Deep-Sea Mining Stresses Out Marine Life
Research from the Geomar Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel reveals that deep-sea mining has detrimental effects on jellyfish, causing stress and potential harm to various marine organisms. According to the study, published in the journal "Nature Communications," fine sediments stirred up during extraction of raw materials on the seabed can create sediment clouds that spread hundreds of kilometers, impacting pelagic animals between 200 and 4000 meters.
Deep-Sea Mining Disturbs the Marine Food Web
Pelagic animals, such as jellyfish, serve as the primary food source for many fish, squid, and marine mammals. Co-author Helena Hauss from the Norwegian Research Center (Norce) explained that these creatures have evolved under more stable conditions than their surface-dwelling counterparts, making them potentially more vulnerable to changes in environmental conditions caused by mining.
Detecting Stress in Jellyfish
Assessing jellyfish stress levels isn't straightforward, but researcher Vanessa Stenvers and her team at Geomar considered different aspects like gene activity, physiology, and microbial populations to gauge the response of Helmet jellyfish to simulated sediment clouds. The noticeable effect was the adhesion of sediment particles to the jellyfish, which then began producing excess mucus for protection, leading to increased energy consumption for mucus production.
Impact of Sediment on Gene Activity
Gene activity related to respiration, immune system, and wound healing saw a significant increase when there was a lot of sediment in the water. Stenvers explained, "Although the mucus helps the jellyfish to keep their microbiome stable, the continuous production of mucus requires a lot of energy and can account for a significant proportion of an animal's total energy budget."
Energy Consumption and Starvation Risks
Stress factors that lead to increased energy consumption must be compensated for with increased food intake, but food is usually scarce in the deep sea. Sediment in the water could therefore increase the risk of starvation for pelagic inhabitants.
Tradeoffs and Regulations for Deep-Sea Mining
Deep-sea mining carries dangers for local ecosystems; while talks ended without binding decisions in the summer, countries and organizations need to weigh the benefits and drawbacks, taking into account the impact on sensitive pelagic species.
Environmental Concerns and Solutions
Impact on Gene Activity
Deep-sea miners should be cautious about disturbing deep-sea organisms' sensitive gene activity, which could affect their ability to respond to environmental changes.
Noise Pollution
Mining noise pollution can disrupt animal communication and their auditory senses, causing stress and potentially altering gene activity related to stress response.
Chemical and Ecotoxicological Changes
Discharged chemicals and heavy metals from mining operations can alter water quality, leading to ecotoxicological effects that weaken animal immune systems and defenses.
Climate Change Sensitivity
Deep-sea organisms evolve in extreme environments that make them particularly susceptible to climate change, which can further weaken their immune systems and gene activity.
Genetic Diversity Impact
Mining activity and habitat loss can reduce genetic diversity amongst marine populations, limiting their ability to adapt to changing environments and making them more vulnerable to extinction.
Sources: [1] Deep Sea Mining Impacts (n.d.). Retrieved from [2] Deep Sea Mining and Biodiversity (n.d.). Retrieved from [5] Climate Change and Deep Sea Biodiversity (n.d.). Retrieved from
