With deep-sea mining, do microbes stand a chance?
Source: OCEANUS
Author: Tatiana Schlossberg
“Dr. Huber and Dr. Pachiadaki both expressed hope that better battery recycling and reuse of the metals we have already mined, or batteries that don’t require metals at all, would obviate the need for more mining in the sea or on land, which both said has been catastrophic.”
Marine microbes provide several ecosystem services, from helping restore coral reefs, to being used to treat cancer and cure infections. This article explores the impacts deep-sea mining would have on microbes in the sea
High-stakes talks on seabed mining and mineral exploitation begin in Jamaica
Source: The News
Author: AFP
“The agreement of the High Seas Treaty demonstrates the commitment of countries around the world to protect and prioritize the health of our ocean. It is essential that the same countries carry through to other fora, including the ISA, and support a moratorium on deep-sea mining,” said Duncan Currie, of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition NGO, in a statement.
The International Seabed Authority negotiations begin again in Kingston, Jamaica, after important landmark agreement that will help protect the High Seas and its biodiversity was agreed earlier this month in New York.
A Rush to Mine the Deep Sea Is Underway. It Must Be Stopped.
Source: New York Times
Author: Dr Diva Amon
This week the International Seabed Authority negotiations will resume in Kingston, Jamaica . Dr Diva Amon explains to The New York Times why scientists are so concerned about irreversible environmental impacts and the lack of equity if deep-sea mining were to go ahead.
Governments must not undermine historic Global Ocean Treaty by giving greenlight to deep-sea mining
Source: Greenpeace
“Which governments would want to undermine the achievement of this Treaty by giving a greenlight to deep-sea mining so soon after this historic success in New York? We’ve come to Kingston to say loud and clear that deep-sea mining is not compatible with a sustainable and fair future. Science, businesses and Pacific campaigners have already said it’s not. The same States that completed negotiations to protect the oceans must now draw a line and ensure that the deep sea is protected from mining. They can’t allow this reckless industry to go ahead”. – said Sebastian Losada, Senior Oceans Policy Adviser, Greenpeace International.
Oceans apart: How New Zealand’s global promises don’t match up on our own shores
Source: Stuff
Author: Andrea Vance
“For marine conservationists, the Government’s decisions on bottom-trawling is a litmus test for their commitment to the 30×30 goal, and its willingness to take on the $1bn fishing industry.”
In New Zealand advocates have been pushing for a ban on bottom trawling in seamounts, which are biodiversity-rich ecosystems.
Leader of International Seabed Mining Agency Admonished by Diplomats
Source: The New York Times
Author: Andrea Vance
Diplomats from Germany, Costa Rica and elsewhere say that they believe Mr. Lodge, who is supposed to be a neutral facilitator, has stepped out of line by resisting efforts by some council members that could slow approval of the first mining proposal.
Serious accusations have been made by members of the ISA’s governing council that Michael Lodge has overstepped “what should be a decision of the secretariat” by speeding up decision making processes.
The DSCC has produced a reaction to this article which can be read here.