scholarly journals Potential impacts of polymetallic nodule removal on deep-sea meiofauna

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Pape ◽  
Tania Nara Bezerra ◽  
Hendrik Gheerardyn ◽  
Marius Buydens ◽  
Amanda Kieswetter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Taxonomic Composition ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Sampling Effort ◽  
Polymetallic Nodule ◽  
Abundance And Diversity ◽  
Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone ◽  
Deep Seabed Mining ◽  
Management Recommendations ◽  
Seabed Mining

AbstractDeep seabed mining is potentially imminent in the Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ; northeast Pacific). Seabed collectors will remove polymetallic nodules and the surrounding surface sediments, both inhabited by meiofauna, along their path. To determine potential impacts of polymetallic nodule removal, we investigated the importance of nodule presence for the abundance, composition and diversity of sediment meiofauna, and evaluated the existence and composition of nodule crevice meiofauna in the Global Sea Mineral Resources (GSR) exploration contract area. Nodule-free and nodule-rich sediments displayed high biodiversity with many singletons and doubletons, potentially representing rare taxa. Nodule presence negatively influenced sediment meiofaunal abundances but did not markedly affect taxonomic composition or diversity. This is the first report on CCFZ nodule crevice meiofauna, whose abundance related positively to nodule dimensions. Though dominated by the same taxa, nodules and sediments differed regarding the taxonomic and trophic composition of the meio- and nematofauna. Nevertheless, there were no taxa endemic to the nodule crevices and nodule crevice meiofauna added only little to total small-scale (~ cm) meiofaunal abundance and diversity. We formulated environmental management recommendations at the contract area and regional (CCFZ) scale related to sampling effort, set-aside preservation and monitoring areas, and potential rehabilitation measures.

scholarly journals Potential Impacts of Polymetallic Nodule Removal On Deep-Sea Meiobenthos

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen Pape ◽  
Tania Bezerra ◽  
Hendrik Gheerardyn ◽  
Marius Buydens ◽  
Amanda Kieswetter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Sampling Effort ◽  
Polymetallic Nodule ◽  
Polymetallic Nodules ◽  
Abundance And Diversity ◽  
Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone ◽  
Deep Seabed Mining ◽  
Management Recommendations ◽  
Seabed Mining

Abstract Deep seabed mining is imminent in the Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCFZ; northeast Pacific). Seabed collectors will remove the polymetallic nodules and the surrounding surface sediments, both inhabited by meiobenthos, along their path. To determine potential impacts of polymetallic nodule removal, we investigated the importance of nodule presence for sediment abundance, composition and diversity of meiobenthos, nematodes and copepods, and evaluated the existence and composition of nodule crevice meiobenthos in the Global Sea Mineral Resources (GSR) exploration contract area. Nodule-free and nodule-rich sediments displayed high biodiversity with many singletons and doubletons, potentially representing rare taxa. Nodule presence negatively influenced sediment meiobenthic abundances but did not markedly affect community composition or diversity. This is the first report on CCFZ nodule crevice meiobenthos, whose abundance related positively to nodule dimensions. Though dominated by the same taxa, the meio- and nematofauna differed between sediments and nodules regarding community and functional composition. Nevertheless, there were no taxa endemic to the nodule crevices and nodule crevice meiobenthos added only little to total small-scale (~ cm) meiobenthic abundance and diversity. We formulated environmental management recommendations at the contract area and regional (CCFZ) scale related to sampling effort, set-aside preservation and monitoring areas, and potential rehabilitation measures.

International Investment Protection in Deep Seabed Mining Beyond National Jurisdiction

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 890-929
Author(s):  
Joanna Dingwall
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Resources ◽  
International Investment ◽  
Investment Protection ◽  
Valuable Metals ◽  
Exploratory Stage ◽  
National Jurisdiction ◽  
United Nations Convention ◽  
International Seabed Authority ◽  
Deep Seabed Mining ◽  
Seabed Mining

Abstract The deep seabed beyond national jurisdiction comprises almost three-quarters of the entire surface area of our oceans. It boasts an array of mineral resources, including valuable metals and rare earth elements. Acting under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the International Seabed Authority is responsible for regulating this area and granting mining contracts to allow investors to explore for and exploit deep seabed minerals. As yet, deep seabed mining activities have been confined to the exploratory stage. However, recently, there has been a marked growth in deep seabed investment by private corporate actors. As technology advances and commercial appetite increases, extraction of deep seabed minerals may soon commence. In this context, this article seeks to address crucial legal issues facing pioneers of deep seabed mining. What is the extent of investment protection within the existing regime? And are there dispute resolution options to enforce such protection?

