JET renews call for moratorium on deep sea mining

Lobby group, the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), is renewing its call for a moratorium on deep sea mining.

The call comes against the background of recently-concluded discussions at Part II of the 29th Session of the International Seabed Authority in Kingston.

The talks were held from July 1 to 12.

JET notes that the deep sea, the largest ecosystem on the planet, makes up 90% of the marine environment, arguing that it mitigates the worst impacts of climate breakdown by absorbing greenhouse gases and excess heat produced by human activity.

It further argues that deep sea mining, as proposed by a few private entities as necessary for a green transition, poses significant threats.

“The science is clear: DSM [deep sea mining] will cause irreversible damage to the marine environment, regardless of a regulatory framework.

“It is not needed for a green transition and will only benefit a few corporations. Sponsoring states like Jamaica are not expected to benefit much due to the significant risks and economic uncertainties surrounding large-scale DSM,” charges JET.

The organisation's CEO Dr Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie says the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl across sections of the Caribbean highlights the need for urgent action in the midst of this climate emergency.

“Jamaica must demonstrate its leadership in the region by protecting our oceans, which are already under threat, not exploit them. We must not support a new, destructive, extractive industry that will likely worsen the climate crisis.”

JET says a moratorium would provide extended protection for marine ecosystems while allowing time to learn more about the deep sea and assess long-term potential impacts.

“If the dangerous gamble with DSM goes wrong, it risks triggering a domino effect of unintended consequences that could destabilise the ocean, cause species extinction and habitat destruction, and impact global food security. In the wake of Hurricane Beryl and amidst the escalating climate crisis, a moratorium on deep-sea mining is essential for the future well-being of our planet and our communities.”

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