Joint recommendation from European fisheries advisory councils
A coalition of European fisheries advisory councils has endorsed a proposed ban on deep-sea mining, citing concerns about environmental and economic risks. 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 issued a joint recommendation calling for a moratorium on deep-sea mining activities. The councils said the pause should remain in place until more reliable evidence is available to assess potential damage to marine ecosystems.
The recommendation highlights gaps in scientific understanding of deep-sea ecosystems. It points to uncertainties around long-term impacts of mining on marine biodiversity. The councils stated that the potential risks associated with deep-sea mining are not well understood. They also called for restrictions on exploitation of deep-sea minerals until harm to marine life or ecosystems can be ruled out.
Scientific uncertainty and reference to 2021 concerns
The councils’ position aligns with concerns raised in a 2021 opinion about deep-sea mining’s environmental effects. That earlier view similarly pointed to a lack of conclusive data on impacts. The advisory councils also said many scientists remain opposed to deep-sea mining due to potential risks to marine habitats. The recommendation therefore links its call for a moratorium to the availability of evidence.
In the same context, the advisory councils framed their request as a precaution based on current knowledge limits. They argued that decisions should wait for more reliable assessment of effects on marine biodiversity and ecosystems. This approach was presented as necessary before any exploitation proceeds. The recommendation did not specify dates for when new evidence would be produced.
US legislative proposal and support from seafood organizations
Support for a ban has also appeared outside Europe, including in the United States. Lawmakers there have introduced legislation calling for a temporary ban on deep-sea mining until further research can be conducted. Several sustainable seafood organizations have backed the legislative effort, including the Global Tuna Alliance, Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch, and the Sustainable Seafood Coalition.
The US proposal is described as tied to research requirements rather than immediate authorization changes. It reflects similar emphasis on obtaining additional information before proceeding with deep-sea mining activities. The advisory councils’ call for a moratorium is presented alongside this legislative development. Both developments are connected to uncertainty over environmental impacts.
European Commission report and mineral reserves cited by proponents
The fisheries councils’ call follows publication of a report commissioned by the European Commission, commonly referred to as the Draghi report. The report acknowledged potential economic value associated with deep-sea mining. It pointed to large reserves of critical minerals on the seabed, including copper, titanium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, and other rare elements.
The report suggested these resources could support Europe’s energy transition. That framing has been met with criticism from environmental and fisheries groups. Among those responding were the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) and the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC). Both groups commended the advisory councils for supporting a prohibition on deep-sea mining.
Statements from EJF and DSCC figures
EJF CEO Steve Trent emphasized that ocean protection should take priority over resource exploitation. He said stopping deep-sea mining is essential to avoid irreversible damage to ecosystems and described the LDAC stance as a signal to nations including Norway. Trent’s comments were made in connection with the advisory councils’ recommendation.
Matt Gianni, co-founder of DSCC, also commented on the issue, saying fishers face risks tied to deep-sea mining impacts on marine life and fisheries. He argued that pro-mining companies and countries are pushing to fast-track the industry. Gianni said the International Seabed Authority must not greenlight deep-sea mining without full understanding of its impact. His remarks linked opposition to deeper assessment needs.
Regional policy debate as operations gain momentum globally
The advisory councils’ call is positioned within a broader global debate as deep-sea mining operations gain momentum. Environmental and fisheries groups have highlighted tensions between extraction interests and efforts to preserve vulnerable marine environments. The discussion is expected to intensify as demand grows for minerals associated with the green energy transition.
The issue is framed around balancing mineral demand with responsibilities related to protecting marine ecosystems for future generations. In that context, European fisheries bodies are among those pushing for restrictions until evidence improves. The recommendation’s central condition remains access to more reliable information about potential damage from mining activities.