Seabed mining inquiry 2023
DECISION: PENDING
Introduction
On 11 May 2023, Parliament’s Environment Select Committee initiated an inquiry into seabed mining in New Zealand, with public submissions due on 23 June 2023.
The inquiry aims to examine the potential benefits and risks of seabed mining in New Zealand, and whether changes to the regulatory framework are required.
The New Zealand Sport Fishing worked with LegaSea, the New Zealand Angling & Casting Association and New Zealand Underwater Association to develop a comprehensive response. The joint submission was sent to the Environment Committee on 22 June 2023. The joint submitters asked the Committee for a hearing.
Currently, the inquiry is going through the Select Committee process. We will update this page as it happens.
Submission
A joint submission by the NZ Sport Fishing Council, LegaSea, NZ Angling & Casting Association, NZ Underwater, and New Plymouth Sportfishing & Underwater Club supported an immediate ban on seabed mining in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone, highlighting that the short-term and long-term environmental risks of seabed mining are indisputable.
There are viable alternatives to seabed mining. The need to extract more minerals for things like EV batteries could be mitigated by recycling metal e-waste, urban mining, and bioleaching, an innovative process that uses bacteria to extract the metal.
Background
On 5 May 2023 the Government asked for a select Committee inquiry into seabed mining.
On 11 May Environment Minister David Parker asked Parliament’s Environment Select Committee to conduct an inquiry into seabed mining in New Zealand waters.
The inquiry would consider the potential risks and benefits of seabed mining in New Zealand, and whether changes to the domestic regulatory framework are needed. It would encompass all seabed areas within New Zealand’s jurisdiction, namely the territorial sea, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and extended continental shelf.
The inquiry comes after a member’s Bill was put forward in Parliament to prohibit all seabed mining in New Zealand. The Government does not support that Bill due to threats of cutting off New Zealand’s immediate gas supply, amongst other issues.
In October 2022, Labour Party MP Nanaia Mahuta announced that New Zealand will back a conditional moratorium on seabed mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction until strong environmental rules, supported by robust science, can be agreed on internationally.
Relevant information
The NZSFC has been involved in other seabed mining processes. See more below.
Seabed mining Taranaki 2013-14
2023
Submission
Submission. Seabed mining inquiry. Joint recreational. 22 June 2023
Submission in support of an immediate ban on seabed mining in New Zealand’s EEZ due to unavoidable environmental damage. NZSFC, LegaSea, New Plymouth Sportfishing & Underwater Club, NZ Angling & Casting Association & NZ Underwater. 22 June 2023.
Media coverage
Media release. Government proposes seabed mining inquiry. 5 May 2023.
Media Release from Minister David Parker’s office announcing an inquiry into seabed mining in New Zealand. 5 May 2023.