Standing Shoulder-to-Shoulder to #DefendTheDeep
SeaLegacy is proud to join forces with Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA)—a global youth-led network that’s spearheading the fight for a precautionary pause on deep-sea mining. Together, we will amplify young voices at the world’s most important decision-making tables and push for science-based ocean policy that protects our blue planet for generations to come.
Inside ISA 30: Youth at the Mic
From 17–28 March 2025, ISA Council delegates convened in Kingston, Jamaica to hammer out the next draft of the “Mining Code”—the rulebook that could open half of the high seas to commercial extraction. SOA’s Regional Representatives Daniel Cáceres (Hispanomérica) and Eugénia Barroca (Europe & Lusophony) were on the ground in Jamaica with the support of SeaLegacy, delivering interventions that reminded governments of two simple truths:
- We know far too little about the deep sea to gamble with it.
- Young people will inherit the consequences of today’s decisions and must be included—now.
“The seabed is not merely a mineral substrate awaiting extraction, it is an interconnected system sustaining life in ways we still do not fully comprehend.” – Daniel Cáceres, ISA 30 intervention
Key wins from the two-week session:
- Regulation 44 ter reinstated, locking in binding environmental goals until a full General Environmental Policy is adopted.
- 39 countries publicly defended multilateralism after The Metals Company threatened to bypass the ISA altogether.
Why Working Together Matters
Momentum: Our combined community has gathered 321,000+ signatures, recruited 32 champion countries and 64 major companies calling for a moratorium or ban on deep-sea mining.
SeaLegacy’s storytelling platform and SOA’s youth network create an unparalleled amplifier for ocean truth.
How You Can Help Right Now
Add your name to SOA’s global petition Join the petition »
Take the Deep Sea Academy free online course Start learning »
Share the #DefendTheDeep toolkit on social media Download toolkit »
Contact your reps and ask them to oppose seabed mining Find contacts »
Eyes on July
The story isn’t over. In July the ISA will decide whether to stand by science—or let commercial pressure dictate the future of half our ocean. SeaLegacy and SOA will be there, reporting daily, holding leaders accountable, and ensuring youth voices ring loud and clear.
Follow our journey on Instagram (@SeaLegacy & @soalliance) and add your voice to the growing global chorus to #DefendTheDeep.
