Deep Sea Minerals - Vol 2 - Manganese Nodules

Human activities invariably have some impact on any ecosystem, and activities in the deep sea are no exception. Sea-floor ecosystems are increasingly affected by human activities, such as bottom fishing, oil drilling, and waste disposal (Polunin et al . 2008; Smith et al . 2008). With the emerging industry of deep sea mineral extraction, there is a need for appropriate and responsi- ble management strategies with an aim to maintain overall biodiversity and ecosystem health and function. In this section, we describe the likely environmental effects of deep sea nodule extraction, with a particular emphasis on the specific characteristics of abyssal and manganese-nodule biological communities. Management options are discussed, and recommendations are made on options that could balance the impacts of extraction with conservation of the wider environment and faunal communities.

MANGANESE NODULES 28