Deep Sea Mining Tests Reveal New Species and Environmental Concerns

Researchers have identified 788 new species of marine life, including crustaceans, mollusks, and marine bristle worms, during one of the largest impact studies on deep-sea mining, according to Popular Science.

This study surveyed a nearly 50-mile stretch of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, an area between Hawaii and Mexico that lies over 13,000 feet below the surface. The study was conducted by a team led by marine biologist Thomas Dahlgren from Sweden's University of Gothenburg, who noted a 37 percent decrease in total animal population and a 32 percent decrease in biodiversity due to mining tests.

The findings, published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, highlight both the discovery of new species and the potential environmental impacts of deep-sea mining activities, emphasizing the necessity for sustainable practices in ocean resource extraction.

The Clarion-Clipperton Zone is increasingly targeted for its rich deposits of rare earth metals, which are essential for the green transition. Dahlgren stated that the 160 days of fieldwork performed by the research team provides a critical baseline for assessing the future impacts of mining in the area, especially as the industry moves beyond exploration to commercial exploitation.

The team also aims to investigate the 30 percent of the CCZ currently protected by environmental regulations, as little is known about the biodiversity in these regions.