Selected recent activities related to deep-seabed mining of the Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiativeand it’s members

  1. Annotated Bibliography of Key Papers, Reports & Statements. Please note that these and 280 further relevant DSM publication citations have been collated by DOSI in an open-access library for use by all stakeholders.

Ardron, JA. in press. Transparency in the operations of the International Seabed Authority: an initial assessment. Marine Policy.

The author, using a battery of 30 questions, conducts an assessment of transparency of the International Seabed Authority and compares the results with those for high seas fisheries management bodies. The findings are that while the ISA exhibits some good transparency practices, it generally scores much lower than the high seas fisheries management bodies. The author suggests that the current practices of RFMOs may serve as examples of how specific operations of the ISA could be improved. Suggestions for possible transparency policies are given.

Mengerink, K et al. in prep. Defining “serious harm” to the marine environment in the context of deep-seabed mining.

Based on deliberations at aDOSI 2014 workshop, the authors examine the concept of “serious harm” to the marine environment and related concepts such as “significant adverse change.” The terms are examined based on the terminology of the ISA Mining Code and adapting terminology used in international guidelines for the management of deep-sea bottom fisheries. The authors consider the concept’s applicability to various ecosystems targeted for deep-seabed mining, identify ecological parameters that may be measured to reflect the significance of the harm, and discuss environmental thresholds and triggers for action.

Le, J et al. (under review). Incorporating ecosystem services into environmental management of deep-seabed mining. Deep-Sea Research II

The authors consider an ecosystem services approach to the environmental policy and management of deep-sea mineral resources. They present practical steps to incorporate ecosystem services into deep-seabed mining regulation.

Jaeckel A, et al. 2016. Sharing benefits of the common heritage of mankind – is the deep seabed mining regime ready? Marine Policy, 70: 198-204.Link to paper.

The authors examine the operationalisation of the common heritage of mankind (CHM) principle in the international seabed mining regime, with focus placed on the sharing of benefits derived from mining. The article provides an overview of the CHM principle and examines four modalities provided for in the Convention, both institutional and substantial, and their role in giving effect to the CHM principle: (1) financial benefits; (2) the “Enterprise”; (3) the parallel system of reserved areas; and, (4) marine scientific research. Finally, overarching issues are discussed and some suggestions on ways forward are presented. The article considers that the deep-seabed mining regime is not yet ready to effectively share the benefits derived from the common heritage of mankind but acknowledges that work is underway at the International Seabed Authority to establish rules and policies with respect to the sharing of financial benefits.

Vanruesel et al. 2016. Threatened by mining, polymetallic nodules are required to preserve abyssal epifauna. Scientific Reports 6, Articlenumber:26808 Link to paper

The authors investigated nodule epifauna using video surveys to compare the epifauna from sites with contrasting nodule coverage in four CCZ license areas. Results showed that epifaunal densities are more than two times higher at sites with dense nodule coverage and that corals are virtually absent from nodule-free areas. Surveys conducted along tracks from trawling or experimental mining simulations up to 37 years old suggest that the removal of epifauna is almost complete and that full recovery is slow. The authors urge for cautious consideration of the criteria for determining future preservation zones.

Glover, A et al. 2016.An End-to-End DNA Taxonomy Methodology for Benthic Biodiversity Survey in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, Central Pacific Abyss. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 4(1):2. Link to paper.

Following the recent ISA-sponsored series of taxonomic workshops on CCZ fauna, the authors present a series of detailed methodological pipelines for DNA taxonomy (incorporating both molecular and morphological data) of the macrofauna and megafauna from the CCZ benthic habitat, as followed in the recent ABYSSLINE cruise program to the UK-1 exploration claim. They outline the challenges and fundamental requirements for successful data collection and stress the importance of careful sampling design, at-sea taxonomic identification and fixation, post-cruise laboratory work with both DNA and morphology and a careful sample and data management pipeline that results in specimens and data in accessible open museum collections and online repositories. A video file “Glover & Dahlgren 2015 Clarion-Clipperton Zone DNA Taxonomy” highlighting key aspects of the field methodology is available as supplement to this paper and at .

Glover, AG, et al. 2016. Abyssal fauna of the UK-1 polymetallic nodule exploration claim, Clarion-Clipperton Zone, central Pacific Ocean: Echinodermata. Biodiversity data journal, (4).Link to paper.

