Mining the ocean floor? Donald Trump says it's a yes, but scientists say it's a disaster.

In the deep sea, there is so much to discover. On planet Earth, where the average depth of the oceans is 3,700 meters, "we are relatively blind to a world that is so distant from us." Former director of the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN), naturalist Bruno David led an expert mission, at the request of France, to assess "the scientific perspectives on deep-sea mining." In the background, the inflammatory question: should we "preserve or exploit the deep seabed" ?

The 18 members of the scientific committee, from 15 countries – "it was necessary to make it clear to these scientists that the work was being done for the Ocean and not for France" – insists Bruno David, agreed on "a scientific proclamation, based on science" which recognizes "the need to apply a precautionary principle" .

Precaution from 10 to 15 years

Diplomatically, France is trying to build a coalition of states in favor of a "moratorium of 10 to 15 years, the only way to then make decisions informed by knowledge." Bruno David also emphasizes that obtaining a recommendation is "a further step on the part of scientists, [compared] to what they used to do."

That is to say, to formally commit, while the exploitation of minerals would be an ecological and climatic disaster.

The deep sea is rich in critical metals and minerals, the demand for which is constantly increasing, driven by the needs of the energy transition. "To solve the problem of climate change," do we want to "jump onto another problem that is perhaps even more serious?" asks the expert, referring to the "major biological and geochemical balances of the Ocean."

The Trump precedent

The American president has taken the plunge, unilaterally signing a decree authorizing large-scale exploitation of minerals in the ocean depths. Including in international waters. "I can say it myself, some people would be better off just playing golf," reacts Bruno David.

A point echoed by François Chartier, Ocean Campaigner at Greenpeace France. "Trump's executive order calls into question multilateralism and the law of the sea. This is extremely serious for the deep sea and risks setting precedents." In this regard, the Ocean Summit, which will be held in Nice at the beginning of June, is "the ideal platform, an important moment for mobilization."

Thirty-two states have joined the coalition in favor of a moratorium on deep-sea mining, explains Olivier Poivre d'Arvor, France's special envoy to UNOC in Nice. Since Trump's announcement, other nations have expressed interest and could join the coalition, which he describes as "solid." He concludes: "The abyss is not for sale. It is not an El Dorado, but a sanctuary."