Portugal has made history this week by becoming the first country to pass into law a moratorium on deep-sea mining in effect for the next 25 years; a move officials say has solidified its place as a global leader in ocean protection.

On Friday, March 14, the Portuguese parliament passed legislation that will halt deep-sea mining in its waters until at least 2050, pending the expected signature of the country’s president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

The move has been welcomed by many as a “landmark decision” and one that sets Portugal apart from its European counterparts. While countries like Spain and France have adopted parliamentary resolutions in opposition to deep-sea mining, Portugal is – so far – the only one to have translated these concerns into a binding law.

It’s hoped that from here, Portugal’s leadership on the highly controversial subject of deep-sea mining will influence both regional and global policy as momentum builds towards stronger international protections for the deep ocean.

The argument is that deep-sea mining poses a grave threat to some of the planet’s most fragile and least understood ecosystems. The process involves extracting minerals from the seabed through a process that causes destruction to deep-sea habitats, disrupts complex food webs, and leads to significant biodiversity loss.

The disturbance of seabed sediments could, additionally, release stored carbon, potentially exacerbating the effects of climate change. 

Despite the growing scientific consensus on these risks, deep-sea mining has remained a contentious issue, with some nations and corporations pushing forward with exploration and development. The sector has suffered a series of blows in recent months, however, including lack of finances and a growing sense of distrust in both the argument the industry presents of ‘minimal harm’ and the economic need for mining to begin with.

With the 30th International Seabed Authority Council in session this week and next, hope has been buoyed among the environmental sector that ‘science and sense will prevail’ over the ‘corporate greed’ of the deep-sea mining sector now that proceedings are under new leadership in the marine scientists and UNEP civil servant, Leticia Carvahlo.

Meanwhile, Portugal’s new legislation not only imposes a domestic moratorium but commits the country to advocating for an international ban on deep-sea mining as part of its foreign policy. The law is built on the precautionary principle, ensuring that marine ecosystem preservation, protection, and restoration are ‘central to national maritime planning and management.’

At the forefront of ocean advocacy in Portugal is Oceano Azul Foundation, an organisation that has worked closely with national governments to push for a strong stance on a deep-sea mining moratorium, including France, Germany, and Costa Rica. 

It has also worked with the Portuguese government for many years, including during the 2022 UN Ocean Conference to advance science-based policies for ocean conservation.

Tiago Pitta e Cunha, ceo of Oceano Azul Foundation, said: “We congratulate the Portuguese Parliament on taking this pioneering and fundamental step to safeguard the ocean, a vital support system for life on our planet.

“We hope this decision serves as an inspiration to other countries that have begun similar discussions. With Portugal’s leadership, we aim to see an increase in the number of nations not only advocating for a moratorium, but also progressing legislative action in this regard in the coming year.”

There are currently 32 countries in support of a deep-sea moratorium, precautionary pause or outright prohibition of deep-sea mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

In signing the moratorium on deep-sea mining, Portugal has bolstered a growing list of initiatives that reinforce its reputation as a leader on ocean conservation, including the establishment of the Azores Network of Marine Protected Areas – the largest in the North Atlantic; the designation of the Marine Protected Area of Community Interest in the Algarve; and the expansion of the protected marine zone within the Natural Reserve of the Selvagens Islands of the Madeira archipelago.

Click here for more from the Oceanographic Newsroom.