At the deepest point of the ocean, the water pressure is eight tons per square inch. While humans would be crushed, deep-sea dwellers have evolved ways to survive, such as a lack of swim bladder, low-density bones and gelatinous flesh. #DeepSeaWonders

The deep sea makes up 90% of the ocean, which covers 70% of the planet. A healthy deep sea is critical for all life on Earth and one of our greatest allies in the fight against the climate emergency. This #EarthDay, let's not forget about the big blue part of our planet, notably the deep sea!

DeepDay is just around the corner! ✨ This year’s theme -United to Defend the Deep- will shine a light on the power of global unity, bring together voices from across society, and elevate those taking action to protect the deep sea. ✊ Make sure you seize the day and show the deep sea some love 🩵

Only a tiny fraction of the deep sea has been explored, and existing data are heavily biased. @oceandiscleague.bsky.social proposes observing 10,000 locations worldwide to create a more balanced and representative understanding of deep-sea ecosystems.

Growing up to 40 meters, the giant siphonophore can be longer than a blue whale, despite being as skinny as a broomstick. They live 700—1000 meters below the ocean surface and are colonial organisms made up of many hydrozoans. #DeepSeaWonders

📬 It’s here! The latest Deep Sea Digest just landed. From the surface to the seafloor, this issue highlights major outcomes, key moments, and powerful mobilizations showing encouraging progress in protecting the deep sea. Read it here: https://bit.ly/4mnkBgI

The latest session of the International Seabed Authority ended without approval for deep-sea mining, but the debate continues. What is unilateral mining? What is the CCZ? What does “common heritage of humankind” mean? Our new FAQ breaks down the issues. https://bit.ly/3QrRKeX

The High Seas Treaty has created new obligations to safeguard the deep sea from harmful threats such as deep-sea mining, destructive bottom-fishing on seamounts and marine carbon dioxide removal. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3PMPv5R

New reports expose the reality of deep-sea mining: ⚠️ Contractor breaches 💸 €24T in finance pulling back 🌍 Not needed for clean energy ⚖️ No fair benefits 📉 Likely not profitable Risky. Unnecessary. Not worth it. We need a moratorium. DefendTheDeep.org

1/3 Deep-sea news alert! 📣 Our round-up brings you key stories from the ocean depths of the past few weeks. Scroll through the thread to stay updated. #DeepSeaNews #OceanNews #OceanUpdates

🎥 Join our webinar 'Red Lines in the Abyss' (15/04)! 💰 #DeepSeaMining is facing growing financial pushback: 82 institutions (€24tn) have raised concerns or restrictions. What does this mean for the industry’s future? Register🔗 seas-at-risk.org/events/webin... #KeepItInTheSeabed #DefendTheDeep

1/2 Science Spotlight ✨ Deep-sea fish larvae break the rules of vision. Instead of typical eye development, they use “hybrid” photoreceptors – rod-like cells with cone biology – helping them see in dim light from early life stages. 👁️👁️

Seamounts are hotspots of biodiversity. Sessile animals such as corals cling to their rocky surfaces, while upwellings lead to growths of phytoplankton, attracting fish and migratory animals such as whales, sharks and dolphins. #DeepSeaWonders

The High Seas Treaty provides an unprecedented opportunity to reshape ocean governance and protect the deep sea, if we use the opportunity wisely. Learn more: https://deep-sea-conservation.org/the-high-seas-treaty-what-it-is-and-what-it-means-for-the-deep-sea/

COP15 of the @cms.int begins tomorrow, offering a key chance to recognize the vital role seamounts play in the survival of migratory species. On the agenda: a new resolution to protect seamount ecosystems ⛰️ Learn more: https://bit.ly/4t0SciC

1/3 The International Seabed Authority Council ends without a Mining Code amid industry compliance concerns. Unresolved issues ranged from environmental safeguards and liability to inspection, compliance, and benefit-sharing.

