As a community, we discuss mining, management, and monitoring, as well as the regulations that shape them, in terms of governments, major corporations, and research institutions. The deep-sea mining community is small and the complexities of working at abyssal depths engenders collaboration, cooperation, and, in the case of exploitation, compromise. While there are many stakeholders […]
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At the close of the 24th Annual Session of the International Seabed Authority on 26th July 2018, the future of deep-sea mining appeared precarious. It was clear from discussions between attending national delegates, contractors, members of civil society and academics that the next six years will be crucial in determining the way forward for deep-sea […]
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Last month, ISA delegates met in Jamaica for the 2nd part of the 24th Session of the International Seabed Authority to discuss the ISA’s strategic plan for the next 4 years and review the draft exploitation regulations. Delegates also discussed recommendations from the Legal and Technical Commission as well as the Finance Committee. Earth Negotiations […]
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The last half year saw a slate of great studies highlighting the diversity, distribution, and resilience (or lack thereof) of the animals that live in polymetallic nodule fields. While there are many, many more, we have selected a cross-section of the more unusual and unexpected findings. Sponges Sponges, particularly glass sponges, may prove to be […]
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The last half year was a tough one for Nautilus Minerals. In December, their ship contractor defaulted on payments to the production support vessel and construction was halted following contract resolution. This was followed in July by notification that the shipbuilding contract had been cancelled. In May, they lost the support of Anglo American, who […]
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Dr. Diva Amon, a Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellow at the UK Natural History Museum, was presented with the Secretary-General’s Award for Excellence in Deep-sea Research at the 24th session of the Assembly of the Authority. Dr. Amon is a deep-sea biologist whose work stretches from the deep waters around Trinidad and Tobago to the Mariana Trench. […]
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One of the most tantalizing emerging trends from the last half year are new studies showing connections between ecosystems found on and surrounding hydrothermal vents and wider deep-sea communities. Much effort has been spent understanding how hydrothermal vent ecosystems are connected to each other but relatively few studies investigate how those communities are connected to […]
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Hello and welcome to the return of the DSM Observer! DSM Observer was launched in July 2017 to provide news, resources, and deep dives into the emerging deep-sea mining industry. As Editor-in-chief, Arlo Hemphill of I am Wilderness, LLC, created a monthly newsletter tackling the technology, business, science, environment, and policy issues surrounding deep-sea mining […]
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The 24th Session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) began Monday morning, March 5th with the opening of the Council. The Council will continue to meet 5-9 March, followed by the Legal & Technical Commission (LTC) from 12-23 March. Both meetings will review current ISA contracts and discuss the Draft Exploitation Regulations produced by the […]
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F ebruary 2018 was a gold star month for Nautilus Minerals, with significant advances made on seafloor production tool operations, vessel construction and both financial and organizational stability. The month’s progress renews confidence that the controversial Solwara 1 deep sea mining project in Papua New Guinea’s Bismarck Sea remains viable and on track for projected […]
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