Research and innovation priorities for environmental assessment of deep-sea mineral mining J Murray Roberts Centre for Marine Biodiversity & Biotechnology Heriot-Watt University

EUSA Atlantic Forum Workshop: Cork, 4th – 5th March 2013 Research & Innovation, Atlantic Ports, Atlantic Action Plan

Context within EU Atlantic Strategy

• Increase investment in Europe’s natural assets, while ensuring minerals extracted in safe working & environmental manner

• International Seabed Authority licensing of mid-Atlantic ridge for polymetallic nodules began in July 2011

• Existing & planned unification of marine research (FP7, seas-era.eu, jpi-oceans.eu)

• Improved data access • Improved trans-Atlantic research links

Images: http://www.teara.govt.nz; http://www.underseamining.net

What actions are proposed? Key research needs

• Increased seabed mapping to assess biological and mineral resources

• Research into deep-sea hydrocarbon & mining technologies

• Establishing long-term shared datasets on deep-sea resources

• Creating ‘centre of excellence for seabed mapping’ to co-ordinate actions among member states

Images: NOAA; Gainski et al (2010) Geological Society, London, Special Publications 347: 89

Relevance Are actions appropriate? What are the gaps?

• Actions focus on geoscience, mapping & developing extraction technologies

• Proposed actions are appropriate but scope is too limited

• Critical need to develop ecologically coherent assessment of mining activity

• Need to make best use of new marine robotic and monitoring systems to achieve this in cost-effective manner

• Need in situ monitoring of sites leading to 3D hydrodynamic models incorporating plume dispersal.

Images: Heriot-Watt Ocean Systems Lab; Juan Moreno Navas 3D hydrodynamic model Mingulay Reef Complex

Key action needed 4 critical actions by EU/EUSA states (France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, UK)

1. Understand ecosystem connectivity, including at ocean basin scale (co-ordinated international action)

2. Make best use of novel mapping and survey technologies (AUVs, swarm robotics). Joint ecosystem/marine engineering calls

3. Develop in situ monitoring & modelling capability

4. Achieve co-ordinated actions with USA & Canada for truly basin scale assessment of deep-sea mining operations

Images: Ifremeria nautilei, Nautilus Minerals