for global ocean governance, climate action, and equity for decades to come.
In 2026, the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC), will host a media and policy webinar series designed to equip journalists, governments, civil society and decision-makers with the facts, evidence, and context needed to navigate the deep-sea mining debate, and to cut through industry hype and misinformation.
Across five concise, expert-led briefings, the series will examine why deep-sea mining is environmentally destructive, constrained by major scientific gaps, economically unsound, legally risky, fundamentally unnecessary, and why a moratorium remains the most responsible and evidence-based pathway forward.
Each briefing will bring together leading experts to unpack and shine a light on the real issues surrounding the industry – from the true economic and finance risks and the governance crisis emerging around unilateral action, to the implications for biodiversity, climate stability, people and a just transition. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of what is at stake, what claims do not stand up to scrutiny and where leadership is urgently needed.
This series is designed for:
- Journalists seeking clarity, credible sources, and story angles
- Governments and diplomats navigating complex policy and legal choices
- Civil society and advocates working to defend ocean protection and multilateral governance
Webinar 3: Defend the deep – why a moratorium matters
Date: Thursday, July 9th at 9AM ET / 3PM CEST
View: Watch the recording of the briefing here.
What this briefing covered:
- What to expect at the upcoming International Seabed Authority Council and Assembly meetings, including the status of the Mining Code
- Why supporting a moratorium is essential to upholding international law, the common heritage of humankind, and the integrity of the international seabed regime
- The legal risks of unlawful deep-sea mining and what governments can do to uphold their obligations under UNCLOS
- New analysis exposing the corporate strategies driving unlawful deep-sea mining and the role governments can play in preventing corporate capture of the deep ocean
- Why deep-sea mining is unlikely to deliver strategic mineral security or meaningful economic benefits
Speakers:
- Sofia Tsenikli – Global Campaign Director, Deep Sea Conservation Coalition
- Louisa Casson – Global Project Lead, Greenpeace International
- Kevin Green – Vice Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired)
- Victor Vescovo – Venture Capital Investor, Commander in the US Navy (Retired), and Deep Ocean Explorer
Webinar 2: Mining the depths, undermining development?
Date: Wednesday, May 20 at 9AM ET / 3PM CEST
View: Watch the recording of the briefing here.
What this briefing covered:
- The economic and social risks associated with deep-sea mining
- What deep-sea mining could mean for developing countries and resource-dependent economies
- Potential impacts on livelihoods, fisheries and ocean-dependent communities
- Whether deep-sea mining could undermine long-term sustainable development
- Why growing numbers of experts, governments, businesses and financial institutions are calling for a moratorium
Speakers:
- Dr. Maila Guilhon – Independent Consultant and Research Associate at the Ocean Voices Programme
- Manuel Schädler – German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
- David Willima – Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, Africa Regional Lead
- Daniel Sailer – Head of Sustainable Investment Office, Metzler Asset Management
- Jessica Battle – Lead for the No Deep-Sea Mining Initiative, WWF
Webinar 1: Ocean Governance at a Crossroads
Date: Wednesday, March 4 at 9AM ET / 3PM CET
View: Watch the recording of the briefing here.
What this briefing covered:
The threat of unilateral mining: What it means under international law, the risks it poses to multilateralism, and how governments are responding
Deep-sea mining and the new High Seas Treaty: Why mining is incompatible with the objectives of the BBNJ Agreement
What to expect at the March ISA Council meeting: The status of Mining Code negotiations, concerns around institutional neutrality, and key decisions facing governments
Why a moratorium is the responsible and stabilizing path forward
Speakers:
Samantha Robb – Ocean Vision Legal, Senior Associate, Litigation
David William – Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, Africa Regional Lead
Emma Wilson – Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, Policy Lead
Upcoming Webinars
Speakers and detailed agenda will be announced in advance of each briefing.
- September: Irreversible Loss or Leadership Opportunity? Biodiversity, climate risk and the political opportunity for governments to lead on ocean protection
- October: A Just Transition Without Deep-Sea Mining: Climate, critical minerals, equity and why deep-sea mining is a false solution