Imagine diving into the crystal-clear waters offshore of Miami, only to find yourself surrounded by a scene of devastation. A moonscape. The water, once teeming with life, is clouded with sediment, and vibrant coral reefs are now buried beneath a layer of sand. This is the grim reality made manifest by the PortMiami dredging project that occurred from 2013 to 2015. The project resulted in catastrophic damage to adjacent coral reefs, triggering legal action by Miami Waterkeeper and co-plaintiffs. Despite the dredging company’s initial attempts to downplay the environmental impact, subsequent scientific research uncovered extensive coral mortality, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has now released a report that supports our finding that millions of corals were likely killed and at least 278 acres of the Florida Reef Tract were severely impacted.
This special conversation in honor of Earth Day covered topics including climate-related threats to the ocean, the impact of climate change on small islands and low-lying coastal nations, and the power of the ocean to help heal the planet.
The Impact of Climate Change on Small Islands with Angelique Pouponneau, Senior Advisor to the Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States
The Global Campaign to Stop Deep-Sea Mining with Sian Owen, Director at the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC)
The Power and Potential of Blue Carbon with Jennifer Howard, Vice President of the Blue Carbon Program at Conservation International; Board Member of Only One
Take action
Sign the petition to stop deep-sea mining
Plant trees in the Million Mangrove Challenge
Join The Splash, a community of digital activists
Additional resources
Helpful fact sheets from the DSCC on deep-sea mining
“Is the International Seabed Authority fit for purpose?” fact sheet
Fact sheets that can be used to inform governments and other target audiences on deep-sea mining (in English, French, and Spanish)
Report showing why minerals from the deep sea are not needed for a just, green transition
