Deep-sea mining, a process that involves the extraction of minerals from the ocean bed at depths exceeding 200 meters, has gained significant attention. The operational areas known as the international seabed, are beyond national jurisdiction and cover around fifty percent of the world’s oceans. The activity is monitored by International Seabed Authority, an agency under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, this practice raises major concerns due to its potential harm to marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
In recent news, a national science award was presented to Indian scientists for conducting the world’s first trials of a deep-sea mining system in the central Indian ocean. This took place at the 16th Foundation Day of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Nowcasting System and Its Benefits
The ceremony also marked the inauguration of a fully automated buoy-based coastal observation and water quality nowcasting system for the Indian Ocean. Developed by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), it is part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission. The nowcasting system utilizes radar and satellite observations of local atmospheric conditions, processed by computers, to predict weather several hours in advance. It provides numerous benefits to coastal dwellers, maritime industry, researchers, fisherfolk, and agencies dealing with pollution, tourism, fisheries and the coastal environment.
Concerns about Deep Sea Mining
Deep-sea mining poses a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems. The digging and gauging actions of heavy machines can not only alter but destroy deep-sea habitats leading to the loss of exclusive species and fragmentation of ecosystem structure. Mining activities disturb seafloor sediments, creating suspended particle plumes and discharging wastewater. Additionally, the noise, vibrations, and light pollution caused by the mining equipment and surface vessels, and possible leaks of fuel and toxic products can greatly affect marine species like whales, tuna, and sharks.
India’s Deep Ocean Mission
Launched with a vision to address these concerns, India’s Deep Ocean Mission aims to develop technologies for exploring and extracting minerals in the deep seabed. It plans to create a manned submersible capable of carrying three people up to a depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean, equipped with scientific sensors and tools. The mission also focuses on technological innovations for the exploration and conservation of deep-sea biodiversity through bio-prospecting of deep-sea flora and fauna, and studies on sustainable utilization of deep-sea bio-resources.
The mission further explores possibilities of deriving energy and freshwater from the oceans through studies and detailed engineering designs for offshore ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC)-powered desalination plants.
Other Blue Economy Initiatives
Along with the Deep Ocean Mission, several other blue economy initiatives have been launched. These include the India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy for Sustainable Development, the Sagarmala project, the O-SMART Integrated Coastal Zone Management and the National Fisheries policy. All these initiatives contribute towards promoting economic and technical cooperation among its members, fostering a platform for trade, socio-economic and cultural interaction in the Indian Ocean Rim area.
Even with the potential benefits offered by deep-sea mining, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the environmental implications in order to prevent irreversible damage to our marine ecosystems. Harnessing ocean resources sustainably is imperative for mitigating the global resource crisis.
