Deep-Sea Mining Threatens Life in the Ocean’s Twilight Zone, Study Warns
A new study from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa reveals that deep-sea mining could severely harm ocean ecosystems. Researchers found that mining waste plumes replace natural food with nutrient-poor sediment, creating a “junk food” effect for marine life.
The study, published in Nature Communications, focused on the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Pacific Ocean. This area is rich in biodiversity but also targeted for mineral extraction. Scientists discovered that these sediment plumes could affect over half of zooplankton and micronekton populations, key species that feed larger predators such as fish, seabirds, and whales.
Disrupting the Ocean’s Food Chain
“When waste from mining enters the ocean, it clouds the water like the Mississippi River,” said lead researcher Michael Dowd. He explained that this murky water reduces the nutritional quality of the food that zooplankton depend on.
Micronekton, such as small shrimp and fish, eat these zooplankton. As a result, the loss of nutrient-rich food could impact entire marine food webs, from tiny creatures to large ocean predators.
Global Consequences and Need for Regulation
The research warns that 1.5 million square kilometers of the CCZ are already licensed for exploration. However, no international regulations currently govern where or how mining waste can be discharged.
Professor Erica Goetze noted that these findings highlight a major risk. “Mining doesn’t just disturb the seafloor,” she said. “It affects deep-sea food sources that sustain marine life across the world.”
Scientists urge policymakers to act before commercial deep-sea mining begins. Without strict safeguards, the practice could damage ecosystems that have thrived for centuries.
Protecting the Ocean’s Future
Co-author Jeffrey Drazen compared the impact to “feeding the ocean empty calories.” He emphasized the urgent need for global rules to protect the twilight zone, a vital region that regulates Earth’s carbon balance.
Researchers hope this study will guide international discussions and promote responsible ocean management. The message is clear: protecting deep-sea life means protecting the planet’s future.
