Check out the top stories from the deep, taken from coverage between 17-24 April 2023
See a Newly Discovered ‘Pristine’ Deep-Sea Coral Reef in the Galápagos
Source: Gizmodo
Author: Lauren Leffer
Scientists discover a “never-before-observed” reef in the deep ocean surrounding the Galápagos Islands. The discovered reef appears to be complex, likely very old and complex ecosystem.
Deep-sea marine biologist Michelle Taylor described it as pristine and teeming with life – she also highlighted it as a potential area of global significance to monitor and learn more about.
Deep-Sea Mining’s Dirty Dilemma
Source: Hakai Magazine
Author: Elham Shabahat
“I can tell you that we’re not going to discover that deep-sea mining is good for marine ecosystems,” McCauley says. “The question is, How bad will it be?”
Scientists and politicians warn of the impacts deep-sea mining could have on fragile marine ecosystems in the deep ocean, one of them being clouds of sediment that can be kicked up by mining equipment.
‘Playing with fire’: the countdown to mining the deep seas for critical minerals
Source: Financial Times
Authors: Kenza Bryan and Harry Dempsey
This Financial Times article delves into the latest developments happening around discussions at the International Seabed Authority on deep-sea mining, indicating some of the environmental concerns regarding the destructive industry and the impacts it could have in disturbing the fragile ecosystems in the deep.
On the Edge of the Abyss
Source: ESG Investor
Author: Emmy Hawker
Jessica Battle, Lead of WWF International’s No Deep Seabed Mining initiative, says the idea that the world needs critical minerals from the deep sea to solve the climate crisis “is marketing spin, not science”.
In this new article, Catherine Weller, Global Policy Director of international conservation charity and NGO Fauna & Flora, debunks the myth that deep-sea mining is needed to solve climate change calling it a “false solution to the climate crisis.”
L’exploitation minière en eaux profondes : une menace pour l’océan Pacifique
Source: Greenpeace
In French: this article discusses the dangers of deep-sea mining, highlighting the important marine life in the Pacific Ocean and the communities that depend on it.