Pacific Deep-Sea Mining: New Species Found, 32% Biodiversity Loss

• Scientists spent 160 days at 4,000 meters depth in the Pacific Ocean to study deep-sea mining impacts.
• An international study in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone discovered over 4,350 animals, with 788 identified species, many new to science.
• Deep-sea mining caused a 37% reduction in animal numbers and a 32% decline in species diversity in affected paths.
• The research assessed the environmental impact of extracting critical minerals from the seafloor for green energy.
• The study emphasizes the need to estimate biodiversity loss risk from mining and examine life in protected areas.

Why It Matters: Deep-sea mining for green energy minerals harms ocean biodiversity.