Ecosystem-based ESIA approaches in deep-sea mining

Summary

A new paradigm in Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is required for permitting of deep-sea mining. The lack of precedent, vocal opposition, scientific uncertainty and untested legislation are some of the factors that dictate the need for novel approaches. The uncertainty dimension has placed a focus on marine scientific research elements of ESIA. While fundamental research is required, this focus creates the potential for atomised research topics and within the timelines of a mining proposal, potentially leads to a body of research that is difficult to integrate into an ESIA. Ecosystem-based approaches are needed by contractors and regulatory agencies as a framework for assessment that connects ESIA studies to indicators of serious harm and connects baseline studies with monitoring requirements. Ecosystem-based approaches are required to give contractors confidence that environmental studies are nested within an integrated ESIA structure and that study findings inform options in mine planning and link to monitoring and adaptive management scenarios. For regulators and other stakeholders, ecosystem-based approaches are required to ensure that environmental and societal values are addressed, that static environmental study ‘completeness’ tests do not override information requirements, and that data from individual projects can evolve into knowledge at the regional scale. We present practical examples of ecosystem-based approaches to deep-sea mining that provide a socio-ecological framework for ESIA and a tool for decision-making support and best practice.