The Deep-Sea Night event, held on October 14 at the Aula Prima of Valletta Campus, University of Malta, sought to explore the complexities surrounding deep-sea mining, focusing on the environmental and policy challenges that this activity presents. Organised by the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) Malta Hub, the event brought together key stakeholders in ocean governance, including experts, students, and environmental advocates. The event was spearheaded by Rosalyn Kamp, an IOI alumnus from the MA in Ocean Governance Programme, who played a central role in organising and promoting the event.
The key highlight of the evening was the screening of Deep Rising, a thought-provoking documentary directed by Matthieu Rytz and narrated by Jason Momoa. The film captured the tension between economic interests driving deep-sea resource extraction and the urgent need to protect the fragile ecosystems of the deep ocean. The event concluded with an engaging panel discussion, featuring a lineup of experts in ocean governance and environmental policy: Alan Deidun: Malta’s Ocean Ambassador, Professor at the Department of Geosciences of the University of Malta, and Director, IOI Malta Training Centre; Antonella Vassallo: Managing Director, International Ocean Institute; Corinne Casha: Deputy Director Global Affairs, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Malta; Guylain Théon: Sustainable Development Advisor for the French Embassy in Malta.
The panel discussion covered a range of topics, including the current gaps in deep-sea mining regulations, the role of scientific research in informing policy, and the ethical considerations of mining the ocean's depths for resources vital to the global economy but with uncertain environmental impacts.
During her intervention, Ms Vassallo elaborated on the IOI’s commitment to capacity development and the provision of training programmes in ocean governance. She underscored the importance of creating and supporting knowledgeable ocean leadership equipped with the skills to negotiate and manage the challenges posed by deep-seabed mining. Ms Vassallo highlighted IOI’s role in ensuring that future decision-makers have a robust understanding of both the potential and risks associated with deep-sea exploitation, especially in the context of international regulatory frameworks.