#deep-sea-mining

#deep-sea-mining

The first-ever treaty to protect marine diversity in international waters will come into force early next year, after it was ratified by the 60th nation, Morocco. Morocco's formal adoption of the Marine Biodiversity Treaty on Friday means the agreement will now enter into force on January 17, 2026, offering new protections to an area covering two-thirds of the world's oceans and as many as 10 million different species, many of which are still unidentified.

Governments have yet to rise to the moment. They remain disconnected from global concerns and the pressing need for courageous leadership to protect the deep ocean.

Trump's directive allows NOAA to expedite commercial deep sea mining permits, raising concerns about bypassing established international regulations and destabilizing ocean governance.

French President Emmanuel Macron criticized Trump's executive order on deep-sea mining as potentially violating global treaties, underscoring the tensions at the Oceans Conference in Nice.

"Critical minerals are fundamental to strengthening our nation's resilience and safeguarding our national interests," Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said. "By providing opportunities to responsibly access deep-sea mineral resources, we are supporting both American economic growth and national security."