Disturbance in the Deep: A Rights-Based and Values-Based Approach to Deep Sea Conservation
On June 10, 2025, Blair Nelsen, Waterspirit Executive Director and our UN-NGO Representative, moderated a virtual side event that coincided with the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held on June 9-13, 2025, in Nice, France.
This event uses a rights-based approach to evaluate concerns over unsustainable proposals to develop the deep seabed, including deep sea mining, and to posit more sustainable pathways forward. Speakers from religious and scientific backgrounds explore how their values inform their actions and promote a healthy ocean. The panel also explores ocean-climate-biodiversity linkages on the path toward achieving SDG14.
Featured speakers:
Andrew Whitmore, Finance Advocacy Officer, Deep Sea Mining Campaign
Rev. James Bhagwan, General Secretary of the Pacific Council of Churches
Bobbi-Jo Dobush, Ocean Conservation Policy Consultant
Co-sponsored by: NGO Mining Working Group, Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, Maryknoll Sisters, Temple of Understanding, Mercy International Association, Presbyterian Church of the USA, Company of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul
Supplementary resources shared by the speakers:
Deep Sea Mining Campaign website with quarterly updates
Blue Marine Foundation Deep Sea Mining Report
The Ocean Foundation report on Deep Sea Mining
International Seabed Authority statement on critical minerals in the US