DEEP CURRENTS COLLECTIVE
Protecting the Deep Ocean for Allkind
The Deep Currents Collective is an international group of activists, artists, and academics who promote the deep ocean and seabed as a common heritage for allkind. We contest international governance regimes and extractive activities that pose any cultural and ecological threats to the deep ocean. We work to redress the absence of diverse voices, cultural knowledges and values at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and beyond. We engage alternative approaches towards a more ecologically and culturally generative deep ocean future.
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Deep Seabed Mining
This new extractive regime threatens to transform the international deep seabed into a sacrifice zone. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is mandated by the UN to manage human activities in this region. It’s a jurisdiction recognised as the common heritage of [hu]mankind, covering almost half the earth’s surface. Regulations to enable corporations to commence mining in this region are now being finalised. The ISA’s mandate includes protection of deep ocean environments, but for the past several decades it has focused on commercial mining, to the detriment of deep ecologies and cultural interests. We call for a ban on deep seabed mining and a seabed governance framework for the benefit of allkinds.
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Deep Culture and Heritage
At a time when multiple ecological crises impact the ocean, we foreground ways of knowing, being and imagining that offer alternative governance pathways beyond dominating extractive, colonial frameworks. We offer tools and practices for navigating challenges associated with extractive ocean regimes that are interdisciplinary, intergenerational, and are intertwined with our more-than-human relatives. This includes foregrounding Indigenous and uncolonising practices, knowledges and relational ethics. To achieve this, we work co-operatively with diverse universities, cultural organizations, science and conservation groups, creative youth and community groups, and activist and civil society networks.
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Our Work
The Deep Currents Collective research and produce co-authored journal publications and policy contributions, cultural events, curated programs, panel discussions, as well as activist programs and community engagement activities. We participate in official observer delegations to International Seabed Authority to witness proceedings and share critical developments with wider publics that are excluded from the ISA’s regulatory arena, including communities who may be affected by the organisations decisions. We offer transdisciplinary expertise to relevant ISA fora, as well as focused critiques and culturally informed interventions that contribute to the development of seabed governance.
COMMUNITY VOICES
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Hefrani Barnes
Of both English and Rotuman heritage, Hefrani, whose name translates to “the Morningstar”- is a young self-taught visual, conceptual artist and illustrator. As passionate as she is creative, Hefrani has been involved in artistic activism from a young age. Her unique hand in painting and virtual art is inspired by artists such as Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso- all of which have influenced her contemporary style. She says she is inspired by the natural world, in particular the ocean and her creatures, its role in connecting the people and its effect on Pacific culture.
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Unless otherwise specified, all text and images copyright of the individual authors and artists. Images courtesy: NOAA