Oceanographer Sylvia Earle on the dangers of deep sea mining - video

The highly respected and well-known oceanographer Sylvia Earle spoke out some time ago about the dangers of deep-sea mining development.

In her opinion, the development of deep-sea mining could have dire consequences on a global scale. Intensified extraction of raw materials from the depths of the oceans will threaten not only underwater ecosystems but also the entire world.

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Exploration companies are increasingly looking to the ocean depths. This is all because it is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain many strategic raw materials. Deposits on the surface are not able to meet demand and the solution to the problem is to develop deep-sea mining.

However, the renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle warns of the dire consequences that the expansion of this sector could have. You don’t have to be a brilliant scientist to realise how serious the situation is. Wherever huge amounts of money are involved, the welfare of the environment is at stake.

Threats

As a result of the activities carried out by deep-sea mining companies, many ecosystems may be degraded or destroyed. All the more so because we still know relatively little about the ocean depths. This may lead to a situation where many creatures and entire ecosystems will never be known because they will be lost.

Currently, deep-sea mining is an extremely fast-growing field of experimental extraction of raw materials from the seabed. It involves extracting raw materials and minerals at depths of more than 200 metres. At the moment, most mining is carried out by companies in shallow coastal waters. This is where they extract valuable raw materials such as diamonds.

However, much of the attention of deep-sea mining companies is attracted by the mining of polymetallic nodules, polymetallic sulphides and cobalt-rich ferromanganese shells. Most of the locations that attract the attention of this industry are at depths of between 1,400 and 3,700 m, near extinct hydrothermal vents.

Deep-sea mining, like any extractive activity, raises concerns about its potential environmental impact. Organisations such as Greenpeace and the Deep Sea Mining Campaign argue that exploitation of the seabed should not be allowed. All because of the risk ofdestroying deep sea ecosystems and heavy metal pollution. Because of the potential catastrophic effects on the environment, leading environmental organisations and state authorities have called for moratoriums or outright bans.

In addition, deep-sea mining activities increase ambient noise in pelagic areas, which are generally quiet. We already know that deep-sea fish and marine mammals are affected by anthropogenic noise. Possible consequences include behavioural changes, communication difficulties and temporary and permanent hearing damage.

As a species, we need to show responsibility and forethought, as deep-sea mining could be what destroys the last uncharted area on our planet, and even ourselves.

Photo: Kip Evans