How Deep Sea Mining could permanently disrupt the ocean’s most important animal routes, and most people have never thought about it. This episode asks the critical question: what happens when mining operations collide with species that rely on vast migratory pathways to survive? We break down the science in a way that makes the stakes impossible to ignore, from whale communication and sea turtle navigation to seabird feeding routes and shark migrations.

Whales: Our guest, Dr. Andrew Thaler, explains how mining doesn’t just damage the seafloor. It sends noise, light, sediment, and pollution across the entire water column. The most surprising takeaway is that animals living near the surface could suffer major impacts from mining occurring thousands of meters below them, simply because their survival depends on calm, uninterrupted travel corridors. It turns the deep sea into a threat zone rather than a sanctuary.

Ocean conservation: This conversation exposes a major gap in global mining policy. The focus is always the seabed, but the species most at risk never go anywhere near it. That realization leads to a powerful conclusion: when we talk about protecting the ocean, we can’t just talk about the bottom. We have to protect everything that connects it from top to bottom.

Listen now to understand the full story.

Deep sea mining: what happened in 2024? You need to know about the industry activity that occurred in 2024. The was a leadership change in the International Seabed Authority (ISA), Norway was going to explore deep sea mining, but didn't, and why my guest, Dr. Andrew Thaler won't sign on to approved deep sea mining as it is written.

In the podcast episode, host Andrew Lewin and Dr. Andrew Thaler discuss significant developments in the deep sea mining industry throughout 2024. Here are the key activities and events highlighted:

• Norway's Exploration Plans: At the beginning of 2024, Norway announced plans to issue exploration permits for deep sea mining of inactive hydrothermal vents in its national waters. This decision surprised many, given Norway's strong environmental stance. However, by December 2024, due to political negotiations and pressure from smaller parties in parliament, Norway scrapped these plans.
• International Seabed Authority (ISA) Leadership Change: A major shift occurred with the election of Letitia Carvalho as the new Secretary General of the ISA, replacing Michael Lodge, who had been pro-mining. Carvalho, an oceanographer and former UNEP official, is expected to bring a more science-based and environmentally conscious approach to the ISA's negotiations and policies regarding deep sea mining.
• Ongoing Negotiations: The ISA has been working on a unitary mining code that covers all types of deep sea mining, including polymetallic nodule mining, hydrothermal vent mining, and seamount mining. Dr. Thaler expressed concerns that this approach could allow the worst forms of mining to proceed alongside potentially less harmful practices.
• Environmental Concerns: The episode emphasizes the environmental implications of deep sea mining, particularly the irreversible damage that could result from mining hydrothermal vents, which are unique ecosystems. The discussion also touches on the potential for new research, such as the "dark oxygen" study, which suggests that polymetallic nodules may play a role in oxygen production in deep sea environments.
• Geopolitical Factors: The episode highlights the geopolitical motivations behind deep sea mining, particularly for countries like the U.S., which is looking to secure access to critical minerals amid tensions with China. This has led to discussions about refining polymetallic nodules in the U.S. to enhance resource independence.
• Technological Advancements: Dr. Thaler notes that advancements in battery technology, such as solid-state and sodium batteries, may reduce the demand for metals sourced from deep sea mining, potentially impacting the industry's future viability.

Overall, 2024 was a tumultuous year for deep sea mining, marked by significant political shifts, ongoing debates about environmental impacts, and evolving technological landscapes.

Helpful Links: 1) Southern Fried Science: https://www.southernfriedscience.com/deep-sea-mining-what-went-down-in-2024/ 
2) Deep Sea Mining Leadership Change: https://youtu.be/cq7VaQDk_Wc
3) Dark Oxygen in the Deep Sea: https://youtu.be/Sc3gu3gHHOY

I had a great conversation with Dr. Diva Amon where she gave me an update on the situation with Deep Sea Mining. Diva spoke about being part of the research team that collected baseline data in a Deep Sea Mining Lease Area in the Pacific Ocean. The diversity she and her team found was shocking!

Take a listen and hear it all for yourself.

Link To Diva's Article:
https://newint.org/features/2019/10/01/deep-sea-dilemma

How do you feel about Deep Sea Mining? Share your thoughts in the Speak Up For Blue Facebook Group: http://www.speakupforblue.com/group.

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Check out the Shows on the Speak Up For Blue Network:

Marine Conservation Happy Hour
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k4ZB3x
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2kkEElk

ConCiencia Azul:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k6XPio
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k4ZMMf

Dugongs & Seadragons:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lB9Blv
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lV6THt

Environmental Studies & Sciences
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lx86oh
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2lG8LUh

Marine Mammal Science:
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2k5pTCI
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2k1YyRL