Bobbi-Jo Dobush
Focal Point: Deep Seabed Mining
Bobbi-Jo leads The Ocean Foundation’s work in support of a moratorium on deep seabed mining, advocating for a critical review of the financial and liability aspects of DSM, as well as the threats DSM poses to cultural connection to the ocean. Bobbi-Jo is also a strategic advisor, providing legal and policy support to all of TOF’s programs as well as the organization itself. Leveraging long standing relationships with lawyers, scientists, and scholars across a wide spectrum of public and private spheres, she advances policy actions at all levels from local to global. Bobbi-Jo is deeply involved with the Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI) and a proud member of the Surfrider San Diego Chapter, where she formerly served on the board. She speaks Spanish professionally and French rather less so. Bobbi-Jo loves art, exploring, ocean sports, books, and salsa (the condiment). Bobbi-Jo spent ten years as an environmental regulatory attorney at a large law firm where she created a niche practice interpreting and communicating law and science, building unlikely coalitions, and counseling non-profit clients. She long ago worked in refugee resettlement and continues to advocate for refugee and asylee rights.
Posts by Bobbi-Jo Dobush
Is it loud enough yet? Protests, Indigenous Voices, and the Business Case for DSM at the March 2024 ISA Meetings
The Ocean Foundation’s Deep Seabed Mining (DSM) team is happy to have participated again in meetings of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. Negotiations continue, and despite ongoing cooperation, the regulations are still far from being completed, with divergent views on fundamental concepts blocking consensus on key issues.
Don’t Shade the Ocean
We need sound legal tools to address side effects from climate geoengineering projects that could endanger the marine environment. These unwanted impacts include the ability of the seas to produce food and oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide and excess heat.
The Dubious Economics of Deep-Sea Mining
Legal Officer Bobbi-Jo Dobush was quoted in science magazine Nautilus in their recent article about DSM.
Deep Seabed Minerals Cannot Support a Green Transition: Part 3
Read part 3 of our blog series to highlight technological advancements that pave the way for a green transition without deep seabed minerals.
Deep Seabed Minerals Cannot Support a Green Transition: Part 2
Read part 2 of our blog series to highlight technological advancements that pave the way for a green transition without deep seabed minerals.
Deep Seabed Minerals Cannot Support a Green Transition: Part 1
We’ve written a blog series to highlight technological advancements that pave the way for a green transition without deep seabed minerals.
Working Toward a DSM Moratorium: Our Goals for the International Seabed Authority and Beyond
We participated in the International Seabed Authority’s most recent meetings during ISA-27 Part II, and are outlining our key takeaways.
Looking Back to Move Forward: 2022 UN Ocean Conference
After the 2022 UN Ocean Conference, we hope to see continued progress toward ensuring the voices of those with the power to make change, and those who are most affected by climate change and ocean destruction, are heard.
