The International Seabed Authority (ISA) negotiations end today with deep sea mining companies failing to get an immediate green light to start plundering the oceans. Opposition to deep sea mining within the ISA is mounting, with more than 20 governments calling for a pause.

UK Projections against Deep Sea Mining
A Portrait of Solomon “Uncle Sol” Pili Kahoʻohalahala is projected on the White Cliffs of Dover. He is a seventh-generation indigenous native Hawaiian descendant, kupaʻāina, from the small Hawaiian island of Lānaʻi. He is the current native Hawaiian Elder of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Reserve Advisory Council and Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group.

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) negotiations end today with deep sea mining companies failing to get an immediate green light to start plundering the oceans. Opposition to deep sea mining within the ISA is mounting, with more than 20 governments calling for a pause.

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A Portrait of Solomon “Uncle Sol” Pili Kahoʻohalahala is projected on the White Cliffs of Dover. He is a seventh-generation indigenous native Hawaiian descendant, kupaʻāina, from the small Hawaiian island of Lānaʻi. He is the current native Hawaiian Elder of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Reserve Advisory Council and Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Local Groups in London take part in a global day of action against Deep Sea Mining. They create a human banner in shape of a jellyfish.The purpose of this is to show Governments across the globe that people are not only aware of what deep sea mining is, but also don’t want to see it happen.|Greenpeace volunteers in Aldeburgh take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Belfast take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Belfast take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Belfast take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers formed a giant fish as part of their participation on the Global Day of Action against Deep Sea Mining at the annual Swiss Greencamp.
Greenpeace-Freiwillige formten am jährlichen Schweizer Greencamp einen riesigen Fisch. Mit diesem menschlichen Banner beteiligten sich die Freiwilligen am globalen Aktionstag gegen den Tiefseebergbau.|Greenpeace volunteers formed a giant fish as part of their participation on the Global Day of Action against Deep Sea Mining at the annual Swiss Greencamp.
Greenpeace-Freiwillige formten am jährlichen Schweizer Greencamp einen riesigen Fisch. Mit diesem menschlichen Banner beteiligten sich die Freiwilligen am globalen Aktionstag gegen den Tiefseebergbau.|Greenpeace volunteers formed a giant fish as part of their participation on the Global Day of Action against Deep Sea Mining at the annual Swiss Greencamp.
Greenpeace-Freiwillige formten am jährlichen Schweizer Greencamp einen riesigen Fisch. Mit diesem menschlichen Banner beteiligten sich die Freiwilligen am globalen Aktionstag gegen den Tiefseebergbau.|Greenpeace volunteers formed a giant fish as part of their participation on the Global Day of Action against Deep Sea Mining at the annual Swiss Greencamp.
Greenpeace-Freiwillige formten am jährlichen Schweizer Greencamp einen riesigen Fisch. Mit diesem menschlichen Banner beteiligten sich die Freiwilligen am globalen Aktionstag gegen den Tiefseebergbau.|Greenpeace volunteers formed a giant fish as part of their participation on the Global Day of Action against Deep Sea Mining at the annual Swiss Greencamp.
Greenpeace-Freiwillige formten am jährlichen Schweizer Greencamp einen riesigen Fisch. Mit diesem menschlichen Banner beteiligten sich die Freiwilligen am globalen Aktionstag gegen den Tiefseebergbau.|Greenpeace volunteers formed a giant fish as part of their participation on the Global Day of Action against Deep Sea Mining at the annual Swiss Greencamp.
Greenpeace-Freiwillige formten am jährlichen Schweizer Greencamp einen riesigen Fisch. Mit diesem menschlichen Banner beteiligten sich die Freiwilligen am globalen Aktionstag gegen den Tiefseebergbau.|Greenpeace volunteers in Penzance on Marazion Beach at Michael’s Mount Causeway
Crosby Beach take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Penzance on Marazion Beach at Michael’s Mount Causeway
Crosby Beach take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Penzance on Marazion Beach at Michael’s Mount Causeway
Crosby Beach take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Penzance on Marazion Beach at Michael’s Mount Causeway
Crosby Beach take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Penzance on Marazion Beach at Michael’s Mount Causeway
Crosby Beach take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Penzance on Marazion Beach at Michael’s Mount Causeway
Crosby Beach take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Penzance on Marazion Beach at Michael’s Mount Causeway
Crosby Beach take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Penzance on Marazion Beach at Michael’s Mount Causeway
Crosby Beach take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Penzance on Marazion Beach at Michael’s Mount Causeway
Crosby Beach take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Penzance on Marazion Beach at Michael’s Mount Causeway
Crosby Beach take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Penzance on Marazion Beach at Michael’s Mount Causeway
Crosby Beach take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Penzance on Marazion Beach at Michael’s Mount Causeway
Crosby Beach take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Penzance on Marazion Beach at Michael’s Mount Causeway
Crosby Beach take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.|Greenpeace volunteers in Penzance on Marazion Beach at Michael’s Mount Causeway
Crosby Beach take part in a nationwide protest calling for the UK Government to vote against Deep Sea Mining at the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. They create a human banner in the shape of deep sea creatures. Vast areas of the deep ocean floor – one of the last untouched ecosystems on earth – would be stripped bare by deep sea mining, causing irreversible damage to marine life.

