#EndDeepSeaMining

[lorenking@mstdn.ca]

#EndDeepSeaMining

Deep-sea mining

Deep-sea mining is the process of retrieving mineral deposits from the deep seabed – the ocean below 200m. Depleting terrestrial deposits and rising demand for metals mean deep-sea mining may begin soon, even though research suggests that it could destroy habitats and wipe out species. Deep-sea mining should be halted until the criteria specified by IUCN are met, including the introduction of assessments, effective regulation and mitigation strategies. Comprehensive studies are needed to improve our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and the vital services they provide to people, such as food and carbon sequestration.

IUCN (iucn.org)