A coalition of European fisheries advisory councils has strongly endorsed a proposed ban on deep-sea mining, raising concerns over the potential environmental and economic risks of the practice. 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 collectively called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining activities until more reliable evidence is available to assess the potential damage to marine ecosystems.
The councils pointed out that current scientific understanding of deep-sea ecosystems is insufficient, with many uncertainties about the long-term impacts of mining on marine biodiversity. “The potential risks associated with deep-sea mining are not well understood,” the recommendation stated. “Until it can be proven that no harm will be done to marine life or ecosystems, a ban or moratorium on exploitation of deep-sea minerals should be put in place.”
This statement echoes concerns raised in a 2021 opinion, which similarly highlighted the lack of conclusive data regarding the environmental effects of deep-sea mining. The advisory councils also noted that many scientists remain opposed to the practice due to its potential risks to marine habitats.
The push for a ban has gained traction beyond Europe. In the United States, lawmakers have introduced legislation calling for a temporary ban on deep-sea mining until further research can be conducted. Several prominent sustainable seafood organizations, including the Global Tuna Alliance, Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch and the Sustainable Seafood Coalition, have backed this legislative effort.
The advisory councils’ call for a ban follows the publication of a report commissioned by the European Commission, often referred to as the Draghi report, which acknowledged the potential economic value of deep-sea mining. The report pointed to the large reserves of critical minerals on the seabed, including copper, titanium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, and other rare elements, suggesting that these resources could play a key role in Europe’s energy transition.
However, this suggestion has sparked strong criticism from environmental and fisheries groups. Both the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) commended the advisory councils for supporting a prohibition on deep-sea mining.
EJF CEO Steve Trent emphasized that protecting the ocean is far more valuable than exploiting its resources. “The science couldn’t be clearer: A stop to deep-sea mining is essential to avoid irreversible damage to precious ecosystems,” he said. “The LDAC’s strong stance is a powerful signal to nations, including Norway, to heed the warning and protect our oceans.”
Matt Gianni, co-founder of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, echoed these sentiments, stressing that the fishing industry is increasingly recognizing the threat posed by deep-sea mining to marine life and fisheries. “As pro-mining companies and countries push to fast-track this industry, it’s crucial that fishers make it clear that the risks to fisheries and marine ecosystems are very real,” Gianni said. “The International Seabed Authority must not greenlight this industry without a full understanding of its impact.”
As deep-sea mining operations gain momentum globally, the call for a ban from European fisheries bodies highlights the growing conflict between economic interests in resource extraction and the urgent need to preserve vulnerable marine environments. The debate is likely to intensify in the coming years as the world grapples with balancing the demand for minerals essential for the green energy transition with the responsibility to protect marine ecosystems for future generations.
