Planned Deep-Sea Mining Could Destroy Unknown Ecosystem, Scientists Warn

A study found around 5,000 new species in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a region in the Pacific Ocean targeted for deep-sea mining.
The zone is rich in minerals for renewable energy technologies but also biodiverse, with 90% of species unknown to science.
The International Seabed Authority will soon accept mining applications that could damage the ecosystem before we understand it.
Environmentalists urge protecting biodiversity through more research, setting aside conservation areas, and mitigating harm from any mining.
NOAA has warned that mining the zone for polymetallic nodules would likely damage the environment.