Greenpeace has reported finding significant marine biodiversity in an area of the Arctic slated for deep-sea mining, intensifying concerns over the potential impact on ocean wildlife. The environmental campaigners, who are currently conducting a survey of whales and dolphins on an Arctic expedition, have observed several vulnerable species in the proposed mining zones.
The survey, which began at the end of July, has identified deep-diving species such as sperm whales and dolphins in close proximity to a seamount within the mining area. These findings come as Norway advances its plans to open its waters to deep-sea mining exploration.
Deep-sea mining, which involves extracting metals and minerals from the ocean floor, has not yet commenced full-scale commercial operations. However, environmentalists and scientists have raised alarms about the potential for widespread pollution, underwater noise, and irreversible damage to ecosystems that serve as crucial carbon sinks.
In one of the proposed mining areas near Jan Mayen, Greenpeace’s survey detected what appeared to be four groups of sperm whales, a species classified as “vulnerable” due to its deep-diving nature, capable of plunging to depths of at least 2,000 meters. The expedition also recorded sightings of additional sperm whales, orcas (killer whales), various dolphin species, minke whales, and a fin whale, which is the second-largest animal on Earth and also holds a “vulnerable” status.
The researchers noted that numerous sperm whales were observed within the mining zone, particularly around Mohns Ridge, while white-beaked dolphins, a minke whale, and a sperm whale were seen near the Louise Boyd Seamount.
Kirsten Young, the lead scientist on the expedition, remarked, “These findings are remarkable. We anticipated detecting acoustic signals near the steep ocean shelf, but the scale of these observations is unprecedented. The presence of sperm whales foraging in the area underscores its importance to their habitat in the North Atlantic.”
The Greenpeace team also passed through regions where manganese crusts—underwater rock formations of interest to some mining companies—are located on the Norwegian continental shelf. Haldis Tjeldflaat Helle, a Greenpeace campaigner aboard the expedition, criticized Norway’s approach, stating, “These untouched natural areas are rich in wildlife and host species new to science. Norway’s push for deep-sea mining represents a reckless disregard for scientific understanding and environmental protection amidst ongoing ocean and climate crises.”
In June, the Norwegian government initiated a public consultation on its first round of seabed mineral extraction permits, covering 386 blocks—an area twice the size of Denmark. The Greenpeace expedition will continue to survey the mining area, traveling from Jan Mayen Island through international waters to Svalbard, with the journey expected to conclude in mid-August after nearly 20 days at sea.
