As the Norwegian government advances plans to open Arctic waters to deep-sea mining, Greenpeace Nordic and Greenpeace Germany have set sail to the region with scientists and campaigners. Their mission is to assess the potential impact on whale and dolphin species in the Norwegian Sea that could be affected by this industry.
The Arctic is among the world’s most delicate ecosystems, increasingly threatened by pollution and climate change. The targeted mining area features underwater mountains and deep-sea ridges, which serve as crucial habitats for foraging and migrating whales and other species. During the expedition, scientists aboard the Greenpeace ship Witness will conduct visual-acoustic surveys to study cetacean populations and behaviors, focusing on globally threatened species.
“Whales and dolphins inhabit and feed in the same deep-sea zones that Norway is opening for mining. These creatures are highly sensitive to industrial noise and activities. Our goal is to gather data that complements ongoing research,” said Dr. Kirsten Young from Greenpeace Research Laboratories at the University of Exeter, who is onboard the SY Witness.
The Norwegian mining plans involve extracting mineral-rich crust from seamounts—underwater mountains formed over millions of years—and mining hydrothermal vents, which are crucial deep-sea habitats. Critics argue that these activities threaten ancient ecosystems and could cause irreversible damage.
The plan has drawn significant international criticism, with over 800 ocean scientists calling for a halt to deep-sea mining. “For the first time, destructive mining is being proposed for the Arctic seabed. The Norwegian government is disregarding warnings from scientists and risking fragile ecosystems and future generations’ livelihoods,” said Haldis Tjeldflaat Helle, Greenpeace Nordic political campaigner onboard the SY Witness.
Despite claims that deep-sea mining is essential for the energy transition, increasing environmental concerns and the recognition of significant data gaps have led to a surge in government rejections of such mining. Recent research also suggests that polymetallic nodules in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a major mining target in the Pacific, may play a critical role in deep-sea oxygen production. This discovery has further fueled concerns about deep-sea mining’s impact.
“It’s clear that the more we learn about deep-sea mining, the less justifiable it becomes,” said Franziska Saalmann, marine biologist and Greenpeace Germany oceans campaigner.
Prior to their departure, Greenpeace activists projected a message urging Norway to “Stop Deep Sea Mining” on a cliff in the Lysefjord near the iconic Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen). The Greenpeace expedition will navigate from Jan Mayen Island through international waters to Svalbard, concluding in mid-August after nearly 20 days at sea.
