Deep-sea mining cuts ocean life by over a 3rd, says new study
A fresh study has found that deep-sea mining in the Pacific's Clarion-Clipperton Zone is seriously shrinking marine life—animal populations have dropped by 37% where mining happens.
The researchers also discovered more than 4,000 animals there, and nearly all of them—about 90%—were species new to science.
That's a huge hit to one of the ocean's most unique ecosystems.
Why it matters: Mining harms more than just the seafloor
Mining vehicles scrape away crucial seabed layers where creatures like worms and clams live, causing a 32% drop in species diversity right where they mine.
Even areas nearby get affected, as sediment clouds change which species can survive.
Scientists are sounding the alarm about current mining tech, warning it could cause long-lasting damage that's tough to reverse.
Their message? We need to be way more careful with our deep oceans before we lose what makes them special.