Deep Sea Mining

June 6, 2025 Resolutions

Resolution 2025-02

WHEREAS, deep-sea mining is the process of extracting valuable metals and minerals from the ocean floor. The minerals are found in nodules, crusts, and sulphides. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) was established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to manage and control the development of all mineral resources on the seabed of the high seas. The ISA has the authority to approve exploration and exploitation permits for deep-sea mining; and

WHEREAS, the deep sea is crucial in climate regulation and carbon sequestration and is a critical component of fisheries production and ecosystem health. In 2023, a study by the UK’s Natural History Museum found that there are potentially thousands of yet-identified species in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone alone. In 2024, researchers discovered that the deep seabed produces oxygen which marine life depends upon. Because each hydrothermal vent has a unique chemical composition, most species are thought to be endemic and specific to each location. The likelihood of eradicating species and communities that have yet to even be discovered or understood via mining activities is very high; and

WHEREAS, proponents of deep-sea mining argue that the minerals found in the polymetallic nodules, hydrothermal vents, and metal-rich crusts on the seabed (copper, nickel, and cobalt) are necessary for the clean energy transition. In 2023, NWF passed a resolution outlining the importance of resource conservation practices that reduce the need for extraction, urging industry to “adopt best practices guided by the best available science to help mitigate environmental, social, and economic harm from critical materials extraction and processing”; and

WHEREAS, the deep sea holds cultural significance for Native Hawaiians and other Indigenous Pacific Islanders. Solomon Kahoʻohalahala, a Native Hawaiian elder, former HI state legislator, and representative at the IUCN and ISA shares: “The Kumulipo (Hawaiian creation chant) tells us we come from the deep ocean and [about] the creation of our eldest ancestor, Uku Koʻakoʻa (the coral polyp). This is our moʻokūʻauhau (genealogy). This is our understanding of who we are and where we come from.” The impact of deep-sea mining threatens not only the food security of Indigenous tribes but also their cultural practices and sovereignty; and

WHEREAS, Native Hawaiians utilize the oceans as a primary food source, traditionally consuming fish as their primary protein source, and seaweed as a major accompaniment, making these two sources ranked as the second and third major components of their diets; and

WHEREAS, NWF, during its Annual Meeting in 2024, passed a resolution committing to enacting principles of Free, Prior, and informed Consent (FPIC), as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The pursuit of deep-sea resources often occurs without the FPIC of Indigenous peoples, undermining their sovereignty and jeopardizing their right to self-determination; and

WHEREAS, the National Wildlife Federation, during its Annual Meeting in 2023, passed a resolution calling for the designation of the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument as a national sanctuary to safeguard marine life. Many deep-sea mining permits being granted are in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, which is adjacent to the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, jeopardizing the health of the monument.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at its annual meeting assembled June 3-6, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, hereby calls on the International Seabed Authority and the United States government to enact a precautionary pause or moratorium on deep-seabed mining internationally and domestically, halting the approval of all further exploration and exploitation permits for deep-seabed mining until:

  1. The environmental and socio-economic risks are comprehensively understood;
  2. Deep seabed mining practices are responsibly managed to ensure effective protection of the marine and terrestrial environment to prevent loss of biodiversity;
  3. There is a framework in place to respect and uphold the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent of Tribal and Indigenous peoples;
  4. There is consideration of alternatives to deep-sea minerals and metals, including reduction of demand for primary metals, the development of a resource efficient, closed-loop materials circular economy; and
  5. Public consultation and comment opportunities are part of the regulatory and oversight processes to allow for broad and informed public review to help ensure accountability, inclusivity, and environmentally responsible decision-making.

 
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation urges all industries and governments to prioritize the use of responsibly mined or recycled critical minerals to begin building a circular economy as outlined in the policy recommendations in NWF’s “Critical Minerals for Clean Energy Reference” guide.