The Deep Seabed beyond National Jurisdiction and the Rise of Mining Activities within it by Non-state Actors

2021 ◽  
pp. 45-67
Author(s):  
Joanna Dingwall
Keyword(s):  
Rare Earth ◽  
Rare Earth Elements ◽  
Continental Shelf ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
National Jurisdiction ◽  
International Seabed Authority ◽  
Deep Seabed Mining ◽  
Seabed Mining ◽  
Technological Analysis

Chapter 2 addresses the importance of the deep seabed beyond national jurisdiction and charts the rise in mining activities within it, drawing on scientific, geological and technological analysis, where appropriate, to place deep seabed mining in its broader context. In order to do so, Chapter 2 assesses the scope of the deep seabed beyond national jurisdiction (in contrast to the maritime zones under national jurisdiction, including the continental shelf). The chapter then examines the types of mineral resources that the deep seabed contains (including the potential for rare earth elements). Thereafter, the chapter explores the likely viability of deep seabed mining, both in terms of its impact on the marine environment, and in light of technological challenges and market prospects. Chapter 2 also provides an overview of the current extent of mining activities authorised by the International Seabed Authority (ISA).

scholarly journals Polymetallic nodules are essential for food-web integrity of a prospective deep-seabed mining area in Pacific abyssal plains

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Stratmann ◽  
Karline Soetaert ◽  
Daniel Kersken ◽  
Dick van Oevelen
Keyword(s):  
Pacific Ocean ◽  
Food Web ◽  
Mining Area ◽  
Central Pacific ◽  
Central Pacific Ocean ◽  
Polymetallic Nodule ◽  
Polymetallic Nodules ◽  
Deep Seabed Mining ◽  
Seabed Mining ◽  
Interaction Web

AbstractPolymetallic nodule fields provide hard substrate for sessile organisms on the abyssal seafloor between 3000 and 6000 m water depth. Deep-seabed mining targets these mineral-rich nodules and will likely modify the consumer-resource (trophic) and substrate-providing (non-trophic) interactions within the abyssal food web. However, the importance of nodules and their associated sessile fauna in supporting food-web integrity remains unclear. Here, we use seafloor imagery and published literature to develop highly-resolved trophic and non-trophic interaction webs for the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCZ, central Pacific Ocean) and the Peru Basin (PB, South-East Pacific Ocean) and to assess how nodule removal may modify these networks. The CCZ interaction web included 1028 compartments connected with 59,793 links and the PB interaction web consisted of 342 compartments and 8044 links. We show that knock-down effects of nodule removal resulted in a 17.9% (CCZ) to 20.8% (PB) loss of all taxa and 22.8% (PB) to 30.6% (CCZ) loss of network links. Subsequent analysis identified stalked glass sponges living attached to the nodules as key structural species that supported a high diversity of associated fauna. We conclude that polymetallic nodules are critical for food-web integrity and that their absence will likely result in reduced local benthic biodiversity.

Part I Assessing the UN Institutional Structure for Global Ocean Governance: The UN’s Role in Global Ocean Governance, 3 Advancing the Deep Seabed ‘Mining Code’: Key Environmental Elements of the Regulatory Framework for the Commercial Exploitation of Mineral Resources

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessen Henning
Keyword(s):  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Regulatory Framework ◽  
Global Ocean ◽  
Exploration And Exploitation ◽  
Commercial Exploitation ◽  
Environmentally Sustainable ◽  
Legal Evolution ◽  
Ocean Governance ◽  
Deep Seabed Mining ◽  
Seabed Mining

This chapter examines the key environmental elements of the International Seabed Authority's (ISA) ‘Mining Code’, a regulatory framework for the commercial exploitation of mineral resources. The term ‘Mining Code’ refers to the whole comprehensive set of rules, regulations and procedures issued by the ISA to regulate prospecting, exploration and exploitation of minerals. The set of rules includes the collaboration of the respective responsibilities of deep seabed explorers and of the ISA in order to ensure environmentally sustainable development of deep seabed mineral resources. The chapter first provides an overview of the general regulatory framework for deep seabed mining, which is a contract-based system, before discussing the continuous legal evolution of the Mining Code. It also considers the generic issues that need to be addressed in relation to the future exploitation of minerals and explains why exploitation-related environmental regulations must be an integral component of advancing the Mining Code.

scholarly journals Polymetallic nodules are essential for food-web integrity of a prospective deep-seabed mining area in Pacific abyssal plains

