A coalition of European fisheries advisory councils has endorsed a proposed ban on deep-sea mining, citing a lack of evidence that the practice won’t harm marine life and ecosystems.
In a joint recommendation, the Long Distance Fisheries Advisory Council (LDAC), the North Western Waters Advisory Council, the Pelagic Species Advisory Council, and the South Western Waters Advisory Council said “the current understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and the potential risks associated with [deep-sea mining] is not well-developed yet.”
“We have significant concerns about both the environmental and the socioeconomic risks associated with [deep-sea mining],” the recommendation stated. “Unless it can be proven that no marine biodiversity loss nor degradation of marine ecosystems are the result of these activities, a moratorium or total prohibition on exploitation of deep-sea minerals should be implemented.”
The groups’ statement reiterates many of the views expressed in a 2021 opinion, which similarly pointed to the lack of reliable data on how deep-sea mining would impact marine life. The advisory councils also point to the opposition of many scientists to the practice.
U.S. lawmakers have also proposed a temporary ban on deep-sea mining until more research is completed. Sustainable seafood groups, including the Global Tuna Alliance, Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch, and the Sustainable Seafood Coalition, have endorsed the legislation.
The advisory councils’ joint recommendation follows the release of a report commissioned by the European Commission – referred to publicly as the Draghi report – that mentioned the potential value of deep-sea mining.
“The E.U. should also carefully explore the potential of environmentally sustainable deep-sea mining: Estimates suggest that the seabed holds large multiples of known land-based reserves, such as copper, titanium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, and rare elements,” the report stated.
The suggestion has been heavily criticized by conservation groups and fisheries bodies. Both the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) praised the advisory councils for backing a prohibition on deep-sea mining.
“Our ocean is worth more protected than plundered. LDAC's strong stance is a powerful signal that Norway and nations around the world should listen to. The science couldn't be clearer: A stop to deep-sea mining is essential to avoid irreversible damage to precious ecosystems that communities have nurtured for centuries,” EJF CEO and founder Steve Trent said in a statement.
