Norway should not hurry into opening its seas to deep-sea mining, warns Jan Roger Lerbukt, head of Norges Fiskarlag. He calls for the government to postpone the first licensing round by at least one more budget year, saying the stakes are too high.
“Our marine environment, our fisheries, and Norway’s international reputation as a leading ocean nation must not be put at risk,” Jan Roger Lerbukt says.
Weak Knowledge Base
Lerbukt stresses that the scientific foundation is far too thin. He notes that experts have warned that mining could lead to “major discharges, including heavy metals”, which may affect seafood safety.
He also points out that the original impact assessment was “deeply inadequate” and failed to create trust across sectors.
Threat to Fisheries and Key Habitats
He warns that spawning, nursery and fishing grounds could be harmed or even destroyed if mining goes ahead now. “Norway cannot take this lightly,” he says, underlining that safe, healthy seafood must remain the top priority for the nation.
Uncertain Economics
Lerbukt also questions the financial reasoning behind the rush. He argues that no mineral deposits in Norwegian waters have been proven profitable to extract.
“At present, the business model seems to rely on state subsidies,” he says, adding that Norway should not subsidise new industries that may damage already profitable and sustainable ones, such as the fisheries sector.
He ends with a clear call for caution: “The announcement of a first licensing round must not be rushed,” he says, urging a pause to ensure any future choices are responsible and well supported by facts.