An assortment of deep-sea specimens from the collection of the Natural History Museum London. Photo credit: Trustees of the Natural History Museum London.
In the vast Pacific Ocean, lies the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), an expanse twice the size of India, abundant in minerals, and now allocated to various companies for future deep-sea mining operations. To comprehend the potential risks associated with mining activities, a group of biologists has compiled the first-ever “CCZ checklist.” This comprehensive checklist comprises species records gathered from previous research expeditions to this area.
Their study, recently published in the journal Current Biology, unveiled a staggering count of 5,578 distinct species within the CCZ. Astonishingly, they estimate that approximately 88% to 92% of these species are entirely unknown to science.
Muriel Rabone, a deep-sea ecologist at the Natural History Museum London, UK, emphasized, “We inhabit this planet alongside incredible biodiversity, and it is our responsibility to comprehend and safeguard it.”
Stretching across six million square kilometers from Hawaii to Mexico, the CCZ represents one of the most pristine wilderness regions in the world’s oceans. Researchers embark on research cruises across the Pacific Ocean, employing diverse sampling techniques that range from sophisticated remote-controlled vehicles exploring the ocean floor to simple yet robust boxes that descend to the seabed, known as “box core sampling.”
Rabone shared her experiences, saying, “Out in the middle of the ocean, the boat feels tiny. You can witness storms brewing, and it’s quite dramatic. And it was truly amazing—every single box core sample revealed new species.”
Through meticulous examination of over 100,000 records of creatures discovered in the CCZ during these deep-sea expeditions, Rabone and her co-authors discovered that only six of the newfound species in the CCZ, including a sea cucumber, a nematode, and a carnivorous sponge, have been previously observed in other regions. They also observed that the most prevalent types of organisms in the CCZ are arthropods (jointed invertebrates), worms, echinoderms (spiny invertebrates such as sea urchins), and sponges.
Rabone expressed her awe at the CCZ samples, stating, “The underwater realm harbors remarkable species. Some sponges resemble traditional bath sponges, while others resemble vases. They are truly beautiful. One of my favorites is the glass sponges—they possess tiny spines that, under a microscope, resemble miniature chandeliers or sculptures.”
Looking ahead, the research team emphasizes the significance of enhancing collaborative, interdisciplinary research endeavors in the CCZ to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s biodiversity. They underscore the importance of studying the newly discovered species and their connections to the surrounding environment. Furthermore, they urge researchers to delve into the biogeography of the area, aiming to comprehend why specific species cluster in particular geological regions.
“With the impending mining activities and the abundance of astonishing species in the CCZ, it is crucial that we acquire more knowledge about these understudied habitats,” stressed Rabone.
Reference: “How many metazoan species live in the world’s largest mineral exploration region?” by Muriel Rabone, Joris H. Wiethase, Erik Simon-Lledó, Aidan M. Emery, Dan O.B. Jones, Thomas G. Dahlgren, Guadalupe Bribiesca-Contreras, Helena Wiklund, Tammy Horton, and Adrian G. Glover, 25 May 2023, Current Biology. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.052
The study received funding from The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about deep-sea mining
What is the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) and why is it significant?
The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) is a vast area in the Pacific Ocean, twice the size of India, known for its abundance of minerals. It is significant because it has been allocated to various companies for deep-sea mining operations, making it an area of interest for scientific study and environmental concerns.
How many new species were discovered in the CCZ?
A total of 5,578 unique species were identified within the CCZ. Remarkably, between 88% and 92% of these species are estimated to be completely new to science.
What are the most common types of organisms found in the CCZ?
The most common types of organisms found in the CCZ are arthropods (invertebrates with segmented joints), worms, echinoderms (spiny invertebrates like sea urchins), and sponges.
What sampling techniques were used to study the CCZ?
Researchers utilized various sampling techniques during their expeditions to the CCZ, ranging from remote-controlled vehicles exploring the ocean floor to box core sampling, where sturdy boxes are sent to the seabed to collect samples.
Why are these newly discovered species at risk?
The newly discovered species in the CCZ are at risk due to the impending deep-sea mining operations. Mining activities pose a threat to their habitats and can lead to the loss of these unique and understudied organisms.
What is the call to action from the researchers?
The researchers emphasize the importance of increasing collaborative and multidisciplinary research efforts in the CCZ. They urge further study of the newly discovered species and their connections to the surrounding environment. Additionally, they stress the need to understand the biogeography of the region to better protect its biodiversity.
More about deep-sea mining
- “Scientists Discover Five Thousand New Species in the Pacific Ocean – But They Are at Risk” – [Link](insert link here)
- “Current Biology: How many metazoan species live in the world’s largest mineral exploration region?” – [Link](insert link here)
- The Pew Charitable Trusts – [Link](insert link here)
