Check out the top stories from the deep, taken from coverage between 1-8 May 2023
Extraction of minerals at the bottom of the sea can threaten fauna
Source: Top N Blog
Author: Alex
Little is known about the role of the sea floor in carbon storage and in sustaining the natural fauna and flora. At least a dozen countries have asked for a temporary suspension of activity.
“Nobody but TMC wants to start extracting minerals from the deep sea, at least not in the next few years,” said Duncan Currie, a lawyer for the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition. “This has created enormous tension, diplomatic anxiety, frustration and activity all on one company.”
Climate change: life in ocean ‘twilight zone’ at risk from warming
Source: BBC News Climate & Science
Author: Maddie Molloy
Scientists have warned that climate change could dramatically reduce life in the deepest parts of our oceans that are reached by sunlight.
The twilight zone, also known as the disphotic zone, is a vital habitat for marine life. It serves as a key environmental function as a carbon sink – drawing planet-heating gas out of our atmosphere. “Our study is a first step to finding out how vulnerable this ocean habitat may be to climate warming,” said Dr Katherine Crichton, from the University of Exeter, who was the lead author of the study.
Greenpeace stages Darth Vader protest at deep sea mining conference
Source: Irish News
Author: Rebecca Speare-Cole, PA Sustainability Reporter
On “May the Fourth” (Star Wars Day) Greenpeace organized a demonstration at a deep-sea mining conference with three people dressed as Darth Vader, Dr Evil and Thanos.
Greenpeace has warned that deep-sea mining could cause irreversible damage to marine life on the largely untouched ecosystem of the deep ocean floor.
Shipping Giant Maersk Drops Deep Sea Mining Investment
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Author: Yusuf Khan
Shipping company Maersk is in the process of selling its stake in The Metals Company.
It is the latest big name to divest itself of its seabed mining interests.
Inquiry into seabed mining a ‘government cop-out’
Source: Radio New Zealand
Environment Minister David Parker has proposed a select committee inquiry into seabed mining.
“I’m hugely disappointed that Labour is proposing such weak action on seabed mining and refusing to support my Member’s Bill which would protect our oceans for future generations,” – Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
“We need to put the health of our ocean’s habitats and ecosystems ahead of the profits of international mining corporations,” – Green MP Eugenie Sage.
Organizations Divers Should Know: The International Seabed Authority
Source: Scuba Diving
Author: Dr. David Shiffman
Dr David Shiffman outlines what scuba divers should know about deep-sea mining and recommends supporting some of the great environmental non-profits working in this space.
“Citizens should put pressure on their governments to uphold their commitments to ocean protection and sustainable management. As consumers, people can support the companies which have already ‘pre-divested’ from minerals that one day may come from the deep sea.” – says Sian Owen, Director of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition.