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Adaptive management of deep‐seabed mining projects: A systems approach
Author(s) -
Hyman Jayden,
Stewart Rodney A,
Sahin Oz
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
integrated environmental assessment and management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.665
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1551-3793
pISSN - 1551-3777
DOI - 10.1002/ieam.4395
Subject(s) - operationalization , adaptive management , seabed , key (lock) , process (computing) , environmental science , environmental resource management , computer science , risk analysis (engineering) , business , geology , oceanography , philosophy , computer security , epistemology , operating system
Increasing demand for metals used in clean energy technologies, including electric vehicles, has led to an increased demand in certain metals such as Ni, Co, and Mn. This demand has in turn led to an expanding interest in deep‐seabed mining (DSM) of polymetallic nodule deposits that contain these exact metals. The main concerns about DSM relate to the incomplete information available about the environmental risks associated with seabed mineral extraction. Key uncertainties need to be systematically addressed to refine environmental impact predictions and establish effective mitigation measures. Adaptive management is an iterative process for reducing the uncertainty that can be applied by both mining companies and regulatory bodies. This Special Series paper reviews the key opportunities and challenges to operationalizing adaptive management in DSM projects and highlights the need for a framework to move from theory to practice. The discussion proposes a systems approach to adaptive management, which could help to guide the environmental management of deep‐sea mineral extraction. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:674–681. © 2021 SETAC