The growing race to exploit deep-sea resources is raising concerns over environmental damage, fragmented international oversight and accountability, as countries and companies seek minerals essential for batteries and clean energy technologies.
Polymetallic nodules, cobalt-rich crusts and polymetallic sulphides found on the ocean floor contain nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese. While these resources could diversify mineral supplies, large-scale extraction could destroy seabed habitats, disturb sediments and threaten poorly understood marine ecosystems.
The central question is who will prevent environmental damage in international waters and hold those responsible accountable when harm occurs.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides the principal legal framework for ocean governance. However, responsibility is divided among institutions overseeing seabed minerals, shipping, fisheries and marine biodiversity, creating challenges in coordinating environmental protection and enforcement.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) regulates mineral-related activities in the international seabed Area beyond national jurisdiction. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) develops international standards for shipping safety and pollution prevention, while the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) supports sustainable fisheries management.
Although these institutions have distinct mandates, their activities can affect the same marine ecosystems. The combined effects of mining, shipping and fishing may remain difficult to assess when environmental data and monitoring systems are fragmented.
An activity could comply with one regulatory framework while contributing to environmental pressures that another institution does not adequately address. Establishing responsibility for damage becomes particularly difficult when several operators and regulatory systems are involved.
The Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, known as the BBNJ Agreement or High Seas Treaty, entered into force on January 17, 2026.
The agreement establishes a framework for marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, marine genetic resources and benefit-sharing, alongside capacity-building and technology transfer.
However, it does not replace the separate legal arrangements governing international seabed mining, shipping or fisheries. Coordination among existing institutions remains essential.
Effective implementation will require credible environmental assessments, transparent information-sharing, scientific monitoring and action against violations. The treaty's entry into force does not automatically guarantee effective conservation.
The challenge is particularly significant for developing countries, which often lack the research vessels, seabed sensors, specialised equipment and analytical capacity needed to independently monitor activities in distant international waters.
Without reliable baseline data and continuous monitoring, determining whether environmental changes result from a particular activity, natural processes, or other human pressures can be difficult.
Unequal access to scientific research and technology can also limit developing countries' ability to challenge environmental claims and participate meaningfully in international negotiations.
For Bangladesh, the issue is closely connected to the health of the Bay of Bengal, fisheries, coastal livelihoods and the country's blue economy.
The Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI) is conducting research on coastal marine resources, potential fishing habitats and marine pollution.
Abu Sharif Md Mahabub E Kibria, a marine scientist at BORI working on environmental and climate issues, said the institute was researching potentially valuable mineral resources along the coast, identifying potential fish habitats and detecting marine pollution in coastal and adjacent areas.
BORI is also working on extracting agar and carrageenan from seaweed and identifying suitable areas for seaweed cultivation in the sea.
These activities could strengthen Bangladesh's understanding of marine resources and environmental changes. However, coastal mineral exploration and mining in the deep seabed beyond national jurisdiction involve different geographical areas, legal frameworks and environmental conditions.
Bangladesh's exclusive economic zone is legally distinct from international waters, where the country does not automatically exercise direct regulatory control. Nevertheless, marine pollution and ecological changes can cross maritime boundaries, affecting fisheries, food security and coastal economies.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Department of Fisheries and BORI could play important roles in monitoring international developments, strengthening scientific research and representing Bangladesh's interests in global negotiations.
Expanding access to marine data, developing research partnerships and improving technical expertise would help Bangladesh assess emerging risks and advocate for stronger environmental safeguards and fairer access to marine genetic resources.
Ultimately, the race for deep-sea resources cannot be governed by a single treaty or institution. Effective oversight will depend on coordination among regulatory bodies, transparent environmental assessments, reliable scientific evidence and clear procedures for investigating violations.
The challenge is not simply determining who can extract resources from the deep sea, but ensuring that economic benefits are shared fairly, environmental damage is prevented wherever possible and those responsible are held accountable.
Earlier, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: "International cooperation and effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement are important for protecting marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction."
Then again, Leticia Carvalho, the ISA secretary-general, said: "Environmental protection, scientific evidence and effective regulatory oversight are central to governing international seabed mineral activities."
Even, Qu Dongyu, director-general of FAO, said: "Sustainable fisheries management requires science-based decisions, responsible harvesting and action against illegal fishing."
Expressing his opinion to Dhaka Tribune, Professor Ainun Nishat, an environmental and water resources expert, said: "Decisions on deep-sea resource extraction should account for environmental impacts, scientific evidence and long-term risks rather than economic potential alone."
Energy and environmental specialist Professor Ijaz Hossain from Buet, said: "Demand for minerals used in clean energy technologies should be considered alongside alternatives, recycling and safeguards against additional environmental damage."
Talking to Dhaka Tribune, Abu Sharif Md Mahabub E Kibria, marine scientist at BORI, said: "BORI is researching potential coastal mineral resources, fish habitats, marine pollution, seaweed-derived agar and carrageenan, and suitable areas for seaweed cultivation."
University of Dhaka oceanography and fisheries researchers and BORI marine scientists agreed that long-term research and regular monitoring are needed to assess deep-sea biodiversity and ecosystem risks, where scientific information remains limited; besides, scientific data and regional cooperation are important for understanding how changes in international waters could affect marine species, food webs and fisheries.
