Why It Matters

Odyssey Marine Exploration is dramatically expanding its federal lobbying presence at a critical juncture for seabed mineral policy. The company hired Tower Strategy LLC in March 2024 as part of a three-firm strategy launched in 2025, marking a strategic pivot from shipwreck recovery to offshore mineral development.

This positions Odyssey to influence emerging legislation on critical minerals and deep-sea mining in the 119th Congress. The company now lobbies through three specialized firms: Continental Strategy LLC targeting Gulf of Mexico phosphate development, CAPCVENTURES LLC on broader offshore mineral development, and Tower Strategy on subsea exploration across five policy areas.

The timing is strategic. Congress is debating competing visions between pro-development bills like H.R. 4018 and S. 2860, which seek to accelerate seabed mineral extraction, versus conservation legislation like H.R. 664 proposing to prohibit deep-sea mining entirely. Phosphate’s addition to the critical minerals list provides significant tailwind for Odyssey’s advocacy.

By the Numbers

Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. has significantly expanded its federal advocacy. Previously, the company spent $320,000 over 24 quarters with Jenkins Hill Consulting LLC (2009-2016) on maritime issues and $150,000 with LobbyDC.com LLC (2020-2021) on trade.

Solo lobbyist Enrique Angel de la Torre leads Tower Strategy’s efforts. De la Torre has represented T1 Energy Inc. on solar manufacturing and the Mexican Business Council on trade matters, but lacks congressional work experience.

The Agenda

Odyssey Marine Exploration Inc. is lobbying on subsea mineral exploration and development, specifically promoting phosphate resources in the Gulf of Mexico. This represents a strategic pivot from previous focus on shipwreck recovery and maritime law.

Key legislative targets include pro-development bills S.2860 and H.R.4018, which streamline permitting for seabed mineral development. Opposition legislation includes H.R.664 and H.R.663, which restrict deep-sea mining.

Broader Context

Congress is intensifying focus on critical minerals amid geopolitical competition with China, which controls over 60 percent of global extraction of many critical resources. The clean energy transition creates unprecedented mineral demand—the International Energy Agency forecasts demand must triple by 2030.

The Trump administration has accelerated momentum through Executive Order 14285, mandating federal agencies expedite seabed mining permits. However, more than 20 countries oppose deep-sea mining, citing environmental concerns.

Between The Lines

Recent House Natural Resources Subcommittee hearings exposed deep divides. An April 2025 hearing featured industry testimony on economic potential versus conservation groups highlighting "grave risks." A September 2025 hearing reflected committee push for "energy and mineral dominance."

Bipartisan momentum builds around supply chain security. Senator John Cornyn introduced legislation to secure critical mineral supply chains, while Congresswoman Young Kim held hearings on breaking China’s chokehold on minerals.

Competitive Landscape

Moana Minerals Inc. has consistently lobbied throughout 2025, spending $30,000 quarterly on deep-sea mining policies. Notably, Moana is represented by CAPCVENTURES LLC, one of Odyssey’s lobbying firms, suggesting industry coordination.

WetStone Holdings Ltd. spent $40,000 in Q2 2025 specifically supporting H.R. 4018, indicating industry players are actively advancing pro-development legislation.

The Bottom Line

Odyssey is mounting a coordinated lobbying push to capitalize on congressional appetite for domestic mineral independence. The strategic focus on phosphate—now officially designated critical—aligns with pro-development momentum, but faces organized environmental opposition.
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