My First Rally: Stopping Deep Sea Mining Before It Starts

It was March this year, during a United Nations General Assembly, that 132 countries voted “yes” for Pacific Climate Justice.

I recently attended my first rally at Bondi Beach against deep sea mining. As the new Gift in Wills administrator at Greenpeace, it was inspiring to dive into action during my first week. From a young age, I’ve been passionate about nature, especially the oceans. Growing up in Scotland, where the ocean is so cold it makes my teeth chatter just thinking about it, my admiration and respect for it have always been profound. The idea of deep sea mining shocks and saddens me, and I’m thankful to work at Greenpeace with dedicated people committed to halting this destructive process before it begins.

Activism is the heartbeat of environmental change. On World Environment Day, I joined a group of ocean-lovers dressed as sea creatures at Bondi Beach. We held a sixmeter- long banner that boldly declared: ‘Hell no, Albo! Stop Deep Sea Mining.’

This rally was more than just a protest; it was a powerful declaration of our shared love for the ocean and our resolve to safeguard it.

Deep-sea mining poses significant threats to our oceans, as dredging, scraping, and cutting the seabed endanger unique ecosystems that remain largely unexplored. The Metals Company, led by Australian businessman Gerard Barron, is seeking the world’s first license to mine the Pacific Ocean.

We’ve achieved a significant milestone at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) with the election of Leticia Carvalho, a Brazilian oceanographer and diplomat, as the new Secretary General, replacing Michael Lodge. Carvalho’s appointment aligns with the growing global resistance to deep-sea mining, which threatens both known and unknown species in the Pacific.

I love the ocean and want to see it protected just like you do. Tell the crew on board the Oceania why protecting our oceans is so important to you. I will personally forward your message to them.

Laura Hutchison
Volunteer & Activist