Voices calling for a moratorium

More than 940 leading marine science and policy experts from over 70 countries have voiced their concerns about deep-sea mining. Many are calling for a moratorium to allow time to gather more scientific information on deep-sea biodiversity and ecosystems.

Scientists argue that society’s lack of understanding of the deep ocean makes it impossible to properly assess the potential impacts of mining and to establish adequate safeguards. They are concerned that mining would irreversibly destroy seafloor ecosystems and create plumes of sediment that could obstruct the breathing systems of marine animals, release toxic metals and cause harmful noise, vibration and light pollution. They also warn that strip-mining the deep would impact carbon sequestration dynamics and deep-ocean carbon storage in ways that we cannot yet fully comprehend.

If you are a scientist and would like to add your name to the growing list speaking out against deep-sea mining, click here.