The document discusses the growing interest in deep-sea mining and its potential environmental impacts, with a focus on a pilot action led by 11 countries to assess these effects. A collaborative research project involving 25 institutes aims to understand the ecological status of polymetallic nodule habitats and create monitoring strategies. The project runs from January 2015 to July 2018 with a budget of approximately €9.7 million.

1. ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF
DEEP-SEA MINING
Joachim Harms, Germany

2. Background: Deep-Sea Mining
o Interest in marine mineral
resources has increased from
public and private actors.
o Many countries hold licence
areas from the International
Seabed Authority.
o The ISA is developing its
Mining Code.
o Yet, very little is known on the
potential long-term
environmental impact of these
activities.

3. o 11 member countries (DE, BE, FR, IT,
NL,NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, UK)
launched a pilot action.
Aim
o Integration of national research
activities and joint use of
infrastructures.
Objectives
o Analyse the long-term ecological
impacts of deep-sea mining and
devise monitoring strategy.
o Ultimately, make recommendations to
policy-makers, industry and the ISA.
Pilot Action: Ecological aspects of deep-sea mining

4. o Researchers from 25 institutes are jointly studying:
o Environmental status of polymetallic nodule habitats in
the DISCOL Area
o Implications for future nodule mining activities in the
CCFZ
Scientific Coordination
o GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel
Project duration
o Jan. 2015 – July 2018, including 3-legged cruise
Budget
o Approx. € 9.7m (total funding: ~6.2m €; + 118 ship
days)
Pilot Action: Ecological aspects of deep-sea mining
Activities
o Germany has offered 118 days on the RV Sonne for a
joint cruise in the Pacific.

5. Joint Cruise
First leg started on 11
March 2015 - ongoing.
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