Conservation of the deep-sea in light of mining

DEEP REST will investigate two remarkable deep-sea ecosystems namely polymetallic nodule fields and hydrothermal vents, including their extended peripheries.

Four major areas will be investigated in the Pacific Ocean for nodule fields the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and the Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge for hydrothermal vents. These remote ecosystems are at risk of exploitation of their associated strategic metal resources. Information on how to mitigate the impacts of future mining activities is of utmost importance. The elaboration of strategies to use the oceans in a sustainable manner is fundamental.

However, questions about the impacts of mining and the resilience of deep-sea communities to anthropogenic activities are still pending. DEEP REST will enhance fundamental knowledge of species and functional diversity and their interconnections to develop effective environmental management plans and regulations to protect unique and vulnerable marine habitats.

Start Date: 04/01/2022
End Date: 31/03/2025

Lead Contact: Jozée Sarrazin (Jozee.sarrazin@ifremer.fr)