🌊 National Deep Ocean Agency
Create a specialist civilian agency to study, map and protect deep-ocean environments, strengthen maritime knowledge and develop responsible ocean technology. Exploration and resource decisions must be science-led and environmentally precautionary.
Operate or partner for research vessels, remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles and crewed submersibles with certified safety systems.
Map seabed geology, underwater mountains, trenches, habitats and natural hazards; maintain reliable national marine data.
Study deep-ocean species and ecosystems, identify vulnerable habitats and support protected areas and conservation measures.
Measure ocean temperature, currents, carbon storage, oxygen levels and acidification to improve climate research and forecasts.
Research and help protect submarine cables, pipelines and scientific equipment through lawful monitoring, inspection and emergency response partnerships.
Assess fisheries and seabed resources transparently. No extraction should proceed without legal authority, robust environmental assessment, monitoring and enforceable safeguards.
Scientific standards and safeguards
- ▸Set up a national oceanographic research centre, specialist training and partnerships with universities and international institutes.
- ▸Require environmental baseline studies, independent peer review and long-term impact monitoring before any seabed activity.
- ▸Follow applicable maritime law, marine environmental agreements and rules governing areas beyond national jurisdiction.
- ▸Publish non-sensitive research, budgets, permits and annual performance reports; protect sensitive ecological and infrastructure data.
- ▸Build capability in stages based on scientific priorities, maritime needs, trained personnel and sustainable public funding.