In a momentous decision, Norway's parliament, the Storting has given its nod to a government initiative allowing Arctic seabed mineral exploration.&nbsp;

This sets the course for mining exploration into parts of its seabed, including a sprawling 280,000-square-kilometre expanse, predominantly located in the icy depths of the Arctic. Despite opposition, the plan received 80 affirmative votes and only 20 dissenting voices.

<h2>Norway takes a step towards becoming a significant mineral producer</h2>

With this, Norway, a leader in oil and gas production in Western Europe, ventures into the uncharted realms of ocean floor mining — which can potentially transform it into a formidable mineral producer, reports AFP.

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The decision follows a comprehensive report unveiled by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, which in 2023, identified resources nestled beneath the ocean's surface—riches encompassing minerals such as copper, zinc, and cobalt.

Championed by a Labour-led coalition minority government, in a bid to lead the green transition, this ambitious proposal advocates the exploration of the Arctic seabed.&nbsp;

In an impassioned plea, policymakers underscored the importance of these minerals in developing fuel cells, solar panels, electric cars, and mobile technology.&nbsp;

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<h2>Dissenting voices</h2>

Yet, this stride into the deep sea has provoked disquiet among environmentalists and scientists who warn that the venture threatens marine ecosystems. They caution that disruptive noise may also affect the ocean's carbon absorption capacity and that the tranquillity of marine life will be severely affected.

Countries like France and the UK have sounded the clarion call for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. In response to the concerns, the Norwegian plan asserts that each step will be taken keeping in mind "environmental considerations." However, organisations like Norway's Institute of Marine Research and the Norwegian Polar Institute have pointed out that there exists a lack of essential knowledge to assess the environmental impact of deep sea mining.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a momentous decision, Norway's parliament, the Storting has given its nod to a government initiative allowing Arctic seabed mineral exploration. This sets the course for mining exploration into parts of its seabed, including a sprawling 280,000-square-kilometre expanse, predominantly located in the icy depths of the Arctic.

In a momentous decision, Norway's parliament, the Storting has given its nod to a government initiative allowing Arctic seabed mineral exploration. This sets the course for mining exploration into parts of its seabed, including a sprawling 280,000-square-kilometre expanse, predominantly located in the icy depths of the Arctic. Despite opposition, the plan received 80 affirmative votes and only 20 dissenting voices. Norway takes a step towards becoming a significant mineral producer With this, Norway, a leader in oil and gas production in Western Europe, ventures into the uncharted realms of ocean floor mining — which can potentially transform it into a formidable mineral producer, reports AFP. Also read | 'Clearly unacceptable': India condemns Israel-Hamas war's rising civilian death toll, calls for de-escalation The decision follows a comprehensive report unveiled by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate, which in 2023, identified resources nestled beneath the ocean's surface—riches encompassing minerals such as copper, zinc, and cobalt. Championed by a Labour-led coalition minority government, in a bid to lead the green transition, this ambitious proposal advocates the exploration of the Arctic seabed. In an impassioned plea, policymakers underscored the importance of these minerals in developing fuel cells, solar panels, electric cars, and mobile technology. Also read | Melania Trump's mother Amalija Knavs passes away after long illness Dissenting voices Yet, this stride into the deep sea has provoked disquiet among environmentalists and scientists who warn that the venture threatens marine ecosystems. They caution that disruptive noise may also affect the ocean's carbon absorption capacity and that the tranquillity of marine life will be severely affected. Countries like France and the UK have sounded the clarion call for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. In response to the concerns, the Norwegian plan asserts that each step will be taken keeping in mind "environmental considerations." However, organisations like Norway's Institute of Marine Research and the Norwegian Polar Institute have pointed out that there exists a lack of essential knowledge to assess the environmental impact of deep sea mining. (With inputs from agencies)

Norway’s Parliament approves deep-sea mineral exploration, ignites environmental debate

A study published on Tuesday (July 11) found that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-perils-of-deep-sea-mining-demand-for-green-technologies-threatens-marine-life-613959">deep-sea mining</a> could interfere with the expected change of migration patterns of tuna driven by climate change, to areas of the Pacific where mining activities are set to take place. The findings of the research were published alongside a letter by the seafood groups calling for a halt to deep-sea mining plans.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the study find?</h2>

The study published in the Nature Journal npj Ocean Sustainability shows that the migration patterns of tuna would likely alter due to climate change. Three species of tuna and the future biomass of these types of fish were studied in two climate change scenarios with the emissions being moderate and one with high emissions.&nbsp;

According to the study, the total biomass of bigeye (10-11 per cent), skipjack (30-31 per cent) and yellowfish tuna (23 per cent) will increase by 2050 in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/more-than-5000-new-species-discovered-in-planned-mining-zone-of-pacific-ocean-596583">Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ)</a>, an area of the Pacific Ocean south-east of Hawaii, which may soon be subjected to deep-sea mining operations.&nbsp;

