Deep-Sea Mining Threatens Zooplankton, Disrupting Marine Food Chains

Deep-sea mining poses a significant threat to zooplankton, vital organisms in the marine food web, potentially disrupting fisheries and global food supplies.

• The study reveals that deep sea mining for minerals like copper and zinc could harm zooplankton, essential for sustaining the marine food web.
• As nations pursue mining for critical resources, the disruption of sediment and habitat from manganese nodules may lead to declines in fish populations.
• Researchers warn that the consequences of deep sea mining could ripple through the ecosystem, ultimately impacting the availability of seafood on our plates.