Deep-sea mining in the balance
Deep-sea mining is the practice of using heavy machinery to drag along the floor of a number of oceans to extract metals and minerals.
The ocean floor is full of incredible marine wildlife and there are deep-sea reefs all of which could be destroyed. Marine mammals such as dolphins and whales would be disrupted in their journeys across the oceans. It is believed there are many species yet to be discovered. All of this could be seriously disturbed by the lights and noise of the huge machinery which would be deployed. Mining could also release tons of carbon which is stored in the seabed.
At the moment this mining is illegal but huge pressure is being exerted on countries to allow it by big mining companies in the hopes of making profits from the sale of the materials to the battery manufacturers. France, Germany, New Zealand and Spain have all called for a ban but the UK has not. Many people rely on the ocean for their livelihoods and there is a strong movement to protect indigenous communities who would be affected disastrously by such developments.
The International Seabed Authority is meant to protect the oceans and is being lobbied by these companies to grant exploratory contracts. Meanwhile 700+ leading scientists have signed an open letter detailing the damage to the eco systems in the oceans that this kind of mining would have on coastal communities. There has been opposition from many other groups.
Currently there appears to be a pause on mining as no regulations have been agreed upon and more countries are coming out in favour of continuing this ban until at least a regulatory code has been adopted.