Kingston, Jamaica, 28 July 2023 — The International Seabed Authority (ISA) negotiations end today with deep sea mining companies failing to get an immediate green light to start plundering the oceans. Opposition to deep sea mining within the ISA is mounting, with more than 20 governments calling for a pause.

“The deep sea mining industry was getting ready to plunge its mechanical teeth into the ocean floor, but their bet backfired as they have seriously underestimated the importance of science and equity over a merely speculative and profit-driven venture. The cracks are appearing in what has to date been a fortress for industry interests as a result of increasing public awareness and mobilization. It’s clear that most governments do not want their legacy to be green lighting ocean destruction”, said Greenpeace International Oceans campaigner Louisa Casson.

The decisions adopted by the ISA Council on 21 July effectively mean that a majority of countries — including Brazil, Costa Rica, Chile, Vanuatu, Germany, and Switzerland — did not yield to pressure from the industry — supported by nations such as Norway, Nauru, and Mexico — to fast-track rules for deep sea mining. Industry frontrunner The Metals Company saw its share price plummet as markets reacted to the news.[1]  However, the ISA still failed to close a legal loophole for companies to start mining next year.

At the ISA Assembly this week, pro-mining nations reacted by attempting to silence the growing resistance to deep sea mining in the very place it’s up for negotiation: As of Friday morning, China is still opposing a proposal from Latin American, Pacific, and European governments to make space for debate. Such attempts at restricting opposition to deep sea mining went beyond the negotiating table, as the ISA Secretariat, frequently accused of being too close to the industry, restricted journalists and clamped down on peaceful protest during the meetings.

“Investors looking at what happened in the past week will only see a desperate industry trying to maintain the illusion it has any future. If deep sea mining was truly as sustainable as miners claim and their hearts were truly invested in helping the climate crisis, why block dissent? It’s become clear during these weeks that irresponsibly pressing ahead to mine the deep sea in the middle of a climate crisis is not only reckless but politically toxic. The world is fighting back against deep sea mining – there’s a big fight ahead, but the fight is on,” Casson continued.

The world is waking up to the significance of the threat from deep sea mining. The calls of Indigenous Peoples are being joined by people across the world: 37 financial institutions, over 750 scientists, and the fishing industry have also called for a halt.

“In the Pacific, the ocean is dear to us. It informs our lives and who we are as a people. The specter of deep-sea mining raises many concerns that remind us of the legacies our region has felt from other colonial extractive industries and the barbarous nuclear testing era. We call on world leaders to be better stewards of our ocean by joining the call for a moratorium,” said Joey Tau, Campaigner with the Pacific Network on Globalization (PANG) based in Suva, Fiji.

The Greenpeace network believes that the way to stop this industry is through a moratorium that focuses on putting protection in place, and that requires more governments to speak up to safeguard the ocean.

ENDS

Notes:

[1] $TMC traded at $2.85 USD on 11 July, had dropped to $1.82 USD by Friday 21 July and following the ISA Council.

Photos: 

https://media.greenpeace.org/collection/27MZIFJL0L496

https://media.greenpeace.org/shoot/27MZIFJL41VYP

Contacts:

 Tanya Brooks, Senior Communications Specialist at Greenpeace USA (+1) 703-342-9226, [email protected]

Sol Gosetti, Global Media Coordinator for the Stop Deep Sea Mining campaign, Greenpeace International: [email protected], +44 (0) 07807352020 WhatsApp +44 (0) 7380845754
Greenpeace International Press Desk: [email protected], +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours)