Greenpeace International launches a new report on the serious impacts deep sea mining could have on our oceans. Greenpeace ‘demands that no seabed mining applications are granted, and that no exploration or exploitation takes place, unless and until the full range of marine habitats, biodiversity and ecosystem functions are adequately protected.’
“Deep seabed mining could have serious impacts on the ocean environment and the future livelihoods and wellbeing of coastal communities … We cannot in good conscience stand by and allow that to happen.” – Alicia Craw, Greenpeace International oceans campaigner. … read more …
Download Greenpeace Report: Deep Seabed Mining An urgent wake-up call to protect our oceans
“In order to assess the level of risk that human and ecological communities will face from DSM operations, it is essential to know the oceanographic characteristics of any particular site and the properties of the metals that will be dispersed there. Of particular concern is whether upwelling and currents could carry pollutants up out of the deep sea or from spills and leakages into marine food chains. In addition, we know virtually nothing about the chemical forms of the metals that will be released by DSM operations and the extent to which they will find their way into marine species and the seafood eaten by local communities.”
– Dr Helen Rosenbaum, Co-ordinator of Deep Sea Mining Campaign
“We are deeply concerned and call for an immediate moratorium. The people of the Pacific have a right to determine for themselves what they want done on the ocean floor and they must be allowed to speak. The Pacific Conference of Churches were unequivocal that no further action should be taken by regional governments until there is empirical evidence on the effect that deep sea mining and exploration will have.”
– Pacific Council of Churches, General Secretary Reverend Francois Pihaatae