The study’s co-author Dr Juliano Palacios Abrantes from the University of British Columbia said, “The high seas harbour a trove of biodiversity, and there are critical sectors of our economy that depend on this biodiversity.”&nbsp;

He added, “There is already uncertainty about the impact of climate change on the health and geographic range of tuna. Deep-sea mining will only add to this uncertainty, further threatening tuna species and associated fisheries.”&nbsp;

<h2>Impact on fish</h2>

Some of the potential <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/deep-sea-mining-pose-risk-to-ocean-ecosystems-study-561965">impacts</a> on the fish, according to the study, could be plumes of sediment, which can travel long distances, preventing feeding or visual communication, not to mention the possible absorption of toxic metals by the species.&nbsp;

Additionally, noise and light pollution from mining activities could disrupt behaviour, affect reproduction rates, cause stress and force changes in migratory routes.&nbsp;

<h2>Seafood industry and deep-mining</h2>

The CCZ could potentially also become a battleground between some of the world’s most valuable fisheries and mining companies. Global Tuna Alliance, which accounts for 32 per cent of global tuna sales, joined hands with the Sustainable Seafood Coalition, made up of 45 British seafood firms, to criticise the 167-nation, United Nations body which regulates seabeds on the high seas.&nbsp;

The groups, citing the study, have expressed deep concern over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-shows-deep-sea-mining-could-disrupt-a-whales-ability-to-communicate-562127">potential impacts</a> of deep-sea mining on sustainable fisheries considering the “significant overlap” between the location of future fishing grounds and areas licensed for mineral exploration.&nbsp;

The groups have called for a halt ahead of the next <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-row-erupts-amid-talks-to-regulate-seabed-mining-heres-what-happened-574488">International Seabed Authority (ISA)</a> meeting&nbsp;later this month given the environmental and economic risks. “In the vast expanse of the high seas, critical for tuna species, we find ourselves sailing into uncharted territory with the unknown risks posed by deep-sea mining,” said the executive director at Global Tuna Alliance, Daniel Suddaby.&nbsp;

Similarly, the co-author of the study, Professor Douglas McCauley said, “These fishing grounds may be distant, but the food they produce is consumed by millions. We would be horrified at dumping mining waste across our food-producing regions on land.”&nbsp;

He added that decisions which could “significantly harm” ocean ecosystems, essential not only for the environment but also for planetary health and global food security, should not be rushed.&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

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A study published on Tuesday (July 11) found that deep-sea mining could interfere with the expected change of migration patterns of tuna driven by climate change, to areas of the Pacific where mining activities are set to take place.

A study published on Tuesday (July 11) found that deep-sea mining could interfere with the expected change of migration patterns of tuna driven by climate change, to areas of the Pacific where mining activities are set to take place. The findings of the research were published alongside a letter by the seafood groups calling for a halt to deep-sea mining plans. What did the study find? The study published in the Nature Journal npj Ocean Sustainability shows that the migration patterns of tuna would likely alter due to climate change. Three species of tuna and the future biomass of these types of fish were studied in two climate change scenarios with the emissions being moderate and one with high emissions. According to the study, the total biomass of bigeye (10-11 per cent), skipjack (30-31 per cent) and yellowfish tuna (23 per cent) will increase by 2050 in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), an area of the Pacific Ocean south-east of Hawaii, which may soon be subjected to deep-sea mining operations. The study’s co-author Dr Juliano Palacios Abrantes from the University of British Columbia said, “The high seas harbour a trove of biodiversity, and there are critical sectors of our economy that depend on this biodiversity.” He added, “There is already uncertainty about the impact of climate change on the health and geographic range of tuna. Deep-sea mining will only add to this uncertainty, further threatening tuna species and associated fisheries.” Impact on fish Some of the potential impacts on the fish, according to the study, could be plumes of sediment, which can travel long distances, preventing feeding or visual communication, not to mention the possible absorption of toxic metals by the species. Additionally, noise and light pollution from mining activities could disrupt behaviour, affect reproduction rates, cause stress and force changes in migratory routes. Seafood industry and deep-mining The CCZ could potentially also become a battleground between some of the world’s most valuable fisheries and mining companies. Global Tuna Alliance, which accounts for 32 per cent of global tuna sales, joined hands with the Sustainable Seafood Coalition, made up of 45 British seafood firms, to criticise the 167-nation, United Nations body which regulates seabeds on the high seas. The groups, citing the study, have expressed deep concern over the potential impacts of deep-sea mining on sustainable fisheries considering the “significant overlap” between the location of future fishing grounds and areas licensed for mineral exploration. The groups have called for a halt ahead of the next International Seabed Authority (ISA) meeting later this month given the environmental and economic risks. “In the vast expanse of the high seas, critical for tuna species, we find ourselves sailing into uncharted territory with the unknown risks posed by deep-sea mining,” said the executive director at Global Tuna Alliance, Daniel Suddaby. Similarly, the co-author of the study, Professor Douglas McCauley said, “These fishing grounds may be distant, but the food they produce is consumed by millions. We would be horrified at dumping mining waste across our food-producing regions on land.” He added that decisions which could “significantly harm” ocean ecosystems, essential not only for the environment but also for planetary health and global food security, should not be rushed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Seafood industry opposes deep-sea mining plans as study shows potential impact on tuna fisheries

Last month, Switzerland, decided to push for a moratorium on commercial exploitation of the international seabed area filled with enormous mineral resources. The nation said that deep-sea mining in the area "must be postponed" until protection from the "harmful effects" could be ensured.&nbsp;

Not just in Switzerland, deep-sea mining should be a matter of global concern. France and Germany are also launching the fight against plans to allow large-scale commercial mining in the deep waters, as they warned that a China-backed push to extract battery metals from the seafloor could have long-term consequences.&nbsp;

<h2>What is deep-sea mining?&nbsp;</h2>

The process of retrieving mineral deposits from the deep seabed, the ocean below 200m, is called deep-sea mining. The process depletes terrestrial deposits. It is said that the rising demand for metals means deep-sea mining may begin soon. However, a number of research suggest that it could be destructive for biodiversity and ecosystems.&nbsp;

According to scientists, the process also risks disrupting the ocean's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide emitted by human activities, and its noise interferes with the communication of species such as whales.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/welcome-to-the-anthropocene-earths-new-chapter-613872">Welcome to the Anthropocene, Earth's new chapter</a>&nbsp;

The interest in this area is gaining momentum because of the depletion of terrestrial metal reserves such as copper, nickel, aluminium, manganese, zinc, lithium, and cobalt.&nbsp;

These metals are also in high demand for the manufacture of devices such as cell phones, wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries.&nbsp;

Scientists are concerned, but some support the process of deep-sea mining as they argue that these minerals found beneath the sea are needed if the world is to meet the growing demand for green technologies.&nbsp;

<h2>International Seabed Authority (ISA)</h2>

ISA regulates activities in the seabed beyond national jurisdiction ('the Area'). It was established under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and is responsible for protecting the seabed in the high seas as well as regulating activities related to coveted minerals.

Currently, the Jamaica-based organisation only awards exploration permits for certain places, which the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child deems as "the common heritage of mankind".&nbsp;

By May 2022, the body had issued 31 contracts to explore deep-sea mineral deposits. More than 1.5 million km2 of international seabed has been set aside for mineral exploration.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacexs-starlink-internet-satellites-leaking-radiation-scientists-say-613730">SpaceX's Starlink internet satellites leaking radiation, scientists claim</a>&nbsp;

Emma Wilson of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition told AFP, "I think it's a very real possibility that we see an application submitted this year."&nbsp;

"So it's crucial for states to be bold and implement the necessary measures to protect our ocean," she said, further adding that ISA is entering "the most critical decision-making period in the history of its existence".&nbsp;

<h2>What's the controversy?&nbsp;</h2>

In 2021, the small Pacific island state of Nauru threw a spanner into the works of the decade-long negotiations for the mining code by triggering a clause demanding that agreement be reached within two years.&nbsp;

Despite the fact that there are few restrictions in existence, the formal request triggered a clause that put the ISA on a two-year countdown to assess the application.&nbsp;

The deadline has passed now and if Nauru applied for a contract with Naura Ocean Resources (Nori), a subsidiary of Canadian corporation The Metals Company, ISA would have to review the proposal,&nbsp;but may not necessarily grant it.&nbsp;

Experts have said that the Nauru authorities have given assurances that they will not act immediately, but other companies sponsoring states' underwater mining ventures could take advantage of the opportunity.&nbsp;

Pradeep Singh, laws of the sea expert at the Research Institute for Sustainability in Potsdam, Germany, told AFP, "I'm not too concerned. I think it would be a mistake to submit an application anytime soon, seeing that states are still negotiating and working towards completing the regulation."&nbsp;

"The indication is quite clear that states are very reluctant and hesitant to allow mining to commence without regulations," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Experts are concerned&nbsp;</h2>

It is said that crucial research and work to adopt the required regulations, standards and guidelines to manage deep-sea mining sustainably is far from complete, but deep-sea mining in international waters could start as soon as 2026.&nbsp;

The 36 member states of the ISA Council, which is the decision-making body on contracts, said in March that commercial exploitation "should not be carried out" until the mining code was in place.&nbsp;

However, they couldn't agree on the procedure for reviewing a potential application or the precise meaning of the clause triggered by Nauru.&nbsp;

Scientists say that it is quite difficult to assess the potential impacts of deep-sea mining because it remains understudied and poorly understood. Any disturbances on the seabed may impact three billion people whose livelihoods depend on marine and coastal biodiversity. Hence, placing measures to protect the marine environment is not an easy task.&nbsp;

In order to mitigate the issue, some experts suggested that there's a need to reduce reliance on metals from mining, which can be accomplished through redesigning, reusing, and recycling.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Last month, Switzerland, decided to push for a moratorium on commercial exploitation of the international seabed area filled with enormous mineral resources. The nation said that deep-sea mining in the area "must be postponed" until protection from the "harmful effects" could be ensured.

