Environment America says deep sea mining could harm marine life

Organization with more than 3 million members calls for a moratorium on the threat to ocean ecosystems

Kelsey Lamp, director of the Protect Our Oceans Campaign at Environment America, is calling on Congress to support a moratorium on deep sea mining in U.S. waters.

Environment America is a national organization with more than 3 million members across the country that works to protect the environment and create a healthier and more sustainable future.

In a statement, Lamp said that deep-sea mining is a dangerous and untested operation that would have devastating consequences for marine life.

“The deep sea is one of the most mysterious places in our solar system,” said Lamp. “We are just beginning to understand the life that lives there, and deep sea mining could destroy it before we even have a chance to learn its secrets.”

Deep sea mining involves extracting minerals from the ocean floor.

This would create sediment plumes that could harm marine life, and could also release heavy metals and toxins into the water. In addition, deep-sea mining would disrupt ancient ecosystems and create noise that could harm whales and dolphins.

“Deep sea mining is a short-sighted solution that would have long-lasting consequences,” said Lamp. “There are better ways to get the minerals we need without destroying our oceans.”

Environment America is calling on Congress to pass a moratorium on deep sea mining in U.S. waters. The organization is also urging people to sign a petition calling for a moratorium.

“We need to take action now to protect our oceans,” said Lamp. “Deep sea mining is a dangerous experiment that we cannot afford to take.”