#40 From the Lab to the Legal Text with Kerstin Kröger

Recorded at the Seabed Minerals Conference in Bergen, Norway, this episode features Dr. Kerstin Kröger, a deep-sea ecologist and Marine Management Adviser who, over the course of a 1.5-year sabbatical, dove deep into the legal frameworks governing the world’s ocean floors. Kerstin speaks openly about what it means to operate at the science-policy interface, why scientists must learn the language of law to have their advice heard, and what the landmark BBNJ Agreement — which entered into force on January 17, 2026 — means for the future of deep-sea mining.

Together, we unpack the four pillars of the BBNJ Agreement, how it interacts with the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the ongoing fragmentation of ocean governance, and why making decisions in this space can feel like a Greek tragedy because whichever way it’s decided, harm will happen.

We also get into the uncomfortable conversation about scientific objectivity, the fear of being “put in a camp,” how framing shapes public perception of impact data, and whether the deep sea was ever truly pristine to begin with.

Production Note: Please note there was a brief camera issue around the 3-minute mark. Audio remains unaffected. Apologies for the lack of visual!

Follow Kerstin

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kerstin-kröger-96b88747

Chapters

* 00:00 – Intro & Background

* 02:30 – Science vs Legal Language

* 09:40 – What is BB&J

* 15:20 – Marine Resources & Data Sharing

* 28:40 – Protected Areas & Governance

* 36:30 – Environmental Impact & Rules

* 42:00 – Impact on Deep Sea Mining

* 49:50 – Debate & Polarization

Resources Mentioned

* BBNJ Agreement (High Seas Treaty): https://www.un.org/bbnjagreement/en

* DOALOS: https://www.un.org/depts/los/index.htm

* UNCLOS: https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/convention_overview_convention.htm

* ISA: https://isa.org.jm

* DOSI: https://www.dosi-project.org

* ACOPS: https://acops.org.uk

* OSPAR Commission: https://www.ospar.org

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