Deep-sea mining threatens marine life in Clarion-Clipperton Zone

Deep-sea mining is becoming a major concern for marine life. Mining companies want to extract valuable minerals from the ocean floor, which could threaten a vital ecosystem in the midwater zone, where many sea creatures live. The midwater zone starts about 650 feet below the ocean's surface. It includes the twilight and midnight zones, where unique animals thrive in darkness. This area is important for larger species like whales and commercially valuable fish, as they rely on smaller animals found here for food. However, deep-sea mining operations could create sediment plumes, which would negatively affect these organisms. As demand for items like electric car batteries grows, companies are focusing on the Clarion-Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean, where rich deposits of metals like nickel and cobalt lie scattered on the seabed. These nodules take millions of years to form and are essential for modern technology. Mining operations are advancing, with plans for commercial mining expected to be submitted soon. Current mining methods involve scraping the ocean floor for nodules, which disturbs habitats and endangers marine life on the seafloor and in the midwater. The process also generates slurry, which mining operators are considering releasing higher in the water column. However, the impact of these sediment plumes on marine ecosystems is largely unknown. Researchers warn that these plumes could harm tiny animals like zooplankton and micronekton, which are crucial for the food web. Increased sediment could clog gills in fish and dilute food for filter feeders. Additionally, noise from mining machinery might disrupt the communication of marine species. Moreover, the midwater ecosystem helps regulate the Earth's climate. Phytoplankton capture carbon from the atmosphere, which is then transferred through the food chain. Disturbances in this area could have serious implications for carbon storage in the ocean. Despite the push for deep-sea mining, there is still much to learn about the midwater zone. Most species in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone have yet to be studied. As the International Seabed Authority considers new mining regulations in July 2025, there’s a pressing need for comprehensive research to avoid damaging fragile marine ecosystems.