The authors present morphological and genetic data for 17 species of Echinodermata, collected as part of the Abyssal Baseline (ABYSSLINE) environmental survey cruise to the UK Seabed Resource Ltd polymetallic-nodule exploration claim in the eastern CCZ. No taxa matched previously published genetic sequences but 8 taxa matched previously described species based on morphology. The DNA taxonomy register is presented to facilitate future taxonomic and environmental impact study.

Amon, D et al. 2016 (accepted). Insights into the abundance and diversity of abyssal megafauna in a polymetallic-nodule region in the eastern Clarion-Clipperton Zone.Sci. Rep. 6, 30492.

The authors describe the results of ROV megafauna surveys with estimates of abundance within the ABYSSLINE project biological baseline surveys in the UK-1 claim in the CCZ. 170 morphotypes were distinguished but species-richness estimators suggest this could be as high as 229. Megafaunal abundance averaged 1.48 ind. m−2. Seven of twelve collected metazoan species were new to science, and four belonged to new genera. Approximately half of the morphotypes occurred only on polymetallic nodules. There were weak, but statistically significant, positive correlations between megafaunal and nodule abundance. Eastern-CCZ megafaunal diversity is high relative to two abyssal datasets from other regions, however comparisons with CCZ and DISCOL datasets are problematic given the lack of standardised methods and taxonomy. The authors postulate that CCZ megafaunal diversity is driven in part by habitat heterogeneity.

Dahlgren, T et al. 2016. Abyssal fauna of the UK-1 polymetallic nodule exploration area, Clarion-Clipperton Zone, central Pacific Ocean: Cnidaria. Biodiversity Data Journal 4: e9277. Link to paper.

The authors present data from a DNA taxonomy register of the abyssal Cnidaria collected as part of the Abyssal Baseline (ABYSSLINE) environmental survey cruise ‘AB01’ to the UK Seabed Resources Ltd polymetallic-nodule exploration area ‘UK-1’ in the eastern CCZ. This is the second paper in a series to provide regional taxonomic data for this region. The authors present these data to facilitate future taxonomic and environmental impact study by making both data and voucher materials available through curated and accessible biological collections. For some of the specimens they also provide image data collected at the seabed by ROV, which may facilitate more accurate taxon designation in coming ROV or AUV surveys.

Christiansen, S et al 2016.Towards Transparent Governance of Deep Seabed Mining.IASS Policy Brief 2/2016.Link to briefing.

The authors stress that better transparency within the operations of the International Seabed Authority will facilitate the development of regulations that protect the marine environment effectively and ensure their proper implementation, monitoring, and review. They present 3 key messages pertaining to how the ISA should proceed with this endeavour including having an open information and data policy, ensuring active involvement of all interested stakeholders, and the establishment of an environmental advisory body.

Le Bris, N et al. 2016. A case for the deep ocean. DOSI statement to the new Oceans and Cryosphere IPCC scoping group.Link to statement.

Included in their report to the IPCC, the DOSI WG on climate urge management measures to protect the deep sea to incorporate the interplay between, for example, deep-seabed mining and climate change.

Wedding, LM, et al. 2015. Managing mining of the deep seabed. Science. 349 (6244)144-145. Link to paper.

The authors call for the ISA to develop a process to establish regional environmental management plans. The plan should include a network of no-mining areas in order to protect the marine environment. The development of APEIs within the CCZ is given as an example of adhering to the precautionary approach within environmental management plans and the authors recommend the establishment of MPA networks in other deep-sea regions. Further MPA networks will be most effective if the network is established before additional exploration claims are granted. Therefore, the authors recommend that the ISA convene workshops where scientific experts can apply MPA design principles to other deep-sea regions targeted for mining. Meetings should then be organized where the draft plans are developed with other stakeholders to balance the trade-offs between mining interests and environmental protection.

Levin, L & Le Bris, N. 2015. Deep ocean under climate change. Science 350( 6262): 766-768: Link to paper

The authors discuss the combined stresses upon our deep ocean ecosystems that may threaten biodiversity and compromise key ocean services that maintain a healthy planet and human livelihoods. They urge for explicit recognition of deep-ocean climate mitigation and its inclusion in adaptation planning by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in order to protect the integrity and functions of deep-ocean ecosystems.

EcoDeep-SIP Workshop June-July 2015, Tokyo. Workshop report – The crafting of seabed mining ecosystem-based management: Assessing deep-sea ecosystems in the Pacific Ocean. Link to report.

