Key facts
- An Arctic expedition documented fragile marine life in an area Norway is considering for deep-sea mining.
- Scientists filmed rare species, including a Dumbo octopus, and collected samples of potentially new species.
- Deep-sea ecosystems are slow to recover from disturbances and are already affected by climate change.
- Norway's deep-sea mining plans face opposition from environmental groups, scientists, and fishing communities.
- Proponents cite the need for critical minerals for green technologies, while critics warn of irreversible environmental risks.
An international team of scientists has documented the fragile marine life inhabiting deep-sea ecosystems off the coast of Norway, in an area being considered for deep-sea mining. The month-long expedition, organized by Greenpeace, utilized remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to explore seamounts and hydrothermal vents at depths of up to 3,000 meters.
During the mission, researchers filmed rare species, including a Dumbo octopus, and collected over 400 sponge samples, identifying several species that may be new to science. Anne Helene Tandberg, a researcher from the University in Bergen who participated, emphasized the vulnerability of these ecosystems, noting their slow recovery rates and susceptibility to climate change impacts like ocean warming and acidification.
The area surveyed was opened for deep-sea mining by the Norwegian government in 2024, but exploration has been paused until at least 2029 due to objections from environmental groups, scientists, and fishing communities. Supporters of deep-sea mining argue it is essential for obtaining critical minerals for green technologies, while critics contend that the environmental risks are poorly understood and potentially irreversible, advocating for a moratorium until more is known.
The findings from this expedition are expected to contribute to proposals for marine protected areas in Norwegian waters.