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Stratmann ◽  
Karline Soetaert ◽  
Daniel Kersken ◽  
Dick van Oevelen
Keyword(s):  
Pacific Ocean ◽  
Food Web ◽  
Mining Area ◽  
Central Pacific ◽  
Central Pacific Ocean ◽  
Polymetallic Nodule ◽  
Polymetallic Nodules ◽  
Deep Seabed Mining ◽  
Seabed Mining ◽  
Interaction Web

AbstractPolymetallic nodule fields provide hard substrate for sessile organisms on the abyssal seafloor between 3,000 and 6,000 m water depth. Deep-seabed mining targets these mineral-rich nodules and will likely modify the consumer-resource (trophic) and substrate-providing (non-trophic) interactions within the abyssal food web. However, the importance of nodules and their associated sessile fauna in supporting food-web integrity remains unclear. Here, we use seafloor imagery and published literature to develop highly-resolved trophic and non-trophic interaction webs for the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCZ, central Pacific Ocean) and the Peru Basin (PB, south-east Pacific Ocean) and to assess how nodule removal will modify these networks. The CCZ interaction web included 1,028 compartments connected with 59,793 links and the PB interaction web consisted of 342 compartments and 8,044 links. We show that knock-down effects of nodule removal resulted in a 17.9% (CCZ) to 20.8% (PB) loss of all compartments and 22.8% (PB) to 30.6% (CCZ) loss of network links. Subsequent analysis identified stalked glass sponges living attached to the nodules as key structural species that supported a high diversity of associated fauna. We conclude that polymetallic nodules are critical for food-web integrity and that their absence will likely result in reduced local benthic biodiversity.

Introduction

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Joanna Dingwall
Keyword(s):  
Mining Industry ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
National Jurisdiction ◽  
The Common ◽  
United Nations Convention ◽  
Private Corporations ◽  
International Seabed Authority ◽  
Deep Seabed Mining ◽  
Seabed Mining

The introduction provides an initial account of the deep seabed beyond national jurisdiction and its mineral resources, addressing the impetus towards commercialisation of this area and the increasing role of private corporations therein. It offers a summary of the key features of the deep seabed mining regime in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It introduces the important role of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) within the UNCLOS regime as custodian, regulator and enforcer, including through development of the Mining Code. The introduction explains the purposes of the study and provides an outline of its scope. It addresses the reasons why the success or otherwise of private-sector involvement may have some bearing on the future feasibility of the deep seabed mining industry and the implications that this may have for the common heritage.

scholarly journals Environment Protection Policy and Monitoring Systems for Polymetallic Nodules Exploitation

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 523-529
Author(s):  
Tomasz Abramowski
Keyword(s):  
Environment Protection ◽  
Polymetallic Nodules ◽  
Clipperton Fracture Zone ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Mining Projects ◽  
Environmental Protection Policies ◽  
Clarion Clipperton Fracture Zone ◽  
Deep Seabed Mining ◽  
Seabed Mining ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The paper presents the analysis of ongoing implementation of environmental protection policies into deep seabed mining projects of Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, (CCZ). Short introduction to the current environmental regime in the Area under UNCLOS jurisdiction is presented and potential impact of deep seabed mining is discussed. Selected results of efforts to minimize the impact on the marine environment and environmental baseline studies are described.

scholarly journals Mining the Deep Seabed: Is Malaysia Ready?

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 107
Author(s):  
Nik Munirah Nik Fuad ◽  
Wan Izatul Asma Wan Talaat ◽  
Mohd Hazmi Mohd Rusli
Keyword(s):  
Marine Environment ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
State Party ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
National Jurisdiction ◽  
United Nations Convention ◽  
Deep Seabed Mining ◽  
Seabed Mining ◽  
Mining Exploration

The mineral industry is expanding fast coinciding with the increase in demands. The depleting land-based minerals has led to the seeking of mineral resources especially from deep sea. Deep seabed minerals have high concentration of precious metal in comparison to land-based minerals. A lot of countries have started to explore and exploit the deep seabed minerals. Thus, it is necessary for Malaysia to commence on deep seabed mining exploration to reap its economic and technological benefits. Similarly, like land mining, the marine environment will face environmental degradation from deep seabed mining exploration. Being a State-party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982) and Convention of Biological Diversity 1994 (CBD), Malaysia has yet to develop a set of policies, regulations and laws related to deep seabed mining to mitigate its effect to the marine environment coinciding to the requirements of these conventions. The purpose of this study is to explore the preparedness of Malaysia to embark on exploration of deep seabed mining in areas beyond the national jurisdiction while observing the effects of deep seabed mining to the marine environment. The challenges in exploring the deep seabed mining as well as the relevant international and national laws related to deep seabed mining will also be observed in this study.

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