Sharks: From Gentle Giants to Ghostly Hunters Facing Threats

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In a pivotal revelation for marine conservation, a groundbreaking study conducted by oceanographers at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa has unveiled alarming insights into the potential threats faced by a diverse array of chondrichthyans—sharks, rays, and chimaeras—due to the looming spectre of deep-sea mining. Published in the esteemed journal Current Biology, this study highlights that the habitats of thirty different species within these groups coincide with regions earmarked for deep-sea mining operations. Disturbingly, nearly two-thirds of these species are already classified as at risk of extinction, primarily due to human activities.

Deep-sea mining, an industry that disrupts the delicate seafloor ecosystems and generates massive clouds of sediment, poses a significant threat to these vulnerable marine species. As Aaron Judah, the study’s lead author and an oceanography graduate student at the UH Mānoa School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), succinctly states, “Deep-sea mining is a new potential threat to this group of animals which are both vital in the ocean ecosystem and to human culture and identity.” His hope, through this research, is to raise awareness about this pressing issue and to advocate for conservation strategies that can safeguard these essential marine populations for future generations.

Mapping Shark Hotspots and Mining Zones

The research team undertook a comprehensive analysis to gauge the extent of the risks posed by deep-sea mining. By juxtaposing maps of species ranges—courtesy of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Shark Specialist Group—with the mining contract areas designated by the International Seabed Authority, they were able to assess the potential impact of mining activities on these marine creatures. The study also delved into the reproductive habits and habitat depths of each species to ascertain their vulnerability to mining operations.

For instance, species such as skates and chimaeras lay their eggs directly on the seafloor, making them particularly susceptible to destruction from mining machinery. The assessment covered both prominent species like whale sharks and manta rays, as well as lesser-known deep-sea inhabitants, including the pygmy shark, chocolate skate, and the elusive point-nosed chimaera. Notably, chimaeras—often referred to as ghost sharks due to their pale, ethereal appearance—belong to a unique group of cartilaginous fishes closely related to sharks and rays.

The researchers concluded that thirty species could be adversely affected by sediment plumes generated by mining activities. Alarmingly, twenty-five of these species are at risk of direct habitat disruption due to the physical presence of mining machinery on the seabed. Many of these marine creatures inhabit a wide range of ocean depths or are known for their deep diving behaviour, indicating that mining could interfere with more than half of their natural depth ranges in at least seventeen instances.

Assessing Impacts to Protect Ocean Life

Deep-sea mining is poised to occur in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a vast abyssal plain that stretches from the waters surrounding Hawai’i into the eastern Pacific Ocean. In light of this impending activity, it is crucial to understand the potential effects on marine life and the communities that rely on these ecosystems for their livelihood.

Jeff Drazen, a senior author of the study and a professor of Oceanography at SOEST, emphasises the vulnerability of sharks and their relatives, noting that they constitute the second most threatened vertebrate group globally, primarily due to overfishing. “Because of their vulnerability, they should be considered in ongoing discussions of the environmental risks from deep-sea mining, and those responsible for monitoring their health should be aware that mining could pose an additional risk,” Drazen asserts.

Recommendations for Shark Conservation

In response to the findings, the authors of the study have put forth several recommendations aimed at bolstering the conservation of these species within mining zones. These include the establishment of robust monitoring programmes, the inclusion of shark and ray species in environmental impact assessments, and the creation of designated protected areas. Such measures could be integrated into the regulations set forth by the International Seabed Authority concerning environmental impact assessments, or adopted by contractors executing scientific baseline assessments in the area.

“Many of the shark species identified in the analysis are highly mobile and can traverse vast expanses of ocean,” Judah explains. “Given their mobility and the proximity of Hawai’i to the areas allocated for mining, impacts in these regions may extend indirectly to ecosystems near the island chain.”

As part of ongoing research efforts, Judah continues to investigate and document range extensions for species not initially included in this assessment, which may further expand the list of animals at risk from the impacts of mining.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The findings from this study serve as a clarion call for immediate action in the face of an emerging threat to deep-sea life. As champions of the Net Zero movement, it is imperative that we advocate for sustainable practices that protect our oceans and the myriad of species that inhabit them. The potential consequences of deep-sea mining extend beyond the immediate ecological impact; they threaten the very fabric of marine biodiversity that has evolved over millions of years.

We must engage in dialogues that prioritise conservation and responsible resource management, ensuring that the health of our oceans is preserved for future generations. The fight against climate change and the push for a sustainable future must encompass all ecosystems, including the deep-sea habitats that are currently under siege. Let us rally together to support conservation initiatives and policies that protect our oceans and their invaluable inhabitants.

As we navigate the complexities of marine conservation, let us remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to safeguard these incredible species from the destructive impacts of human activities. The future of our oceans—and the remarkable creatures that call them home—depends on our collective commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable world.