Destruction at 4,000 Meters Below the Water

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TL;DR

What happened? — Researchers have discovered almost 800 species at the bottom of the ocean. The area investigated is used for deep-sea mining.
Why does it matter? — One third of species in this area has been wiped out in just two years. Mining activity is harming them. It destabilises ocean ecosystems. And since Earth is called the ‘Blue Planet’ for a reason, oceans are crucial for the survival of everyone.
What should we do about it? — (1) Call for your country to sign the moratorium. (2) Understand that deep-sea mining is not without environmental impacts. (3) Recycle electronics; more recycling = less new metals needed.

Manganese nodules from the South Pacific. By Hannes Grobe/AWI on Wikimedia Commons.

Hundreds of species discovered

Scientists have studied sediment dredged by a deep-sea mining test. This commercial test started in 2022. At a depth of over 4,000 meters, no sunlight is to be found. Life here has adapted to absolute darkness. This gives rise to unique creatures. Of these, the anglerfish is likely the most well-known. It has a small tube sticking out of its head. At the end is a bioluminescent light that lures unsuspecting prey.