Stop The Global Theft Of Our Ocean’s Health And Future Now
Final signature count: 369
369 signatures toward our 30,000 goal
Sponsor: Free The Ocean
The U.S. fast-tracking deep-sea mining could destroy fragile marine ecosystems forever—this is our chance to fight back and protect the ocean before it’s too late. Sign the petition to stop this disaster.

Our oceans are under threat. The deep sea, home to countless species and critical ecosystems, is being targeted by an industry that could destroy it forever. Deep-sea mining, which extracts valuable minerals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese, is gaining momentum, driven by global demand for these materials in products ranging from electric vehicle batteries to smartphones. But the environmental costs are staggering.
The ocean floor, where these minerals are found, is home to fragile ecosystems that have taken millions of years to form. If we allow this mining to proceed, we risk permanently damaging marine life and habitats that are essential to the health of our oceans and the entire planet.
The Impact of Deep-Sea Mining
Deep-sea mining involves using heavy machinery to scrape and collect mineral-rich nodules from the ocean floor, which can cause significant damage to the ecosystem. These minerals, which accumulate in the deep sea over millions of years, are home to unique and vulnerable species. Mining activities could destroy habitats, release harmful toxins, and create sediment plumes that smother marine organisms. Once these ecosystems are destroyed, they cannot be rebuilt.
The Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean, where vast deposits of these minerals are found, is particularly at risk. This area, located thousands of miles from shore, is home to unique species and critical habitats that are poorly understood. Many of these species rely on the nodules for food and shelter. Destroying these habitats would cause the loss of marine species that we have barely begun to study. What’s more, the deep ocean plays a critical role in the global carbon cycle, helping to regulate our planet’s temperature.
If these ecosystems are disrupted, the effects could ripple throughout the environment, impacting life on Earth in ways we cannot predict. Environmental groups are calling for an immediate halt to deep-sea mining, warning that the long-term environmental damage could be catastrophic1.
The Global Response to Deep-Sea Mining
While the U.S. government has moved forward with plans to exploit these resources, many countries and environmental organizations are calling for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining. International negotiations on deep-sea mining regulations have stalled, with the International Seabed Authority struggling to establish a clear framework for the industry2.
We need urgent action to prevent the destruction of our oceans.
The United States, however, is moving forward with plans to issue permits for mining operations in international waters. This could set a dangerous precedent for other nations to follow, potentially opening the floodgates for large-scale deep-sea mining worldwide. This could lead to global competition for seabed minerals, intensifying geopolitical tensions and further escalating the environmental risk3.
Why We Must Act
The time to act is now. If deep-sea mining proceeds unchecked, we risk losing some of the most vital ecosystems on Earth. The deep ocean is not only home to a diverse array of life but plays a critical role in regulating the climate, absorbing carbon, and supporting food chains that millions of people rely on. We cannot afford to let short-term economic gains outweigh the long-term health of our oceans.
By signing the petition to ban deep-sea mining, you are joining a movement to protect the most vulnerable ecosystems on our planet. Your voice matters. Together, we can push for a ban on this destructive practice and ensure that our oceans remain healthy and resilient for generations to come.
Sign the Petition
We are calling on the EPA, NOAA, and the Department of the Interior to take immediate action to ban deep-sea mining. The future of our oceans depends on it. Add your name today to help protect marine life and ensure a sustainable future for all.
Sign the petition now!