Aims of the SMARTEX project

The project aimed to better understand the ecosystem in the Pacific abyss and how the different components interact and interconnect.

We started by assessing the water and its dynamic flows over time and space. This complex physical environment was monitored for a year to capture its variabilities, particularly “storm events” near the seabed. We then assessed the linkages between the water, sediment surface and sub sediments, evaluating the natural cycling of nutrients and metals that is important to maintain ecosystem health. The impacts of mining and recovery of these processes was assessed.

The structure of the seabed, its shape and the physical nature of the sediments were mapped and linked to biological patterns. The biological processes that lead to these patterns have been assessed by detailing the life histories and reproduction of the organisms present and their connectivity between areas near and far, and then determining their role in maintaining structured communities of life, a high biodiversity and a functioning food web.

We then evaluated the functions in the ecosystem that these organisms provide, which help maintain a healthy ecosystem. The impact of mining and recovery of all these patterns and processes was determined to assess the biological and functional consequences of disturbance in the deep sea.

These changes are complex, so a range of mathematical models was used to better understand and predict the consequences of mining activities at larger time and space scales. Such predictive power, along with the evidence from the scientific assessment, has provided information that is critical for understanding and reducing the environmental risk of potential mining activities.

Data is being made freely available to all stakeholders in accordance with UKRI policy.

Funding for the SMARTEX project was provided by the UK’s Natural Environment Research Council