Global Deep Sea Consultation

In October 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron requested an international scientific consultation to synthesize the "scientific evidence concerning the serious risks that the international community would take by allowing the exploitation of the deep sea."

In response, Bruno David together with Towards IPOS created an international scientific committee to compile expert advice and recommendations from deep-sea scientists and a large range of knowledge holders from around the globe. Our committee is co-chaired by Elva Escobar-Briones (Mexico 🇲🇽) & Ricardo Serrão Santos (Portugal 🇵🇹) and coordinated by Kelsey Archer Barnhill.

Our scientific committee members were selected to represent diverse genders and geographical backgrounds, providing expertise in both natural and social sciences within the fields of deep-sea research, ocean governance, mineral resources, environmental economics, ecosystem management, and oceanography. Our international and transdisciplinary approach aims to deliver inclusive and comprehensive insights to bridge the science-policy interface within the deep-sea mining debate.

This ongoing consultation is currently working on two main outputs:

1. A brief position statement backed with signatures

2. An expert question and answer booklet

Through compiling expert advice, insight, and recommendations from experts across disciplines and geographies, this Towards IPOS pilot project will produce scientifically credible, contextually relevant, and globally resonant recommendations.

Image by Ivan Hurzeler and DEEP SEARCH 2019 - BOEM, USGS, NOAA, ROV Jason, ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution