Deep-sea mining activities can create ‘dust clouds’ at the bottom of the ocean, as shown by the research of NIOZ marine geologist Sabine Haalboom. These clouds descend a short distance, but a small portion of the stirred-up material remains visible at long distances. This clouding of the water could have a major impact on deep-sea life, as the waters are normally crystal clear. The research conducted by Haalboom focused on the Clarion Clipperton Zone in the Pacific Ocean, where experiments with different instruments were used to measure suspended particles before and after disturbances.
The uncertainty surrounding deep-sea mining stems from the lack of knowledge about underwater life in these depths. The silt at the bottom of the ocean, which will be stirred up during mining activities, poses a major concern. Clouding the water could have unknown effects on marine life, as the deep sea remains largely unexplored. This highlights the need for more research before moving forward with deep-sea mining projects, as the potential impact on the fragile ecosystem is not yet fully understood.
During experiments in the Clarion Clipperton Zone, Haalboom observed that the vast majority of stirred-up material settled within a few hundred meters of the test site. However, a small portion of the material remained visible at long distances, creating murky waters in the otherwise clear environment. This raises questions about the effects of deep-sea mining on bottom life, as the last bit of dust that spreads over great distances could have a significant impact on marine ecosystems.
International companies eager to extract valuable metals from the deep-sea floor are using the initial research results to downplay the potential impact of deep-sea mining. However, experts like Haalboom and NIOZ oceanographer Henko de Stigter caution against drawing premature conclusions. They emphasize the need for more research before making definitive statements about the harm or lack thereof caused by deep-sea mining activities. Given that deep-sea life depends on scarce food in the water, even a small disturbance could have serious consequences for marine ecosystems.
The research conducted by Haalboom and her colleagues sheds light on the complex dynamics of the deep-sea environment and the potential risks associated with mining activities. The findings underscore the need for a cautious approach to deep-sea mining, as the impact on marine life could be far-reaching and not fully understood. More research is required to assess the long-term effects of deep-sea mining and to develop sustainable practices that minimize harm to the delicate ecosystem. Until then, it is important to proceed with caution and prioritize the protection of deep-sea habitats and their unique inhabitants.