Four prominent EU Fisheries Advisory Councils call for caution on deep-sea mining citing risks to fisheries and marine ecosystems
In a recent statement, four prominent EU fisheries advisory councils—LDAC (Long Distance Fisheries), NWWAC (North Western Waters), PELAC (Pelagic Species), and SWWAC (South Western Waters)—issued a united call for the EU to halt deep-sea mining (DSM) activities until further scientific evidence confirms that mining operations will not irreparably damage marine ecosystems or harm fisheries-dependent communities.
This statement comes as a response to recommendations in the Draghi Report on the “Future of European Competitiveness,” which endorses a “cautious exploration” of DSM to secure minerals essential for Europe’s green transition.
Concerns over Environmental and Economic Impact
While the councils recognise the need for sustainable resources to advance green initiatives, they voice strong concerns about DSM’s potential to disrupt vital ecosystems. They highlight sediment plumes, noise pollution, and vessel discharge as immediate threats to species such as migratory tuna, and they warn that these activities could alter entire marine food webs. The councils referenced recent Pacific studies underscoring these risks and cite a growing body of research that challenges the premise of DSM as essential to climate goals.
A Call for a Moratorium and Precautionary Principle
The advisory councils reiterated their stance on applying the precautionary principle, urging that no DSM activities commence until a thorough environmental assessment proves their safety. This recommendation follows a similar stance taken by the EU Commission, which advocates a DSM moratorium in the absence of sufficient scientific evidence to prevent harmful impacts. European institutions like the European Academies Science Advisory Council and members of the EU Parliament have also expressed reservations regarding DSM’s potential damage to marine ecosystems and its necessity in achieving sustainability goals.
Global Pushback Against Deep-Sea Mining
Echoing this call for caution, entities worldwide, including 11 EU member states, indigenous communities, and large corporations, have voiced opposition to DSM. Major industries are increasingly committing to exclude deep-sea minerals from their supply chains, and public petitions have garnered millions of signatures opposing DSM. The councils encourage EU Member States to take heed of these global concerns and to focus instead on circular economy strategies and material reuse as sustainable alternatives.
Recommendations for the EU
The councils concluded with a series of recommendations, urging EU Member States to delay DSM initiatives, embrace circular economy principles, and explore alternatives to deep-sea minerals. This coordinated advisory reflects a strong stance within the fisheries sector on prioritising the protection of marine ecosystems and sustaining the fisheries industry against unproven and potentially destructive practices.