Deep-Sea Misconceptions Cause Underestimation of Seabed-Mining Impacts
Craig R Smith1, Verena Tunnicliffe2, Ana Colaço3
1Department of Oceanography, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1000 Pope Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|August 4, 2020
Abstract:
Scientific misconceptions are likely leading to miscalculations of the environmental impacts of deep-seabed mining. These result from underestimating mining footprints relative to habitats targeted and poor understanding of the sensitivity, biodiversity, and dynamics of deep-sea ecosystems. Addressing these misconceptions and knowledge gaps is needed for effective management of deep-seabed mining.


