Rights & a Seat for Deep-Sea Species & Ecosystems
A Voice for the Deep
Deep-sea mining involves industrial-scale extraction of polymetallic nodules and other resources from depths of 2,000–6,000 meters. It disrupts ecosystems we’ve barely begun to understand, generates vast sediment plumes, and risks irreversible harm to the planet’s largest biome.
Yet, deep-sea species are treated as property, not as living beings with intrinsic value. Entire ecosystems are sacrificed for short-term economic gain—without their consent, without representation, and without recourse.
The deep ocean is Earth’s final frontier and remaining relatively untouched ecosystem—mysterious, vital, and overwhelmingly unprotected. Teeming with unknown life and ancient ecosystems, these zones are being targeted for industrial exploitation at an unprecedented scale. Deep-sea mining threatens to destroy habitats that took millions of years to form, yet these ecosystems have no legal standing, no protections, and no voice.
Earth Law Center’s “Voice for the Deep” initiative seeks to change that.
We are calling for a legal paradigm shift: one that recognizes deep-sea ecosystems as rights-bearing entities—and ensures they are represented in international governance, including a seat at the table within the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
The Problem: Deep-Sea Mining
Our Solution: Legal Rights and Governance for the Deep Sea
Building on the global momentum of the Rights of Nature movement, we propose:
Legal Rights for Deep-Sea Species and Ecosystems: Including the right to exist, thrive, regenerate, and be represented.
A Guardian Seat at the ISA: A dedicated “37th seat” for the deep sea—granting legal guardians or proxies the power to speak for deep-sea ecosystems in global ocean governance.
Legal Guardianship Frameworks: Drawing from models like the Whanganui River (NZ) and Atrato River (Colombia), guardians would defend the deep in international forums and legal proceedings.
Strategic Pathways
We are advancing legal recognition for the deep through:
Representation at the ISA
Proposal for a new seat (“The Guardian of the Deep”) on the ISA Council.
Proxy agreements with state parties as an interim step.
Model amendments and resolutions for consideration at future ISA sessions.
International Advocacy
Promotion of deep-sea rights at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 2025) and within the Harmony with Nature initiative.
Engagement with the Convention on Biological Diversity and BBNJ Agreement to include deep-sea protections.
National Legislation
Supporting countries to pass national laws recognizing deep-sea ecosystems as rights-bearing.
Non-binding declarations and municipal-level resolutions as additional tools.
Corporate Governance Reform
Onboarding deep-sea ecosystems to corporate boards via “Nature as Director” models.
Promoting ecocentric decision-making within ocean-impacting industries.
Public Awareness & Education
Launching global media and storytelling campaigns under the banner:
“A Voice for the Deep”Partnering with youth, scientists, and Indigenous leaders to raise awareness and inspire action.
Why This Matters
The deep ocean regulates Earth’s climate, supports global fisheries, and even produces oxygen. It holds untold scientific, cultural, and spiritual significance. Yet, without legal rights or representation, it is defenseless.
By recognizing the rights of the deep and granting it a voice, we align governance with ecological reality—and ensure that the most mysterious part of our planet is protected, not plundered.
Join the movement
We are seeking:
ISA member states to sponsor our proposal
Allies in law, science, and diplomacy to help advance ecocentric governance
Support from funders, NGOs, and the public to build momentum for reform
Header: Unsplash Milos Prelevic / ; Photos: Unsplash / Aaron Andrew Ang, Unsplash / Hans Isaacson , Footer: Unsplash / Nicole Avagliano