In a new paper, scientists from the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories say that deep seabed mining could be a significant risk to ocean ecosystems with long lasting and irreversible effects. The study focuses on cetaceans, mammals such as whales, dolphins & porpoises and says urgent research is needed to assess potential impacts. University of Exeter’s Dr Kirsten Thompson said “Like many animals, cetaceans are already facing multiple stressors including climate change. Very little research has examined the impact that deep-sea minerals extraction would have on cetaceans. Cetaceans are highly sensitive to sound, so noise from mining is a particular concern.”Commercial-scale deep seabed mining in international waters could be permitted for the first time later this year. The sounds expected to be produced by mining operations, including from remotely operated vehicles on the seafloor, are likely to overlap with the frequencies at which cetaceans communicate. Dr Thompson added “We searched for data on how much noise such mining would cause, but no published assessment is available. We know noise pollution in the ocean is already a problem for cetaceans and introducing another industry that is expected to operate 24/7 would inevitably add to existing anthropogenic noise were deep seabed mining to go ahead. Despite this lack of information, it appears industrial-scale mining could soon begin in one of the planet’s few remaining undisturbed environments.”The Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean, which provides habitat for about 25 cetacean species, including dolphins and sperm whales, is of particular interest to mining companies aiming to exploit polymetallic nodules. In addition, mining companies are also looking to target seabed mineral resources in areas around seamounts and deep sea hydrothermal vents.No commercial-scale seabed mining has yet occurred outside the exclusive economic zones of coastal nations, although 31 exploration permits have been issued for areas beyond national jurisdiction by the International Seabed Authority, a United Nations body. However, in June 2021, the Pacific island of Nauru triggered the so-called "two-year rule" and informed the International Seabed Authority that it plans to mine the deep sea, meaning that mining could go ahead in June this year with whatever regulations the ISA has formulated by that time.
In a new paper, scientists from the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories say that deep seabed mining could be a significant risk to ocean ecosystems with long lasting and irreversible effects. The study focuses on cetaceans, mammals such as whales, dolphins & porpoises and says urgent research is needed to assess potential impacts. University of Exeter’s Dr Kirsten Thompson said “Like many animals, cetaceans are already facing multiple stressors including climate change. Very little research has examined the impact that deep-sea minerals extraction would have on cetaceans. Cetaceans are highly sensitive to sound, so noise from mining is a particular concern.”Commercial-scale deep seabed mining in international waters could be permitted for the first time later this year. The sounds expected to be produced by mining operations, including from remotely operated vehicles on the seafloor, are likely to overlap with the frequencies at which cetaceans communicate. Dr Thompson added “We searched for data on how much noise such mining would cause, but no published assessment is available. We know noise pollution in the ocean is already a problem for cetaceans and introducing another industry that is expected to operate 24/7 would inevitably add to existing anthropogenic noise were deep seabed mining to go ahead. Despite this lack of information, it appears industrial-scale mining could soon begin in one of the planet’s few remaining undisturbed environments.”The Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean, which provides habitat for about 25 cetacean species, including dolphins and sperm whales, is of particular interest to mining companies aiming to exploit polymetallic nodules. In addition, mining companies are also looking to target seabed mineral resources in areas around seamounts and deep sea hydrothermal vents.No commercial-scale seabed mining has yet occurred outside the exclusive economic zones of coastal nations, although 31 exploration permits have been issued for areas beyond national jurisdiction by the International Seabed Authority, a United Nations body. However, in June 2021, the Pacific island of Nauru triggered the so-called "two-year rule" and informed the International Seabed Authority that it plans to mine the deep sea, meaning that mining could go ahead in June this year with whatever regulations the ISA has formulated by that time.
