Commissioned by the State to the IRD

A collective effort by experts from the French National Center for Scientific Research (IRD) is being presented in the French territories of the Pacific. The initiative, commissioned by the French government, focuses on the knowledge and governance of the deep seas and is set to be shared with Wallis and Futuna, as well as Paris. The topics include pollution, resource use, and the role of local populations in shaping future policies.

Lack of deep-sea exploration

François Houllier, CEO of Ifremer, highlights that less than 0.001% of the deep ocean has been explored by remotely operated vehicles or submarines. The deep sea is generally defined as areas beyond 200 meters in depth, and its boundaries can vary based on usage. The study is led by anthropologists Valelia Muni Toke and Pierre-Yves Le Meur, who focus on three main areas: existing knowledge, uses of the deep sea, and governance.

Incorporating traditional knowledge

The research spans multiple disciplines and integrates traditional knowledge from Pacific islanders. It began in 2020, when France updated its strategy on the deep sea, initially focused on exploring and exploiting mineral resources. However, in 2022, France shifted its stance and advocated for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, redirecting efforts toward knowledge and governance.

Reassessing deep-sea mining

Valelia Muni Toke argues that the deep sea should not be seen as a "virgin space," challenging the common perception. Pierre-Yves Le Meur notes a gap between existing uses and the hypothetical use of underwater mining, which is not yet a reality but generates significant debate. He points out that waste disposal is already a concern, while mining remains a hypothetical issue with much discussion.

Pollution in the deep sea

Pollution in the deep sea is already a reality, with plastics found in the Mariana Trench and microplastics contaminating organisms near hydrothermal vents in the southwest Pacific and Indian Ocean. Valelia Muni Toke references a 2026 study showing that 90% of organisms in these areas are contaminated with microplastics. The deep sea is often seen as a potential El Dorado for mining, but scientists are still uncertain about the composition and value of the resources found there.

Environmental and economic uncertainties

Valelia Muni Toke criticizes the lack of evidence supporting the profitability or environmental benefit of deep-sea mining. She challenges the idea that these metals will necessarily support an energy transition, noting that "energy transition" is a political term, not a scientific one. She references historian Jean-Baptiste Fressoz, who argues that new energy sources often supplement rather than replace existing ones.

History of deep-sea mining

The idea of deep-sea mining is not new; polymetallic nodules were first brought up during the HMS Challenger expedition in 1872. Their economic interest was recognized in the 1960s and 1970s, but they remain poorly understood in terms of composition, formation, and potential exploitation. France has historically supported deep-sea mining, aiming to develop a national industry, but this idea has since been abandoned.

Current state of mining discussions

Major multinational mining companies have not yet entered the field, while speculative firms like The Metals Company (TMC) are investing in the potential of deep-sea mining. Pierre-Yves Le Meur notes that the debate around underwater mining is highly polarized, with environmental concerns on one side and the need for metals for the energy transition on the other.

Negotiating international rules

Valérie Verdier, CEO of the IRD, notes that discussions on the mining code continue at the International Seabed Authority (ISA), which is responsible for setting rules for seabed exploitation outside exclusive economic zones (EEZs). Véronique Roger-Lacan, France's ambassador for the Pacific, confirms that negotiations are ongoing, taking place amid divisions in the Pacific and strong geostrategic tensions.

Diverse perspectives on mining

Some Pacific states advocate for a pause in mining, while others, like the Cook Islands, support developing this activity within their EEZs. Pierre-Yves Le Meur emphasizes that the consequences of mining could extend beyond national borders, and the representation of French Pacific territories in international discussions is a point of contention.

French territories and governance

The French Pacific territories, such as Wallis and Futuna, do not have control over the mineral resources in their EEZs, which fall under the French state. Past exploration campaigns were conducted without consulting local populations or customary leaders, leading to distrust. Scientists now face challenges in gaining trust from communities that view the state as an extension of external interests.

Cultural and political dimensions

In many Oceanic cultures, there is a deep connection between the sea, land, and sky. This perspective has been discussed at the Pacific Islands Forum for over a decade. The talanoa, a regional dialogue based on exchange, allows for continued discussions despite differences in national positions.

Regional and geopolitical tensions

Pierre-Yves Le Meur notes that the search for a regional voice in the Pacific contrasts with the Indo-Pacific strategies of major powers. French territories participate in Pacific discussions but are not sovereign actors in defining the French strategy. This reflects the colonial legacy of the French Pacific territories, a situation also seen in American Samoa, where a legal challenge has been filed against planned mining concessions.

Ethical and political considerations

François Houllier of Ifremer emphasizes the need for researchers to reflect on their objectives: whether they aim to understand, preserve, or exploit the deep sea. Pierre-Yves Le Meur argues that researchers must maintain autonomy to avoid being used for political purposes.

Recommendations for future policy

The expertise proposes ten recommendations to guide future policy, including organizing public debates, consolidating data, and developing a coordinated interministerial policy. The study emphasizes the need to involve local populations and recognize diverse knowledge systems in shaping a future deep-sea policy.

Existing and potential uses of the deep sea

The study lists 18 existing and potential uses of the deep sea, including undersea cables, scientific research, fishing, and hydrocarbon exploration. Other potential uses include mining, geothermal energy, and tourism. The report also highlights the geopolitical and sovereignty issues that cross these uses.

Ten pathways for decision-making

The expertise proposes ten pathways for building a coordinated public policy, from organizing public forums to developing knowledge policies that recognize different types of knowledge. The report emphasizes the need to translate priorities into actionable mechanisms and to monitor the implementation of decisions.