14 Jul 2023

Seafood organisations calls for pause on deep sea mining

From , 6:02 am on 14 July 2023
Abstract abyss under sea background. coral reef underwater with sun ray. 3D rendering image.

Abstract abyss under sea background. coral reef underwater with sun ray. 3D rendering image. Photo: Copyright: isampuntarat

A new study shows tropical fishing grounds and potential deep-sea mining locations could overlap as tuna species migrate due to climate change. 

The study, published in Nature NPJ Ocean Sustainability, says the total biomass for bigeye, skipjack and yellowfish tuna in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone is predicted to increase between 10 to 31 per cent by mid-century.

Potential deep-sea mining could also take place there.

Seafood organisations are now calling for a pause on deep-sea mining - including the Global Tuna Alliance, whose industry partners account for roughly a third of the global tuna trade. 

The lead author of the study, Diva Amon speaks with RNZ Pacific's Caleb Fotheringham.