The International Seabed Authority is responsible for organizing and controlling the exploration and exploitation of international seabed mineral resources. The Authority is in the process of formulating regulations on prospecting and exploration for polymetallic nodules. The draft regulations contain a number of provisions for protection of the environment including set aside of reference zones, implementation of monitoring programmes, submission of specific information, and liabilities for damage to the marine environment. In applying for an exploration contract, contractors are required to provide, inter alia, environmental data (wind speed and direction, current speed and direction, water temperature and salinity, and data on biological communities), an assessment of the potential environmental impacts of their proposed activities and a description of a programme for oceanographic and baseline environmental studies. Guidelines for the assessment of the environmental impacts from exploration activities are being developed. Studies to date support the original concerns for environmental impacts identified in the DOMES research, including impacts on the benthic communities where nodules are removed; impacts of the discharge plume on the near-surface biota; and impacts on the benthos due to the deposition of suspended sediments. The paper provides a summary of the efforts that have been made to develop environmental guidelines for the assessment of the possible environmental impacts for the exploration for polymetallic nodules in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Environmental issues during the exploration phase for polymetallic nodules
1999
6 Seiten, 5 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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