On June 1, 2023, Greenpeace staged a compelling protest outside the Ministry of Industry and Trade in Prague using a massive inflatable octopus. The inflatable octopus, measuring approximately 14 meters from head to tentacles, represented the Ghost octopus—a species dwelling in the unexplored depths of the sea. Greenpeace adopted the Ghost octopus as their mascot in their efforts to safeguard and preserve the seabed.

Accompanying the inflatable octopus was a banner displaying the message, “The seabed is my home. Do not destroy it.” The protest aimed to shed light on the potential hazards associated with deep-sea mining.

The Czech Republic holds a position on the Council of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), responsible for determining whether preparations for extracting mineral resources from the world’s oceans should commence. In July 2023, the request for establishing regulations governing this emerging industry will expire, allowing global corporations to apply for mining permits for commercial purposes. Greenpeace advocates for the implementation of a stringent moratorium on deep-sea mining.

The marine ecosystem plays a vital role in our survival, serving as a repository for much of the Earth’s heat and approximately thirty percent of all carbon emissions generated by human activities. The long-term consequences of deep-sea mining on this delicate ecosystem remain unknown, raising concerns about potential disruptions to the carbon cycle. A cautious approach is crucial.

Greenpeace has garnered support from various sectors, including industrial companies and private corporations. Prominent global entities such as Volvo, BMW, Google, Samsung, Phillips, and the Volkswagen Group, including Škoda Auto, have publicly pledged not to utilize minerals sourced from deep-sea mining.

The potential impact of seabed mining is staggering. The operation involves machines generating noise equivalent to millions of slaughterhouses, which can disrupt marine mammals and animals that rely on sonar for orientation. Whales, dolphins, and orcas would be particularly vulnerable.

In practice, mining activities would entail the use of enormous machines to plow the seabed. Excavated rocks and massive stone blocks would need to be extracted from depths of up to five kilometers using substantial suction devices. The extracted rock would either be directly dumped into the sea or crushed into smaller rocks at processing plants, with precious and rare metals extracted through various chemical processes. The seabed harbors rich deposits of minerals like nickel, molybdenum, manganese, and cobalt.

As a global community, exercising caution and foresight is paramount before embarking on preparations for the extraction of mineral resources from the world’s oceans. The potential impact on the marine ecosystem and the planet at large must be thoroughly considered before any decisive actions are taken.

Article by Prague Forum