Unilateral deep-sea mining threatens international law and would open the global seabed to a dangerous free-for-all. The ocean floor is our common heritage — not a resource for a few companies to exploit. Take action to prevent unilateral #DeepSeaMining DefendTheDeep.org

COP15 of the @cms.int meets next week in Campo Grande, Brazil 🇧🇷 On the agenda: a new resolution on seamount ecosystems — protecting migratory species from surface to seafloor ⛰️ What is the CMS & why does it matter for the ocean? Our latest blog explores the opportunity ahead: https://bit.ly/4bOzZic

Scientific evidence shows deep-sea mining would cause permanent damage to vital ecosystems for short-term corporate profit. A moratorium is essential to prevent irreversible harm and protect our shared common heritage. Join the call for a moratorium: DefendTheDeep.org

Want to know what has been happening during Week 1 of the International Seabed Authority Council meeting? Check out the update from our Global Campaign Director Sofia Tsenikli: bit.ly/4uPUJhl #DefendTheDeep

Seamounts, rising from the ocean floor along migratory routes, are critical to humpback whale lifecycles 🐋 For humpback whales, seamounts are not only pit stops on migrations, they're breeding grounds, rest stops, feeding zones and stages for one of the animal kingdom's most iconic performances.

What’s at stake if deep-sea mining moves forward? 🪼 Extraordinary deep-sea biodiversity. 🌎 One of the planet’s largest carbon sinks. 🎣 Fisheries, ocean economies, and the rights of future generations. The risks are clear. The #ISA must support a moratorium. Take action: DefendTheDeep.org

With the March session of the International Seabed Authority Council underway, we’re setting the record straight. Here are some key deep-sea mining facts: Find out more: https://seas-at-risk.org/publications/deep-sea-mining-facts/ @seasatrisk.bsky.social

⚠️New report from Greenpeace International highlighting potential breaches of obligations by ISA contractors. See more⬇️

Dumbo octopuses use their elephant ear-like fins to swim through the deep sea, while webbed arms help them steer. They’re naturally rare, so females can mate at any opportunity and the young hatch from their eggs fully formed. #DeepSeaWonders

As governments prepare to meet for the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Council session, they face a defining question for global ocean governance: will the ISA uphold its mandate to protect the common heritage of humankind, or rush to open the deep ocean to an irreversibly damaging industry?

Endangered hammerhead sharks congregate around Cocos Seamounts 🦈 These nutrient-rich waters are vital hunting & resting grounds during migration. With 1 in 4 shark species threatened, protecting seamounts is critical. Learn more: deep-sea-conservation.org/defending-th... @cms.int

The @ec.europa.eu Ocean Days aim to turn commitments into action. With biodiversity loss accelerating and deep-sea pressures growing, the 2026 European Ocean Act must deliver real protection to #DefendTheDeep. Read more from our submission on our website: deep-sea-conservation.org/european-oce...

As the International Seabed Authority Council meets March 9–20 in Kingston, the future of the deep ocean is at stake. Join our March 4 briefing to unpack the risks of deep-sea mining & why the world needs a moratorium. Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3nRE9y2YTnmQfw_OfQCZeA

The pressure to permit deep-sea mining is growing — putting Indigenous & coastal communities at risk. A new article details how The Metals Company is pushing extraction despite scientific uncertainty and why a moratorium is urgently needed. https://bit.ly/4kVKVhd @culturalsurvival.org

📬 It’s here! The latest Deep Sea Digest just landed. This issue embarks on a new year of opportunities to defend the deep ocean, celebrating the High Seas Treaty becoming law, and breaking down the next two major moments for our main campaigns. Read it here: https://bit.ly/4saWsLN

Deep-sea news alert! Our round-up brings you top stories from the ocean depths of the past few weeks. Check the images to stay updated. #DeepSeaNews

Today at #OSM26 a dedicated seamount session emphasised the need to accelerate scientific understanding and protection of seamounts in the global ocean. The session was chaired by DSCC's Seamount Campaign Science Lead Lissette Victorero, and Anna Roik.

