Greenpeace voices concerns over Pacific deep-sea mining

AustralianNetworkNews: Greenpeace voices concerns over Pacific deep-sea mining

Environmental lobby group Greenpeace has raised concerns that deep-seabed mining in the Pacific ocean may cause irreparable damage to the region's marine ecosystems.

Exploratory licences have been granted for waters off Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Solomon Islands.

Seni Nabou, from Greenpeace Australia-Pacific, has told Pacific Beat the region needs to be prudent in the way marine resources are used.

"The Pacific ocean is considered - in terms of fisheries - not 100 percent pristine, but still healthy," she said.

"And where Greenpeace is concerned, we'd like to see it stay that way, especially for generations to come.

"Obviously, there's been alot more interest now, in terms of the deep sea minerals. We've had presentations from the [mining concern] Nautilus, they've shown their interest in terms of exploratory licences in the Pacific.

"They've already started work in Papua New Guinea, they've been granted a mining licence. I believe Fiji, Tonga, Samoa are next in line, in terms of exploration. And also other companies, like a Korean company."

"There appears to be a lot of interest now. This means we have to be extra prudent and extra vigilant in how we view our resources and its management."