Check out the top stories from the deep, taken from coverage between 14-21 November 2022
Glassy fangs and glowing fins: amazing deep sea animals found near Cocos Islands
Source: The Guardian
Author: Helen Scales
“Discovered in the deep: Scientists exploring the uncharted waters of the Indian Ocean uncover a multitude of dazzling sea creatures around a remote Australian island group”
Scientists have retrieved rare and remarkable specimens from a deep sea expedition off the coast of the Keeling Islands. Compiling the photos of these creatures, Scale discusses the significance of these discoveries.
Ocean miner completes controversial Pacific trials
Source: RNZ Pacific
Author: Koroi Hawkins
“The mining trial involved engineers driving a pilot collector vehicle across over 80km of the seafloor collecting approximately 4,500 tonnes of nodules and bringing over 3000 tonnes up a 4.3km riser system to the surface production vessel”
In September, the ISA approved the Metals Company’s request to begin ‘trial’ mining in the Clarion Clipperton region. The expedition has been widely criticized by scientists as operating under the guise of research. In a week where calls for a ban on deep sea mining have grown louder, the expedition has come to a close. The Metals Company will present the data collected during the expedition to the ISA in the hope of securing a contract for further deep sea mining expeditions.
ISA challenged with growing calls for caution and transparency
Source: Pacific Blue Line
“The 27th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) concluded last Friday, with member States expressing concern that deep sea mining should not commence in absence of rules and regulations that will guarantee the protection of marine environment and ecosystems.”
In a week where Emanuel Macron called for a ban on deep-sea mining, the ISA saw “a good number of State parties” acknowledge the need for better scientific assurances before deep-sea mining is approved. Many also expressed concern at the ISA’s approval of test mining which took place “behind closed doors” and without any member state consultation.
Greenpeace Confronts Deep Sea Mining Vessel
Source: Scoop World
“Greenpeace activists have peacefully confronted a deep sea mining ship off the coast of Manzanillo, México as it returned to port from the Pacific.”
“Kia ora, hola, hello. My name is James Hita from Greenpeace and I have a message for you and for the Metals Company.”
A small GreenPeace boat sends a radio message to the ‘Hidden Gem’ a deep-sea mining vessel sent out to the Clarion Clipperton zone by the Metals Company. Their message was a powerful one, condemning the “plundering the seafloor” and speaking to the environmental and cultural necessity of the Ocean’s health.
Exploitation minière des fonds marins : une réglementation en discussion
Source: Actu Environnement
Author: Imane Chartier
As the 27th meeting of the ISA concludes, Chartier takes stock on the outcomes. Macron’s announcement, definitively calling for a ban on Deep-sea mining, offers a stark contrast to the ISA’s discussion of ‘Mining Code’. This ‘code’ would allow for deep-sea mining permits to be secured – and would allow mining to begin as soon as July 2023.
Nuevo impulso para el freno de la minería subacuática
Source: RTVE
At the recent ISA meeting in Kingston Jamaica, Spain, alongside Germany, Costa Rica and Panama have called for a “precautionary pause” on deep sea mining.