The DSCC will be attending #CMSCOP15 supporting Monaco and Panama's resolution to conserve seamount ecosystems which would provide a framework for coordinated action to protect seamounts, a critical habitat, across jurisdictions. Find more information: deep-sea-conservation.org/defending-th...

Scientists are calling on UN Member States to fully implement UNGA Resolution 61/105 and protect vulnerable marine ecosystems, including seamounts, from destructive bottom-contact fishing. Eligible scientists may sign in their personal capacity: stateoftheocean.org/seamoun...

As the International Seabed Authority Council meets March 9–20 in Kingston, the future of the deep ocean is at stake. Join our March 4 briefing to unpack the risks of deep-sea mining & why the world needs a moratorium. Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3nRE9y2YTnmQfw_OfQCZeA

Science Spotlight New research shows that depth and water masses shape coral and sponge communities of the Corner Rise Seamounts. Six habitats meet criteria for Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems, evidence which strengthens the case for continued protection.

The body of the glass octopus is almost entirely clear except for its optic nerve, eyes and digestive tract. It has unique cylindrical-shaped eyes that are hard to see from below, which scientists believe is part of its camouflage strategy. #DeepSeaWonders

Spilled some coffee today when I realised the #ISA leadership now doing a full-on roadshow to sell the #EU a #DeepSeaMining code… 🤿💰 All this without the science and so many unresolved questions. 📉🌊 Being bullied by the US? That’s not EU leadership. 🐙⚖️🌍 #DefendTheDeep #KeepItInTheSeabed

Unilateral #DeepSeaMining is about taking what doesn’t belong to you. The deep seabed belongs to all of us.

DYK? At Pacific hydrothermal vents, a deep-sea worm can turn two poisons into one harmless solid, a toxic pigment, which has been used by painters for centuries. 🎨 Read more: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-02771-9

The High Seas Treaty is now in force. Launching deep-sea mining would undermine it. Our new briefing explains why a moratorium at the ISA is essential to protect biodiversity, uphold equity and give real effect to #BBNJ https://bit.ly/4keEMMK

A precautionary pause is needed to protect Africa's ocean future. In a new op-ed, former Seychellois President James Michel & Dona Bertarelli highlight the scientific, economic & equity risks of rushing into DSM, and why a pause is the responsible path forward. www.ipsnews.net/2026/02/prot...

It is good to see the focus on pension funds investing in #DeepSeaMining in this article. Although some financiers and insurers have excluded deep-sea mining, so far no pension funds have made such a pledge. www.dw.com/en/the-hidde...

Giant isopods grow up to 40cm long and are typically found 170—2,100 meters deep in the Indo-Pacific and Western Atlantic Ocean. Fluttering pleopods help them swim and their slow metabolism helps them survive long periods without food. #DeepSeaWonders

The deep ocean is essential to life on Earth, yet it remains one of the least understood and most vulnerable parts of our planet. As destructive fishing practices continue & pressure grows for deep-sea mining, scientists are calling for precaution, protection, and science-based decision-making.

The deep sea is at risk. Pressure to start deep-sea mining is escalating, even through unilateral actions that bypass international law. A moratorium is the only responsible path forward. ✊ Tell your government to act now: DefendTheDeep.org

Deep sea mining is reckless, untested, and threatens the very fabric of island communities. @RepKimKingHinds has it right: “In places like the Marianas, American Samoa, and Guam, we don’t get the luxury of being wrong… There’s no ‘fix it and move it somewhere else.’”

“The ocean is not something we talk about in theory: it is how we live, it feeds our family, it holds our history and connects our people to generations before us.” Thank you @RepMoylan. Deep sea mining has NO place in Pacific waters. #DefendTheDeep

Deep-sea news alert! Our round-up brings you top stories from the ocean depths of the past few weeks. Check the images to stay updated. A thread 🧵 #DeepSeaNews