Deep-sea expedition may have discovered over 100 new species in the Pacific

A recent deep-sea expedition off the coasts of Chile and Peru is revealing the secrets of a vast underwater mountain system — and could help make the case for future ocean protections there.

March 4, 2024

‘Disaster’ deferred: Deep-sea mining talks postponed

After intense negotiations, discussions on commercial deep-sea mining have been postponed — at least for now. Environmentalists view the decision as a hopeful step toward protecting fragile marine ecosystems.

August 1, 2023

Why a new treaty to protect the high seas is a ‘game-changer’

Roughly two-thirds of the world’s oceans lie beyond national boundaries in an area known as the “high seas” — yet only about 1 percent of that largely unexplored expanse has been protected. Now, nearly 200 countries have agreed on the first-ever United Nations treaty to protect the high seas.

March 10, 2023

News spotlight: Sea creatures could harbor the next generation of medications, but are they at risk?

In case you missed it: Scientists are sourcing new, lifesaving medications from the sea. But deep-sea mining explorations could risk critical marine ecosystems before their potential is understood.

September 12, 2022

Newly discovered coral species face uncertainty in Pacific’s depths

A team of researchers recently discovered three new species of black coral in the depths of the North Pacific — but deep-sea mining could threaten them.

October 29, 2020

In high seas, scientists see a lifeline for coral reefs

Coral reefs on the high seas could offer a lifeline for the world's dying reefs, a new study finds.

September 14, 2020