Greenpeace Nordic and Greenpeace Germany have begun an Arctic expedition as the Norwegian government advances plans to open Arctic waters to deep-sea mining. The group is travelling with scientists and campaigners to assess potential effects on whale and dolphin species in the Norwegian Sea. The mission is focused on species that could be affected by deep-sea industrial activity.
Expedition plan and cetacean survey methods
The Arctic region is described by the organisers as increasingly threatened by pollution and climate change. The targeted mining area includes underwater mountains and deep-sea ridges, identified as habitats used by whales and other species for foraging and migrating. During the expedition, scientists aboard the Greenpeace ship Witness will carry out visual-acoustic surveys of cetacean populations and behaviours. The work will focus on globally threatened species.
Dr. Kirsten Young of Greenpeace Research Laboratories at the University of Exeter is onboard the SY Witness. She said whales and dolphins inhabit and feed in deep-sea zones that Norway is opening for mining. According to her statement, the animals are sensitive to industrial noise and activities, and the expedition aims to collect data that complements ongoing research.
Norwegian deep-sea mining proposals
The Norwegian mining plans described by Greenpeace include extracting mineral-rich crust from seamounts, which are underwater mountains formed over millions of years. The plans also include mining hydrothermal vents, which are described as crucial deep-sea habitats. Critics cited in the material argue that these activities could threaten ancient ecosystems. They also say the impacts could be irreversible.
The proposal has drawn international criticism, with more than 800 ocean scientists calling for a halt to deep-sea mining. Haldis Tjeldflaat Helle, a Greenpeace Nordic political campaigner onboard the SY Witness, said destructive mining is being proposed for the Arctic seabed. She added that she believes warnings from scientists are being disregarded and that fragile ecosystems could be put at risk.
Energy transition debate and related Pacific concerns
Greenpeace says claims that deep-sea mining is needed for the energy transition have been met with increasing environmental concerns. The material also points to recognition of significant data gaps as a factor behind a surge in government rejections of such mining. It further notes research suggesting polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a major Pacific mining target, may play a role in deep-sea oxygen production.
Franziska Saalmann, a marine biologist and Greenpeace Germany oceans campaigner, said that learning about deep-sea mining has made it less justifiable. The statement was included alongside references to environmental concerns and data gaps cited by Greenpeace.
Route from Jan Mayen to Svalbard
Before departure, Greenpeace activists projected a message urging Norway to “Stop Deep Sea Mining” on a cliff in the Lysefjord near Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen). The expedition will navigate from Jan Mayen Island through international waters to Svalbard. It is scheduled to conclude in mid-August after nearly 20 days at sea.