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Experimental seabed mining could soon begin in the Pacific Ocean despite the risks of an environmental catastrophe and the fact it is not a sustainable development option for indigenous peoples.

Civil society groups across the Pacific are calling on Pacific leaders to slow down on this dangerous and untried new industry - but we need YOUR support for the petition (petition set up by Pacific Network on Globalisation)

The petition is also now hosted at Avaaz.org, please sign and share!

SIGN THE PETITION asking the UN International Seabed Authority to Delay Mining in Deep Sea Vents

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Volcanic vents in the ocean form unique habitats, each containing life forms found nowhere else on earth. Every time one is investigated, new species are found, about which we know almost nothing.

Unfortunately, many of these unknown ecosystems lie over rich mineral deposits. Countries and corporations are eager to get their hands on metals such as copper, before scientists even know anything about the ecosystem.

The Dragon Vent in the Indian Ocean is one such habitat. Remote controlled submarines have already found a new species of yeti crab, sea cucumbers and snails. However, the UN International Seabed Authority has issued the go ahead for China to begin exploratory mining there, before marine biologists have a basic knowledge of the habitat.

Short-term greed should not be allowed to destroy ecosystems before we even know what we are destroying. Tell the UN to delay mining in unknown deep sea habitats until we at least know what effect it will have.