Zoning scheme#
Sector: Marine non-living resources - Deep-sea Mining
Classification: MSP - Management process
Description#
A zoning scheme should be developed before any exploitation activities, for example, a core zone of full protection to maintain the sustainability of biological populations; a buffer zone of sufficient size to protect the core zone from indirect effects. For example: In the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (Pacific Ocean) the following measures were taken: i) Establish MPAs at least two years prior to prototype mining; ii) identified ‘Areas of Particular Environmental Interest’, surrounded by a buffer zone extending 100 km in each direction.
Pegorelli et al. (2024). Guideline for the strategic and spatial measures for the nature inclusive operation of blue economy sectors – ESE 3 (Deliverable – D4.2., under the WP4 of MSP4BIO project (GA n° 101060707)).
External sources#
ISA - Northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge Seabed Authority environmental management plan: https://www.isa.org.jm/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2212833E.pdf