THE OCEAN HOPE EXPEDITION CHAMPIONS HIGH SEAS PROTECTION

The Ocean Hope Expedition champions High Seas protection and calls for a moratorium on deep-sea mining.  Amid escalating climate and biodiversity crises, the ocean—the very heart of our planet—faces mounting threats from pollution, overfishing, and the emerging peril of deep-sea mining. With the Ocean Hope Expedition, The Ocean and Us is on a mission to galvanise global support for protecting the High Seas and to secure a moratorium on deep-sea mining.

Today, over two-thirds of global wildlife populations are gone, and climate change is disrupting ecosystems everywhere, with the ocean bearing the brunt of warming, acidification, and deoxygenation. While many are reducing plastic use, cutting back on seafood, and working to lower their carbon footprints, a new threat looms: deep-sea mining.

Deep-sea mining is the extraction of minerals from the deep sea, notably cobalt, nickel and manganese found in what are known as polymetallic nodules at some 4,000 to 6,000 meters deep.  These nodules, which have taken millions of years to form, are not renewable resources; they serve as essential habitats and play a critical role in deep-sea ecosystems.

“The rush to mine this pristine and unexplored environment risks creating terrible impacts that cannot be reversed. We need to be guided by science when faced with decisions of such great environmental consequence.” Sir David Attenborough

Deep-Sea Mining on the High Seas: The Urgency of Action

If deep-sea mining moves forward, it will inflict lasting damage on vulnerable marine ecosystems and may disturb significant carbon stored within the seabed, exacerbating climate risks. Deep-sea mining is on the verge of starting in the High Seas, which cover nearly half of Earth’s surface and are especially vulnerable due to limited enforceable regulations.

The Ocean Hope Expedition is an urgent call to action, championing the High Seas and pushing for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, with the Pacific Ocean identified as a likely first site for extraction. The good news? The metals extracted from the deep sea are not necessary. Advances in technology and waste recovery, as well as alternative battery solutions, make deep-sea mining economically unviable and environmentally incompatible with sustainable economies of the future.

A Global Movement Against Deep-Sea Mining

Around the world, resistance to deep-sea mining is mounting, with over 30 countries, hundreds of scientists, and a coalition of leading technology and auto companies advocating for a moratorium or outright ban on this destructive industry. Financial institutions and almost 40 companies, including BMW, Volvo, Google, and Apple, have publicly backed a moratorium. The movement is at a pivotal moment as the International Seabed Authority gears up for key discussions in 2025.

To build on this momentum The Ocean and Us is connecting communities across Pacific coastlines and beyond, as the Pacific Ocean is set to be ground zero for deep-sea mining.

The Ocean Hope Expedition, led by founder Farah Obaidullah, is a comprehensive initiative combining advocacy and outreach through a blend of in-person and virtual events, – mainly along the Pacific Coast of the Americas and in Europe – building a diverse coalition to protect our oceans. Through music, sports, and art, it rallies people from all backgrounds to stand for ocean protection. During the month of November 2024, Farah will be on the ground in Mexico where she will be engaging with local communities, scientists, artists, non-profits, universities, and companies.

The Ocean Hope Expedition team focuses on building a movement. Although the team cannot be present everywhere, they will leverage their ambassadors, online communities, and, wherever possible, host virtual events with local groups.

The campaign also seeks support from businesses, educational institutions, and cultural centres worldwide to endorse the Deep-Sea Mining Declaration calling for global leaders to secure a moratorium on deep-sea mining activities.

“The campaign to stop deep-sea mining from starting is one of hope and empowerment. Whilst deep-sea mining is the most terrifying industry I can think of for the ocean and us, it is entirely preventable. Together with our ambassadors across the sports, music and art world, we can ramp up support to stop this reckless industry”. – Farah Obaidullah, Founder of The Ocean and Us

“The Ocean Hope Expedition is an amazing project and is key to our ongoing commitment to protecting the planet’s most vital ecosystems. Farah’s courage and determination to stop deep-sea mining have greatly inspired me – it shows what single individuals and small groups of people are capable of. While science necessarily emphasises objective data, we need to bridge the gap between science and human feelings by recognising the power and beauty of the oceans – and we can do this through music and art. By supporting this initiative, we are investing in both the health of our oceans and the emotional connections necessary to create a sustainable future.” – Brian Eno, Trustee of Client Earth – Earth Percent