New research has revealed the adverse effects deep mining has on marine life. Deep mining has been criticized for putting millions of marine species at risk of extinction, but no regulatory measures have been undertaken so far. The new research uncovered a rapid decline in fish population in mining zones within a few months.
43% Drop in Fish & Shrimp Density
ln a research study published in the scientific journal Current Biology, researchers investigated the effects of a 2020 Japanese mining test on the Takuyo-Daigo Seamount. The study reveaIed a rapid 43% decrease in fish and shrimp density in the sediment-polluted areas one year after the test.A shocking 56% decrease was reported in the surrounding areas where the test took place.
Study To Be Repeated
The researchers observed that the two-hour mining operation led to the disappearance of key species such as fish, shrimp and jellyfish. They acknowledged that more research was necessary to gain a precise understanding of the profound effects of deep-sea mining on the ocean floor.
