We wish the first photo was our view this week, but alas, it’s the second one. Conference rooms aren’t the most dazzling part of marine conservation, but they’re where some of the most important decisions get made. That’s why sealegacy is at the International Seabed Authority in Jamaica with soalliance, as governments weigh whether to protect the deep sea or risk destroying what science barely understands. Nearly the entire first day was spent debating whether environmental policy should even be on the agenda. Some countries want to skip straight to drafting mining regulations, prioritizing external industry pressure over a science-based process. The Metals Company has threatened to mine unilaterally with the U.S. if the ISA doesn’t produce regulations. That threat is shaping the conversation, pushing nations toward rushed decisions in fear of losing control. But international governance should not be dictated by corporate ultimatums. Regulations can’t be rushed. They need sound en...