The Dominican Republic is taking a cautious stance on deep-sea mining, emphasizing the need for thorough scientific research before moving forward with any extraction activities. At the July 2023 Assembly of the International Seabed Authority (ISA), Edward Pérez Reyes, then the country’s representative to the ISA, advocated for a moratorium on deep-sea mining until a robust legal framework and adequate environmental protections are established.
Jonathan Delance, director of conservation of the National 30×30 Program of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, highlighted the critical role of the Dominican Republic’s marine ecosystems, which he described as “one of the country’s greatest natural and strategic riches.” He pointed out the economic and ecological significance of coral reefs, mangroves, and other marine habitats, which support tourism, fishing, and coastal protection.
Delance expressed concerns about the current gaps in deep-sea research, noting that most existing studies focus on geological rather than ecological factors. The complexity and expense of deep-sea research, which requires specialized technology like remotely operated vehicles and deep-sea cameras, have contributed to a limited understanding of these ecosystems. Recent advancements include the inclusion of the Beata Underwater Ridge in conservation efforts, marking progress in understanding the Dominican Republic’s deep-sea geography.
Environmental DNA analyses conducted during pelagic fauna expeditions have identified various species within the marine food chain, including over 400 distinct morphospecies. However, Delance emphasized the pressing need for additional taxonomic identification and research into the dynamics of these habitats.
Dominican Republic’s Position on Deep-Sea Mining
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) plays a fundamental role in dictating the legal framework surrounding ocean exploitation and environmental protection. The Dominican Republic actively participated in ISA discussions from 2020 to 2025 and has sought to ensure any mining activities do not compromise marine ecosystems. Pérez Reyes noted that while mineral resources are vital for energy transitions, the potential ecological risks warrant a careful, science-based approach.
Environmental organizations, such as the Magua Ecological Foundation, have voiced strong opposition to deep-sea mining in the region. Foundation president Manuel Alejandro Rodríguez warned of severe and irreversible impacts, including habitat destruction and pollution. His organization advocates for prioritizing the conservation of marine ecosystems in light of these risks.
Sixto Inchaustegui, president of Grupo Jaragua, echoed these concerns, highlighting the environmental vulnerabilities along the Dominican Republic’s narrow continental shelf. He stressed the importance of marine ecosystem services for economic activities like tourism and fisheries, which could be further jeopardized by deep-sea mining.
In July 2023, Ambassador Nancy Patricia Franjul Pérez assumed her role as the new permanent representative to the ISA, reaffirming the Dominican Republic’s commitment to a science-based regulatory framework for mineral resource exploitation. ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho welcomed the engagement, emphasizing the need for environmental responsibility in balancing resource security and marine protection.
The Dominican Republic recently became the first Caribbean nation to exceed the global 30×30 environmental commitment, protecting over 30% of its marine areas. However, Delance noted that effective management of these protected areas remains a challenge. Efforts will focus on enhancing monitoring, regulating maritime traffic, and increasing scientific capacity to ensure a sustainable balance between conservation and economic utilization.
In collaboration with Colombia, the Dominican Republic will also contribute to a scientific mission aboard the REV Ocean, aimed at studying the biodiversity and ecological conditions of the Beata Underwater Ridge in 2027. This initiative seeks to provide critical data needed to improve marine conservation strategies and support evidence-based decision-making.
