How humans are exploiting the oceans | DW Documentary

An ambitious expedition sets out to explore the deep sea to uncover dormant mineral deposits. Despite having the technology to harvest these resources, scientists are concerned about the potential environmental impact. Greenpeace and other organizations are opposed to deep sea mining, fearing it could destroy delicate underwater ecosystems. The prototype for the deep sea collector, Patanya, is being tested at several thousand meters depth to monitor its feasibility and risks.

In March 2021, amidst the global coronavirus pandemic, a special ship called the Island Pride was prepared for a mission to examine the environmental impact of a manganese nodule collector on the seabed. Researchers equipped with high-tech marine research equipment were on board to analyze the first test of its kind. The expedition aimed to understand the environmental consequences of deep sea mining by deploying various measuring devices and collecting data.

Mining on land, especially in politically unstable countries, is often destructive and harmful to both nature and human rights. Workers in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo suffer from horrendous conditions, risking their lives for minimal wages. The industry argues that seabed mining could be less harmful as it doesn't require removing forests or relocating people, but emphasizes the need for thorough research to minimize environmental impact.

On the Cape Verde Islands, illegal sand mining has devastated the coastline. Trucks strip sand from beaches and seabeds to sell as raw material for construction, leaving behind barren stone landscapes. Conservationists like Maria struggle against this illegal activity, which severely impacts marine life and local ecosystems. The lack of enforcement allows this harmful practice to continue, contributing to the degradation of coastal habitats worldwide.

The Island Pride reaches the Clarion Clipperton Zone to join the Belgian ship testing Patania, the world’s first manganese nodule collector prototype. The machine's ability to function under extreme conditions and its potential environmental impact are closely monitored. Patania’s success could pave the way for commercial seabed mining, but the environmental risks and the extent of disturbance caused by such activities remain significant concerns.

In Cape Verde, conservationists like Anna Vega are committed to protecting the local marine life, especially the endangered loggerhead sea turtles. The removal of sand has destroyed vital nesting habitats, prompting conservation efforts to safeguard the eggs and ensure the survival of these turtles. Despite the challenges, Anna and her team work tirelessly to raise awareness and involve the community in conservation activities.

Researchers aboard the Island Pride meticulously examine samples from the deep sea to understand the biodiversity of the Clarion Clipperton Zone. The team uses advanced equipment to measure oxygen levels and study microbial communities. These efforts aim to assess the environmental impact of seabed mining and highlight the rich, yet largely unknown, biodiversity in deep sea habitats.

The scientists aboard the Island Pride are excited to discover new species and study the unique deep sea fauna. Their research aims to provide crucial data to balance the need for resource extraction with environmental preservation. Meanwhile, conservationists in Cape Verde celebrate their small successes in protecting marine life, underscoring the importance of sustainable practices and local involvement in conservation efforts.

Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior tracks the industrial vessel Normand Energy, protesting against deep sea mining. They emphasize the potential long-term environmental damage and the need to preserve the ocean's biodiversity. Despite industry and scientific efforts to minimize harm, Greenpeace argues that the risks of disrupting deep sea ecosystems outweigh the benefits of resource extraction.

The International Seabed Authority (ISA), headquartered in Jamaica, regulates deep sea mining activities. It aims to balance industrial interests, scientific findings, and environmental concerns. With 167 member countries, the ISA is developing a mining code to ensure sustainable exploitation of deep sea resources. The organization's unique opportunity lies in establishing regulations before commercial mining begins, striving for a cautious and informed approach.

The Island Pride’s expedition in the Clarion Clipperton Zone reveals the extensive environmental impact of seabed mining. The disturbance of sediment and potential damage to marine life raise significant concerns. The challenge lies in balancing the need for metals for green technology with the preservation of deep sea ecosystems. Researchers and policymakers must consider the long-term consequences of deep sea mining and strive for sustainable practices.

Researchers aboard the Island Pride are excited to discover and study new species from the deep sea. Detailed analyses in the laboratory aim to understand the biodiversity of the Clarion Clipperton Zone. These efforts highlight the importance of preserving these largely unexplored habitats and provide valuable insights into the environmental impact of deep sea mining.

In Cape Verde, conservationists work tirelessly to protect endangered sea turtles by safeguarding their nests from predators and human interference. Efforts include relocating eggs to protected areas and raising awareness among locals. These initiatives aim to ensure the survival of the turtles and promote sustainable practices in the community.

The conservationists in Cape Verde and small-scale fishers in Germany advocate for sustainable fishing practices. By avoiding harmful industrial methods and focusing on local needs, they aim to preserve marine biodiversity and ensure the health of ocean ecosystems. Sustainable fishing not only benefits the environment but also supports the livelihoods of local communities.

Overfishing and illegal fishing practices threaten marine life worldwide. Organizations like Greenpeace document these issues and advocate for stricter regulations to protect ocean ecosystems. The challenge is to balance the demand for fish with sustainable practices that allow fish populations to replenish and maintain biodiversity.

The Myers, a father and son fishing team in the Baltic Sea, practice sustainable fishing methods to preserve fish populations. They use gill nets with larger mesh sizes to avoid catching small fish and sell their catch directly to local consumers. Their approach contrasts with industrial trawling, which depletes fish stocks and harms marine ecosystems.

Ocean conservation advocates like Alexandra Cousteau emphasize the need to protect and restore marine habitats. Initiatives such as Ocean's 2050 aim to rebuild ocean ecosystems through sustainable practices and innovative solutions. The goal is to ensure the long-term health of the oceans, which are vital for the planet’s climate regulation and biodiversity.

The Island Pride’s expedition concludes, highlighting the potential and risks of deep sea mining. While the need for metals for green technology is recognized, the environmental impact of seabed mining cannot be ignored. Researchers and policymakers must weigh the benefits against the long-term damage to deep sea ecosystems and strive for sustainable solutions.