Whales and dolphins could be under threat if new deep-sea mining begins later this year, warns a new study.

The sounds expected to be produced by underwater mining operations are likely to overlap with the frequencies at which whales and other cetaceans communicate, say scientists.

Commercial-scale deep seabed mining in international waters is likely to be permitted for the first time later this year.

Scientists from the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories warn that deep seabed mining could be a ‘significant risk to ocean ecosystems’, with ‘long lasting and irreversible’ effects.

Their study, published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, focuses on cetaceans — mammals such as whales, dolphins and porpoises — and says urgent research is needed to assess potential impacts.

Noise pollution in the ocean is already a problem for cetaceans and introducing deep seabed mining that is expected to operate 24/7 would inevitably add to existing noise.

‘Like many animals, cetaceans are already facing multiple stressors including climate change. Very little research has examined the impact that deep-sea minerals extraction would have on cetaceans,’ said Dr Kirsten Thompson, of the University of Exeter.

‘Cetaceans are highly sensitive to sound, so noise from mining is a particular concern. We searched for data on how much noise such mining would cause, but no published assessment is available,’

Despite this lack of information, it appears industrial-scale mining could soon begin in one of the planet’s few remaining undisturbed environments.

The Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Pacific Ocean, which is home to more than 20 cetacean species, including dolphins and sperm whales, is of particular interest to mining firms.

Mining companies are also looking to target seabed mineral resources in areas around seamounts and deep sea hydrothermal vents.

‘Seamounts are now known as important offshore habitats for some cetacean populations that forage or regroup around them but we still lack basic knowledge of these fragile ecosystems,’ said Dr Solène Derville, of Oregon State University in the US.

‘In this context, it is very hard to assess the magnitude of the impacts of seamount seabed mining on the animals that live and feed around these structures.’

No commercial-scale seabed mining has taken place yet outside the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of coastal nations, although 31 exploration permits have been granted for areas beyond national jurisdiction by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), a United Nations body.

However, in June 2021, the Pacific island of Nauru triggered the so-called ‘two-year rule’ and told the ISA that it plans to mine the deep sea.

Work could begin in June this year with whatever regulations the ISA has formulated by that time.

Nauru is working with a Canadian firm, The Metals Company, which has already begun testing mining equipment in the Pacific.

‘We don’t know how this will affect cetaceans or the vast range of other marine species. What we do know is that it will be difficult to stop seabed mining once it has started,’ said Dr Thompson.

‘Given the imminent threat that the two-year rule presents to ocean conservation, we suggest there is no time to waste,’

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