Protecting the Deep Sea

The Deep Sea: A Fragile Frontier at Risk

The deep sea covers 90% of Earth’s biosphere, teeming with life and playing from hydrothermal vents and deep-sea trenches to towering seamounts and vibrant microbial communities. Many of these species are unknown to science, existing in habitats that play a vital role in climate regulation, nutrient cycling, and carbon storage. It also holds deep cultural significance, preserving ancient shipwrecks, sacred sites, and the histories of Indigenous Peoples and coastal communities.

But this fragile frontier faces an immediate threat: deep-sea mining. The rush to exploit rare metals risks destroying marine life, disrupting ecosystems, and erasing cultural heritage before we even understand what’s at stake.

At RISE UP, we’re working to stop deep-sea mining before it begins. We push for strong global protections, and call on governments to halt mining approvals. Our goal is clear: safeguard the deep sea for the future of all humankind.

Watch Defend The Deep

Defend The Deep exposes the urgent threat of deep-sea mining and its devastating impact on our planet. This powerful documentary takes viewers beneath the surface to reveal the dangers of industrial exploitation and the fight to protect one of Earth’s last untouched frontiers.

Watch Now and take action!

Deep-Sea Mining: A Fight We Can’t Afford to Lose

At RISE UP, we believe that protecting the deep ocean is non-negotiable. The rush to mine the seabed threatens one of our planet’s last untouched frontiers, putting fragile ecosystems, cultural heritage, and livelihoods at risk. That’s why calling for a moratorium on deep-sea mining is one of our top priority campaigns.This effort aligns with our commitment to the Blue Call to Action by pushing governments to:

  • 🚨 Act Now: Governments stop deep-sea mining before it starts!
  • Protect Deep-Sea Life: Safeguard vulnerable species from irreversible damage.
  • Restore and Conserve: Defend critical habitats essential for ocean resilience.
  • Champion Sustainable Management: Put ocean health and community rights before corporate greed.

Watch the full recording of our webinar “The Deep Debate” bringing together global experts, scientists, policymakers, and community leaders to confront the urgent threat of deep-sea mining. 

This timely conversation explores how knowledge, lived experience, and international collaboration can protect one of our planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems, the deep sea.

The Clock is Ticking

The deep seabed is the common heritage of humankind, but its fate is hanging by a thread. As some countries and corporations push to rush exploitation regulations, the process at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is spiraling into chaos. Critical voices are being drowned out, and urgent questions about environmental protection, cultural heritage, and fairness are left unanswered. We need more time, clarity, and real dialogue before irreversible decisions are made.

We’re at a crossroads: protect and preserve or plunder and pollute. RISE UP is fighting to ensure deep-sea mining never begins—because the health of our ocean, our planet, and future generations is worth more than short-term profits.

🚨 Join us in the fight to defend the deep!

Take Action: Defend the Deep

The deep ocean is at risk, and your voice can make a difference. Here’s how you can join the fight to protect one of Earth’s last untouched frontiers:

🌊 Call for a Moratorium 

Visit defendthedeep.org to urge your government to support a global moratorium on deep-sea mining. Every action counts.

✍️  Sign Our Collective Statement 

Stand with us by signing our statement calling for a Moratorium against deep-sea mining.

📢 Share Your Voice

Make your voice heard and help us show the growing global demand for protection. Send the downloadable statement to your governments and leaders.

🌎 Be a Deep Sea Defender

Let the world know you stand against deep-sea mining and are fighting to preserve our ocean’s last wild frontier by sharing our toolkit.

📺 Watch the latest webinar highlighting Caribbean leadership in deep-sea protection and the role of the BBNJ Agreement in shaping ocean governance in the region

This webinar explores integrated ocean management and calls for a coordinated Caribbean stance on a precautionary moratorium on deep-sea mining ahead of the International Seabed Authority meeting in Jamaica in March 2026. Please complete the post-webinar survey here.

Explore Additional Resources

The deep sea is our planet’s last frontier. We need your support to protect it before it’s too late. Add your voice, share our message and help secure a global moratorium on deep-sea mining.