Deep Sea Mining Threatens Pacific Biodiversity, Scientists Warn
A comprehensive review of 50 years of data has raised alarms about the potential catastrophic impact of deep sea mining on Pacific biodiversity. The study, published in Current Biology, highlights the risks posed by the extraction of polymetallic nodules, which are crucial for the green energy transition. However, scientists and Indigenous leaders argue that the environmental cost is too high. The deep sea, home to ancient life forms, could face irreversible damage from mining activities, which create noise and sediment clouds that disrupt stable ecosystems. The Pacific region is divided, with some nations pushing for mining to boost economic growth, while others call for a ban to protect marine life. 
