In:
Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, Wiley, Vol. 18, No. 3 ( 2022-05), p. 682-696
Abstract:
Adverse effects on benthic communities as expected from deep‐seabed polymetallic nodule mining call for the application of the mitigation hierarchy—including restoration measures once feasibility and positive effects have been proven. We initiated long‐term restoration experiments at sites in polymetallic nodule exploration contract areas in the Clarion‐Clipperton Zone that were (i) cleared of nodules by a preprototype mining vehicle, (ii) disturbed by dredge or sledge, (iii) undisturbed, and (iv) naturally devoid of nodules. We deployed 〉 2000 artificial ceramic nodules to study the possible effect of substrate provision on recovery of biota and its impact on sediment biogeochemistry, and loosened sediment with a metal rake to test the feasibility of sediment decompaction to facilitate soft‐sediment recovery. Due to expected slow recovery rates and the need for detailed characterization of baseline conditions, we expect to gain conclusive knowledge on long‐term adverse effects of nodule removal and on the effectiveness of restoration measures in the next 30 years.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1551-3777
,
1551-3793
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2231760-0
SSG:
21
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