40 countries call for a ban on deep-sea mining. Nodule extraction, ISA, biodiversity: why divers should follow this debate.
In March 2026, while most of us were planning our next dive trip or adjusting the white balance on our compact cameras, diplomats from dozens of countries gathered in Kingston, Jamaica. The purpose of this meeting was not tourism. It concerned a decision about whether humanity would begin exploring the ocean floor to extract metals.
The governing council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) met from March 9th to 20th. And what they discussed affects us all, even those who never dive below 30 meters.
Imagine: dark brown potatoes, about the size of a fist, lying on deep-sea plains at depths of 4000 to 6000 meters. These polymetallic nodules are mineral formations that form over millions of years, layer by layer, around a core (often a piece of shell or a shark's tooth).
What makes them valuable is their composition. Manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper. Precisely the metals needed for the energy transition- to make batteries for electric cars, offshore wind turbines, and solar panels.
The most sought-after area is called the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, in the central Pacific. An area as large as Europe, scattered with these nodules, at depths where sunlight never reaches.
Those who want to allow extraction point out that the global demand for cobalt and nickel is increasing enormously. They also emphasize that land-based mines, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, cause significant social and environmental problems (child labor, deforestation, river pollution). They argue that the nodules are "simply lying on the seabed" and that collecting them would be less harmful than excavating a mountain. Finally, they state that refusing underwater mining means that unfair land-based mining will continue.
Those who want a moratorium respond that "simply being present" is a dangerous oversimplification. These nodules are not inert. They form the basis of unique biological communities adapted to extreme conditions over geological timescales. The industrial machinery needed to collect them scrapes the seabed, destroys habitats, and creates sediment clouds that spread for tens of kilometers, suffocating filter-feeding organisms outside the immediate area.
Both positions are well-documented. Both deserve attention. What is certain is that this decision cannot be made hastily.
Parallel to this, more than 930 scientists from 70 countries have signed a petition warning of the irreversible damage that mining would cause. These are not just activists- but 930 researchers, oceanographers, biologists, and geologists, whose work has been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Regarding France, institutions like Ifremer, the Musée national d'Histoire naturelle, and the French Office for Biodiversity have all expressed serious concerns. While Greenpeace is conducting active campaigns, the institutional scientific voice is also pointing in the same direction, which is rarer and more significant.
Despite this, the ISA has already approved 31 exploration contracts. Exploration- not exploitation. But the line between the two is thin, and some companies (including The Metals Company) are advocating for a rapid transition to the commercial phase.A study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution in 2026 has added another layer of complexity to the debate. Even a poorly formulated moratorium can have hidden costs for biodiversity if the protected areas do not correspond to the actual hotspots of the deep-sea ecosystem. In other words, protection alone is not enough. It is necessary to protect thoughtfully, which means that we must map ecosystems that we still understand poorly.
The debate would be different if the nodules were the only possible source of these metals. But that is not the case.
Material Reuse. Batteries at the end of their life contain exactly the same metals as the nodules. Recycling rates for cobalt and lithium are increasing each year, with hydrometallurgical processes now achieving 95% recovery in the laboratory. The challenge is industrial and economic, not technological.
Reducing Demand. Battery technologies are evolving rapidly. Lithium-fer-phosphate (LFP) batteries, which do not use cobalt or nickel, already represent more than 40% of the global market. Sodium-ion batteries are in production. Dependence on "critical" metals is not an inevitability, but a temporary state of technology.Innovation in Materials. Researchers are working on cathodes without cobalt, solid electrolytes, and battery architectures that completely circumvent the problem. The race to develop materials from the depths of the ocean might be over before mining even begins.
None of these alternatives is perfect. None of them are ready to meet 100% of demand tomorrow morning. But together, they raise a legitimate question: Is it reasonable to destroy irreplaceable ecosystems for metals that we may not even need in fifteen years?
One might think that deep-sea mining at depths of 5000 meters has nothing to do with recreational diving or underwater photography. That is an illusion of distance.
Marine ecosystems are interconnected. The sediments created by mining migrate with the currents. Species in the deep sea participate in biochemical cycles that regulate the health of the entire water column, including the corals at shallower depths where we dive. Disrupting the deep sea is like pulling a thread from something whose connection point no one knows anymore.For underwater photographers, there's a more personal perspective. We are documenting a rapidly changing world. The underwater discoveries of 2026 show that we have only just begun to inventory what lives in the depths. Destroying these habitats before we understand them is like erasing pages from a book that no one has yet read.
The thermotolerant corals demonstrate that marine life possesses extraordinary adaptive abilities, but only if it has sufficient time and space. Deep-sea mining provides neither.
Furthermore, there's the issue of consistency. You cannot advocate for ethical underwater photography while ignoring developments on an industrial scale. Understanding the debate, following its evolution, and discussing it with others is already a concrete action. No need for banners.
No, not necessarily. These nodules contain cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper, which are used in batteries, but alternatives are rapidly emerging. Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries (which do not contain cobalt or nickel) already represent more than 40% of the market. Battery recycling is achieving high recovery rates. The question is whether the climate crisis justifies destroying ecosystems that have existed for thousands of years, while technological solutions are evolving faster than expected.
The balance of power is shifting. Forty countries support a moratorium or a precautionary measure, and 930 scientists from 70 countries have pledged their support. However, the ISA operates on consensus, which means that a small number of countries in favor of exploitation could block any progress. The meeting in Kingston in March 2026 did not result in a final decision. Future meetings will be crucial, and pressure from citizens and scientists remains the most important tool for influencing the timeline.
In addition to technical aspects, such as using the right equipment, it is also important to consider the environment in which you are photographing. Think about the light, the current, and the visibility. Proper preparation is essential for taking beautiful underwater photographs.In addition, it's important to remember that you should always be respectful of marine life. Avoid touching animals or damaging coral.
It is also recommended to bring an experienced guide, especially when photographing in unfamiliar areas. A guide can help you find the best locations and learn about the local fauna and flora.
Finally, don't forget to regularly maintain and check your equipment. This ensures that you can always rely on your gear and take beautiful photos.
With proper preparation and attention to detail, you can enjoy an unforgettable underwater photography experience.
The depths remain the last great, unexplored area on the planet. If you want to learn how to document life underwater in a respectful and accurate way, our underwater photography course provides the technical and ethical foundation to turn every dive into a meaningful record. The AquaExposure training allows you to get started from home, and the field lessons in Belgium add practical experience in real conditions.In addition to using a good camera and high-quality strobes, there are several other factors that play a role in taking underwater photos. These include the condition of your viewfinder, the water clarity, and the lighting conditions. A well-placed strobe can make a big difference, but it's important to use the correct techniques to minimize distortion and flare. Experiment with different angles and exposure settings to achieve the best results.
It refers to the extraction of metals from the deep ocean floor. This practice sparks a global debate because these ecosystems are still very poorly understood.
Because divers are witnesses and voices for the ocean. What happens in the depths ultimately affects the entire marine ecosystem.
Because we risk destroying habitats before we even have a chance to study them. The precautionary principle suggests that we should wait until we know more.
Yes, by documenting and raising awareness about the beauty and fragility of accessible depths. Images create a sense of connection, and connection fosters protection.
On an international level, particularly concerning the International Seabed Authority. Perspectives are constantly evolving, so it's best to consult current sources for the most up-to-date information.
