More than 700 marine scientists signed an open letter calling for an international moratorium on deep-sea mining until comprehensive environmental impact studies are completed. Signatories argued that industrial extraction of seabed minerals could destroy slow-growing ecosystems before their biodiversity is fully catalogued.
The letter targets regulatory bodies and treaty forums considering commercial licenses in international waters. Oceanographers highlighted unique species around hydrothermal vents and abyssal plains that regenerate over geological timescales rather than human recovery horizons.
Mining companies contend that seabed metals are essential for batteries and renewable energy infrastructure, pressing for phased extraction under strict monitoring. Scientists counter that sediment plumes and noise from machinery may cascade through food webs linking deep habitats to fisheries nearer the surface.
Environmental groups plan to present the petition during upcoming negotiations on seabed governance. Several governments have already declared national moratoriums or cautionary pauses pending further research.
Advocates said credible impact assessments must include long-term monitoring because baseline data for many deep regions remains sparse.
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Sources:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/