SUPPORTING THE PROTECTION OF DEEP-OCEAN ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY

Deep-sea ecosystems (below 200 meters) are vital to the health of our planet. They regulate carbon storage, support global nutrient cycles, and provide habitat for countless species, many of which remain undiscovered. Despite their importance, these ecosystems are among the least studied on Earth, with major gaps in our scientific understanding. This uncertainty makes it impossible to reliably assess the risks of deep seabed mining, an exploitative industry that threatens to cause irreversible damage to these fragile environments. As the International Seabed Authority (ISA) considers regulations, there is growing concern that rushed, uninformed decisions will open the door to large-scale exploitation before the environmental impact is clear.