Ocean Futures 2030: Deep-sea mining and the knowledge we need
In conjunction with screenings of the documentary Deep Rising, The University of Bergen (UiB) and the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) organised a debate on deep-sea mining during the Bergen International Film Festival (BIFF) 2023. The meeting was attended by an audience of 130 people and created a lively debate.
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- Send an email to Ocean Futures 2030 if you want information on upcoming events.
Ocean Futures 2030: Deep-sea mining
Open meeting at BIFF 2023
Thursday 26 October 18:15-19:15
Kulturhuset, Vaskerelven 8, Bergen
NOTE! The debate was in Norwegian, expect for the introductory note by Pedro Ribeiro, which was in English.
Recently, the government of Norway proposed to allow deep-sea mining in Norway’s territorial areas to explore the opportunities for developing commercial activity and to gather more science on the consequences for ecosystems on the ocean floor if deep-sea mining is pursued. The government’s proposal will soon be up for debate at Norway’s parliament Stortinget.
The documentary film Deep Rising brings us on a journey to the unexplored deep ocean, where recent scientific findings show that there is more life and activity than so far imagined. The film presents us with a deep-sea scientist who is trying to increase knowledge and awareness of the fragile ecosystems in the deep sea, where flora and fauna is still unexplored for the most. It is still unclear how this life in the depths of the ocean influence life on Earth and climate change.
We also are presented with an entrepreneur and lobbyist who has run several businesses to explore options for developing deep-sea mining and commercialisation of the deep ocean. This conflict between science-based knowledge and industrialisation of the seabed forms the basis for this touching documentary. Finally, the film offers unique footage of flora and fauna in the deep sea.
We hope to see you at Kulturhuset to discuss the future of our ocean!
Moderator: Peter Haugan, project director, IMR
- A brief analysis of the documentary Deep Rising and the prospects globally for deep-sea mining, with PhD candidate Håkon Larsen, Department of Social Anthropology, UiB
- A short look at the situation in Norwegian waters and the government’s proposal on deep-sea mining, with researcher Pedro A. Ribeiro, Centre for Deep Sea Research, UiB
Panel discussion
- Professor Lise Øvreås, Department of Biological Sciences, UiB and President of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters
- CSOO Lars-Kristian Trellevik, ADEPTH Minerals
- Researcher Tina Kutti, IMR
- R&D Manager Jon O. Hellevang, GCE Ocean Technology
A Q&A will follow after the panel discussion and there will be opportunities to speak with the experts and discuss the topic after the event during a mingling session.
- In a series of events under the umbrella term Ocean Futures 2030, the University of Bergen with co-organisers will create meeting points for scientists, diplomats, and other stakeholders to discuss sustainable ocean development as a common heritage of humankind. In April 2023 the first Ocean Futures 2030 event took place during One Ocean Week. The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development is the general backdrop for this ongoing science diplomacy activity.
