Oceana Condemns Executive Order to Fast-Track Deep-Sea Mining
Press Release Date: April 24, 2025
Location: Washington, D.C.
Contact:
Cory Gunkel, Gillian Spolarich | email: cgunkel@oceana.org, gspolarich@oceana.org | tel: Cory Gunkel, Gillian Spolarich
President Trump issued an executive order today fast-tracking approvals for deep-sea mining. The order ignores the International Seabed Authority’s ongoing process to develop safeguards for deep-sea mining in international waters.
Instead, the order directs U.S. officials to develop an expedited process for issuing permits for exploration and development of seabed minerals in international waters and the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf under U.S. laws.
“This is a clear case of putting mining companies’ greed over common sense. Any attempt to accelerate deep-sea mining without proper safeguards will only speed up the destruction of our oceans,” said Dr. Katie Matthews, Oceana Chief Scientist and Senior Vice President. “Mining the seafloor can cause irreparable harm to delicate ecosystems, which themselves are vital to ocean economies. Seafood trade groups, biodiversity experts, and major corporations have all voiced support for a deep-sea mining moratorium. By spurning the international process, the U.S. also weakens its ability to demand cooperation and compliance from other nations in issues like illegal fishing. We should be protecting, not undermining, the health of our oceans.”
To learn more about the threats of deep-sea mining, click here.