ABSTRACT
Germany thus continues to demonstrate an active interest in marine scientific research on the effects and prospects of deep-sea mining. Germany shares its new political position with inter alia Spain and New Zealand and has received support from representatives of the German carmaker industry who stated that, for the time being, they would not buy metals retrieved from seabed mining. In addition to multilateral engagement, Germany has been actively seeking bilateral cooperation in this field as is demonstrated by the joint declaration of intent between France and Germany concerning cooperation in the field of seabed mining. The fate of such cooperation declarations in the light of the wish to postpone exploitation until environmental consequences have been more thoroughly studied, remains to be seen. Traditionally, mining on Germany's continental shelf is regulated as part of the legal regime for mining on land.
