Seafloor Disruption Could Accelerate Climate Change

Scientists have determined that seabed degradation caused by activities such as trawling and fishing may accelerate the pace of climate change. According to research published in the journal "Frontiers in Marine Science," researchers from England and Norway examined the seafloor in certain areas of the Barents Sea using underwater cameras during two ship expeditions between 2017-2019. The researchers identified organisms living in the examined areas and collected samples to determine how much carbon these organisms stored. Finding that these organisms stored considerably more carbon than previously estimated, the researchers determined that activities such as trawling or deep-sea mining cause seabed degradation. In this context, the researchers demonstrated that seabed degradation could also accelerate climate change. In a statement to Barents Observer from the iC3 polar research center, it was noted that deep-sea mining and trawling fishing could reduce the oceans' carbon storage capacity by degrading or destroying the habitats of these organisms. According to the Observer's report, Dr. David Barnes, one of the study's authors, stated: "This study reveals how little we know about how life in the ocean depths affects the global carbon cycle and the benefits that ocean nature provides to society."

Deep-sea mining a "disaster" for the ocean

Norwegian authorities announced in June 2023 that the government intended to open part of the continental shelf for commercial deep-sea mining as part of a strategy to reduce dependence on oil and natural gas in pursuit of new economic opportunities for the country. Norway's minority government and two major opposition parties agreed on 5 December 2023 to proceed with deep-sea mining in the Arctic Ocean despite objections from environmental groups. Environmental groups, which have described the decision as a "disaster" for the ocean, have warned that this step will threaten biological diversity in the region. Source