The Ocean Hope
Much of the deep-sea lies beyond the jurisdiction
of any one nation.
This area is known as the High Seas and makes up half our planet.
A new threat looms for this wild frontier that will impact us all.
Deep-Sea mining will cause irreversible damage
to life in the deep ocean.
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Over two thirds of global wildlife is gone. The climate crisis is accelerating this loss and wreaking havoc to the natural systems that sustain us. We all feel the effects of these two crises. As we push the boundaries of our only planet beyond repair within human timescales, a new threat looms.
Deep-sea mining is an emerging industry that will cause irreversible damage to life in the deep ocean, will have detrimental consequences to the systems in the ocean that sustain us, and risks disturbing locked-away carbon. |
What is deep-sea mining?
Thousands of meters below the ocean surface, deposits of metals and minerals (such as nickel, aluminium, lithium and cobalt) have accumulated on the seafloor over centuries, forming what are called nodules. Deep-sea mining is the harvesting, extraction and excavation process of these medium-size nodules from the seabed. Research suggests that deep-sea mining could cause serious harm to marine biodiversity and 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
that cannot be reversed. We need to be guided by science when faced with decisions of such
great environmental consequence.”
– Sir David Attenborough
The damage deep-sea mining would cause,
based on current evidence:
- Biodiversity loss would result in extensive species loss, with potential extinctions, particularly on the seabed and in unique ecosystems like hydrothermal vents.
- Strip-mining the seafloor, seamounts, and hydrothermal vents would devastate habitats like cold-water coral reefs and sponge communities.
- Sediment plumes from mining activities would spread and smother nearby marine life, impacting filter feeders and coral ecosystems.
- Waste discharge from mining would form plumes that could introducetoxins and affect marine food webs over vast distances.
- Noise and light pollution would disrupt marine species like whales, that rely on sound or bioluminescence for communication and hunting.
- Carbon disruption caused by mining would disturb carbon-rich sediments, potentially affecting deep-sea carbon storage and contributing to climate change.
The High Seas belong to all of us
"Rather than start a new era of colonialism, laying claim to the treasures of the deep,
we must designate the deep-sea a sanctuary for peace and science!
Join me in being a voice for the ocean."
- Farah Obaidullah
we must designate the deep-sea a sanctuary for peace and science!
Join me in being a voice for the ocean."
- Farah Obaidullah
Our existence is entwined
with the well-being of the ocean.
The ancient, mystical home of marine life is a source of sustenance and vitality for our world. Yet, the shadows of deep-sea mining threaten to unravel this delicate web of life, bringing about irreparable harm to the very foundation of our existence. But hope gleams on the horizon...
As a long time champion of the ocean, Farah Obaidullah, is embarking on a journey of empowerment and determination. Her voyage will weave across the western coast of the Americas, driven by the audacious goal to prevent the next climate disaster.
As a long time champion of the ocean, Farah Obaidullah, is embarking on a journey of empowerment and determination. Her voyage will weave across the western coast of the Americas, driven by the audacious goal to prevent the next climate disaster.
Calling all leaders and all individuals to support
a moratorium on deep-sea mining
The Ocean Hope Expedition
The Ocean Hope Expedition is a comprehensive initiative combining advocacy and outreach through a blend of in-person and virtual events, building a diverse coalition to protect our oceans. Led by Farah Obaidullah, founder of The Ocean and Us, the Expedition aims to mobilize global support for ocean conservation and advocate for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. We will engage with stakeholders from universities, fisheries associations, tech and EV companies and conservation groups —primarily along the Pacific Coast of the Americas (ground zero for deep-sea mining) and in Europe. Local, regional, and international celebrities will join us to share what the ocean means to them, explore their questions, and present their poetry, art, or music. Experts will provide insights on why deep-sea mining is unnecessary and why we cannot afford its consequences. This exchange promises to be informative, entertaining, and inspiring.
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Engage with coastal communities, indigenous leaders, fishing associations, scientists, nonprofits, universities and companies, along the Pacific Coast of the Americas and in Europe, encouraging them to sign our declaration calling
for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. |
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Highlight the ocean champions working tirelessly for the protection and restoration of our vital marine ecosystems.
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Amplify the message that deep-sea mining is not wanted or needed through music, arts and sports. Celebrities and high profile individuals will join us along the way.
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Unite in our call to protect the ocean.
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Deliver the declaration and a petition to the UN Ocean Conference in June 2025 and the International Seabed Authority in July 2025.
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Why the Pacific?
The Pacific Ocean is ground zero of deep-sea mining. If allowed to go ahead, mining will first occur on the High Seas in an area between Mexico and Hawaii, known as the Clarion Clipperton Zone. Communities, local authorities and businesses along the Pacific rim have a vested interest in safeguarding the largest ocean on earth - their backyard.
Outcomes of the Expedition
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Amplify stories of ocean champions,
inspiring action and deeper connections to the ocean through the power of storytelling. |
Join the Wave of Hope! |
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Support for a moratorium / pause or ban on deep-sea mining is growing.
Businesses including tech and EV companies such as Apple, BMW, Volvo, Renault, Google and Samsung to name a few, 37 financial institutions, fishing associations, over 800 of scientists, civil society groups and 32 governments as of August 2024, reject deep-sea mining. By rallying more support we can demonstrate that deep-sea mining is not wanted or needed! Join us in this quest to protect the ocean's treasures, as we seek impact partners and sponsors to make this mission a success. |
Press coverage of The Ocean Hope Expedition
Why donate?
For once, we have the power to prevent a major disaster before it happens.
For once, we have the power to prevent a major disaster before it happens.
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Preserve Marine Ecosystems
Deep-sea mining poses an irreversible threat to our oceans. By supporting our campaign, you contribute directly to the preservation of marine ecosystems, protecting our planet's biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for all. Inspire Change
Farah will be joined by local, regional, and international celebrities for thought-provoking discussions. Your donation ensures our message reaches far and wide, inspiring hearts, and mobilizing people to take action and protect the ocean's treasures. |
Raise Global Awareness
Farah will engage with stakeholders from universities, fisheries associations, tech, EV companies, and conservation groups. By donating, you help amplify our message and rally support for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining, creating a powerful call to action that cannot be ignored. Document the Journey
We will chronicle the expedition on social media, providing a captivating and informative visual narrative. By donating, you enable us to produce high-quality content that reaches a wide audience and sparks the collective spirit needed for change. |
Donate today to support the expedition
Support The Ocean Hope Expedition
We offer various ways for stakeholders to support our initiative. These options include sponsorship and partnership opportunities, in-kind donations, volunteer opportunities and more. By aligning with our cause and joining forces with us, organisations, brands and individuals can contribute to the success of our project while gaining valuable exposure and recognition.
We invite stakeholders to reach out to us to discuss how they can become a valued partner or sponsor of our expedition.
Together, we can create a powerful and impactful journey towards preserving our oceans for generations to come.
We offer various ways for stakeholders to support our initiative. These options include sponsorship and partnership opportunities, in-kind donations, volunteer opportunities and more. By aligning with our cause and joining forces with us, organisations, brands and individuals can contribute to the success of our project while gaining valuable exposure and recognition.
We invite stakeholders to reach out to us to discuss how they can become a valued partner or sponsor of our expedition.
Together, we can create a powerful and impactful journey towards preserving our oceans for generations to come.
Get in touch for further details on the expedition and information on how you can support, or become one of our partners!
