Deep sea mining has got a green light to begin in the Pacific by 2023 after Nauru triggered a rule at the International Seabed Authority.
The Deep Sea Mining Campaign warns that if nodule mining is allowed to take place in the Pacific Ocean, species such as the Sperm Whale could be adversely affected. Photo: WILLYAM
The UN-mandated Authority, tasked with regulating the seabed, has confirmed that today Nauru triggered a rule that would allow mining to commence within two years in its waters.
This comes before environmental regulations are in place at the ISA, and amid growing calls by scientists and Pacific civil society networks for a precautionary pause on the fledgling sector.
Ocean scientists have warned that mining activity should not proceed until more research is conducted into the little known environment of the deep sea.
But there's growing interest in polymetallic nodules on the seabed, and several Pacific countries, including Nauru, have already sponsored exploration licences for deep sea mining companies.
Following Nauru's move this morning the Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative, an accredited Observer at the International Seabed Authority, has written to the ISA to express its concern over the triggering.
"Based on current scientific understanding, deep-seabed mining will result in biodiversity loss and irreversible harm to deep-sea ecosystems," the letter reads.
It said triggering the two-year rule would not allow much of the relevant scientific research currently underway to be completed, communicated, and taken into account, preventing scientifically informed decision making.
"Two years is not a sufficient period for acquisition of the necessary scientific research to inform best environmental practices."