Five reasons to take the precautionary approach to deep sea exploitation

Abstract

Extractive activities in the deep sea are poised to advance faster than the science needed to evaluate risks. Here, we call for a strong precautionary approach in developing these industries. Food and energy insecurity have been exacerbated by climate change, conflict, and disease, with global energy demands only expected to grow. Seabed mining and deep-sea fishing have been suggested as ways to support shifting to renewable energy and increasing food supply. These industries are likely to impact one of the largest habitats on Earth, our ocean’s mesopelagic zone, at depths between ~200 and 1000 m. Once assumed to be lifeless, we now know the mesopelagic zone is rich with life and a vital component of the global ecosystem. Recently, industries have begun exploratory extractive activities, while our scientific understanding of the impacts of these activities on the mesopelagic zone is trailing behind (Fig. 1). Here, we outline five reasons why we advocate for a precautionary approach to deep-sea exploitation in order to make evidence-based decisions.