The Case for a Precautionary Pause on Deep-Sea Mining
In a time when the US Government is pushing for accelerated offshore mining and the opening of new opportunities for mineral extraction, a new reflection paper co-authored by PML Honorary Fellow Torsten Thiele is urging the International Seabed Authority to declare a moratorium or precautionary pause on such activities.
The paper, titled “Delivering Benefits to Humankind: Opportunities for the International Seabed Authority under a Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium,” published by the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC), delves into the critical opportunities that could arise under a moratorium or precautionary pause on deep-sea mining.
Chapter Four of the paper, “Economics of a Deep-Sea Mining Moratorium,” was co-authored by Torsten Thiele and Ussif Rashid Sumaila, Professor of Ocean and Fisheries Economics at the University of British Columbia.
According to Torsten Thiele, Founder of The Global Ocean Trust, “The value of deep-sea floor ecosystems is immense. The ISA has a crucial role in safeguarding this blue natural capital and managing exploration.”
Professor Kerry Howell, a Deep-Sea Ecology expert at PML, emphasizes the importance of managing the deep ocean with sensitivity. She mentions, “New technologies are providing us with a greater understanding of the deep ocean, but there is still much to be discovered and understood. The deep ocean plays a vital role in our planet’s climate system, supporting unique habitats and species while acting as a carbon sink. It is crucial that these regions are managed thoughtfully as there is a lot at stake.”
As discussions around deep-sea mining continue to gain momentum, the call for a precautionary pause on such activities becomes increasingly relevant. With experts like Torsten Thiele and Kerry Howell advocating for the protection of deep-sea ecosystems, it is vital for the International Seabed Authority to consider the long-term implications of deep-sea mining and the importance of sustainable management practices.