The deep sea might be the new Wild West. As demand for EV battery minerals grows, companies like The Metals Company (TMC) have their sights on the seafloor. But experts warn we don’t understand deep-sea ecosystems enough to fully grasp the consequences, and disturbing them could be permanent. For example, the rocks being targeted might play a role in oxygen production and nutrient cycling, with unknown impacts on the wider ocean and climate. In March, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) met to negotiate mining regulations. But how do you regulate what you barely understand? Talks were leaning toward a precautionary, science-first approach until TMC threatened to bypass the ISA entirely and apply to mine with the U.S., which doesn’t recognize the ISA’s authority. Now, fears are growing of a global free-for-all. We’re in Jamaica this week with soalliance for the next ISA meeting to defend the ocean and see if deep-sea mining moves forward. Visit the link in our bio to learn more...