5000 species not known elsewhere live in area set for deep-sea mining
New ScientistAPR 2023
Deep-sea mining presents significant risks to ocean ecosystems already vulnerable due to other human-caused disruptions, such as climate change. If the exploration goes as planned, it's likely to cause long-lasting and irreversible damage to a vibrant, unique, and largely unexplored ecosystem.
While we are responsible for understanding and protecting our planet's incredible biodiversity, investing in exploiting minerals buried in the Pacific to provide an alternative energy source is also essential. Instead of pausing deep-sea mining, it's necessary to work with mining companies to ensure the exploration in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone is done sustainably, limiting its impact on seabed animals.