Last month, Switzerland, decided to push for a moratorium on commercial exploitation of the international seabed area filled with enormous mineral resources. The nation said that deep-sea mining in the area "must be postponed" until protection from the "harmful effects" could be ensured. Not just in Switzerland, deep-sea mining should be a matter of global concern. France and Germany are also launching the fight against plans to allow large-scale commercial mining in the deep waters, as they warned that a China-backed push to extract battery metals from the seafloor could have long-term consequences. What is deep-sea mining? The process of retrieving mineral deposits from the deep seabed, the ocean below 200m, is called deep-sea mining. The process depletes terrestrial deposits. It is said that the rising demand for metals means deep-sea mining may begin soon. However, a number of research suggest that it could be destructive for biodiversity and ecosystems. According to scientists, the process also risks disrupting the ocean's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide emitted by human activities, and its noise interferes with the communication of species such as whales. Also read: Welcome to the Anthropocene, Earth's new chapter The interest in this area is gaining momentum because of the depletion of terrestrial metal reserves such as copper, nickel, aluminium, manganese, zinc, lithium, and cobalt. These metals are also in high demand for the manufacture of devices such as cell phones, wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries. Scientists are concerned, but some support the process of deep-sea mining as they argue that these minerals found beneath the sea are needed if the world is to meet the growing demand for green technologies. International Seabed Authority (ISA) ISA regulates activities in the seabed beyond national jurisdiction ('the Area'). It was established under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and is responsible for protecting the seabed in the high seas as well as regulating activities related to coveted minerals. Currently, the Jamaica-based organisation only awards exploration permits for certain places, which the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child deems as "the common heritage of mankind". By May 2022, the body had issued 31 contracts to explore deep-sea mineral deposits. More than 1.5 million km2 of international seabed has been set aside for mineral exploration. Also read: SpaceX's Starlink internet satellites leaking radiation, scientists claim Emma Wilson of the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition told AFP, "I think it's a very real possibility that we see an application submitted this year." "So it's crucial for states to be bold and implement the necessary measures to protect our ocean," she said, further adding that ISA is entering "the most critical decision-making period in the history of its existence". What's the controversy? In 2021, the small Pacific island state of Nauru threw a spanner into the works of the decade-long negotiations for the mining code by triggering a clause demanding that agreement be reached within two years. Despite the fact that there are few restrictions in existence, the formal request triggered a clause that put the ISA on a two-year countdown to assess the application. The deadline has passed now and if Nauru applied for a contract with Naura Ocean Resources (Nori), a subsidiary of Canadian corporation The Metals Company, ISA would have to review the proposal, but may not necessarily grant it. Experts have said that the Nauru authorities have given assurances that they will not act immediately, but other companies sponsoring states' underwater mining ventures could take advantage of the opportunity. Pradeep Singh, laws of the sea expert at the Research Institute for Sustainability in Potsdam, Germany, told AFP, "I'm not too concerned. I think it would be a mistake to submit an application anytime soon, seeing that states are still negotiating and working towards completing the regulation." "The indication is quite clear that states are very reluctant and hesitant to allow mining to commence without regulations," he added. Experts are concerned It is said that crucial research and work to adopt the required regulations, standards and guidelines to manage deep-sea mining sustainably is far from complete, but deep-sea mining in international waters could start as soon as 2026. The 36 member states of the ISA Council, which is the decision-making body on contracts, said in March that commercial exploitation "should not be carried out" until the mining code was in place. However, they couldn't agree on the procedure for reviewing a potential application or the precise meaning of the clause triggered by Nauru. Scientists say that it is quite difficult to assess the potential impacts of deep-sea mining because it remains understudied and poorly understood. Any disturbances on the seabed may impact three billion people whose livelihoods depend on marine and coastal biodiversity. Hence, placing measures to protect the marine environment is not an easy task. In order to mitigate the issue, some experts suggested that there's a need to reduce reliance on metals from mining, which can be accomplished through redesigning, reusing, and recycling. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: How deep-sea mining & demand for green technologies threaten marine life

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Norway’s Parliament approves deep-sea mineral exploration, ignites environmental debate

Seafood industry opposes deep-sea mining plans as study shows potential impact on tuna fisheries

Explained: How deep-sea mining & demand for green technologies threaten marine life