This international workshop was held in the framework of the EcoDeep project between IFREMER and JAMSTEC and was attended by ~50 participants including scientists and industry experts from Japan, South Korea, France, UK, USA, and South Pacific countries (New Zealand, Australia, Cook Islands) and territories (New Caledonia), including the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and DOSI.This report synthesizes discussions from the workshop and the state of knowledge of seabed mining in the context of assessment and management of deep-sea environments, especially hydrothermal vent fields associated with SMS deposits.

Mengerink, K, et al. 2014. A Call for Deep-Ocean Stewardship. Science 344 (6185) 696-698: Link to paper

In this key DOSI output the authors stress the critical importance of deep-sea ecosystem functions and services, including that of mineral resources. They recommend a precautionary system that balances use of marine resources with maintenance of a productive and healthy marine environment, while improving knowledge and collaboration.

EU stakeholder consultation on deep-sea mining – 2014. Link to report

The aim of this consultation was to gauge opinion on activities related to extraction of minerals from the seafloor and to assess what stakeholders thought the EU's attitude and role should be. There were 208 replies to the on-line consultation with representation from public authorities, industry, researchers and civil society. The main recommendations that transpired were more research, increased transparency, tighter standards & better maps.

  1. DOSI Guidance and Recommendations
  • ISA Research Recommendation Letter (May 2014) – link to letter
  • DOSI-compiled response to ISA stakeholder survey (May 2014) – link to response
  • DOSI commentary on “Developing a Regulatory Framework for Mineral Exploitation in the Area” report to stakeholders (ISBA/Cons/2015/1). (May 2015)–link to commentary
  • DOSI-Compiled review of SPC Regulations and Recommendations – standards for scientific research and mineral exploration and exploitation and provided comments prior to publication (Oct. 2015).
  • DOSI contribution to the review of the ISA under Article 154 of UNCLOS by SeaScape consultants
  1. Workshops and Symposia sponsored or attended by DOSI:
  • DOSI Inaugural Workshop (UNAM, Mexico City, MEXICO March 2013)
  • DOSI Special Session - Deep Ocean Industrialization: A New Stewardship Frontier (AAAS, Chicago, USA Feb. 2014)
  • DOSI workshop on defining significant impact & performing cumulative impact assessment (La Jolla, CA, USA March 2014)
  • IASS Potsdam Ocean Governance Workshop (GERMANY Oct 2014)
  • Deep-seabed mining & Pacific cultures symposium (Honolulu Hawaii, USA, April 2015)
  • From Seafloor Hydrothermal Systems to the Sustainable Exploitation of Massive Sulfide Deposits: Myths & Realities of the Deep Sea (Bergen, NORWAY May 2015)
  • International workshop on environmental standards for deep-sea mining (Tromso, NORWAY May 2015)
  • Towards the development of a strategic Environmental Management Plan for deep seabed mineral exploration & exploitation in the Atlantic basin (SEMPIA). (Azores, PORTUGAL June 2015)
  • Deep-Sea Tailings Placement Workshop – with IMO and GESAMP (Lima, PERU June 2015)
  • EcoDeep-SIP Workshop – The crafting of seabed mining ecosystem-based management: Assessing deep-sea ecosystems in the Pacific Ocean (Tokyo, JAPAN June-July 2015)
  • DOSI Planning Workshop (Aveiro, PORTUGAL Aug. 2015)
  • Deep Sea mining - Work with WEF and Rockefeller Foundation/RESOLVE (Bellagio, ITALY Oct. 2015)
  • Griffith Law School and the International Seabed Authority Workshop on Environmental Assessment and Management for Exploitation of Minerals in the Area (AUSTRALIA May 2016)
  • SEMPIA mini-workshop. (Azores, PORTUGAL July 2016)
  • DOSI observers at ISA Assembly (Kingston, JAMAICA July 2016)
  1. DOSI Open Webinars on DSM and other issues (archive) – Link to series.
  1. Capacity Development
  • 2 SOPAC traineeships for 2 Pacific islanders. 3 months at Univeristy of Hawaii to learn techniques for conducting environmental baseline studies & biodiversity evaluation of deep-sea manganese nodule ecosystems
  • DOSI leads Maria Baker & Lisa Levin co-led capacity development workshop in Namibia concerning phosphate mining impacts, co-funded by ISA.