Menu
23/07/2019
QUB Researchers Raise Alarm For Deep Sea Snail
Researchers at Queen's University in Belfast have discovered the first species at risk of extinction due to potential deep sea mining.
As scientists continue to lead the way at Queen's, the scaly-foot snail known as the sea pangolin was listed as endangered last week in the IUCN register which is recognised worldwide as the definitive conservation authority.
Dr Julia Sigwart, Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology and Associate Director at QUB's Marine Laboratory said: "The deep sea is home to thousands of species and new species are being discovered all the time.
"These deep sea marine animals like the scaly-foot snail are out of sight, out of mind, but they are still threatened by human activities."
The deep sea represents more than half the world's surface and contains more nickel, cobalt and rare earth metals than all land reserves combined. Mining corporations argue that deep-sea exploration could help diversify the supply of metals, including cobalt for electric car batteries. The demand for copper, aluminium, cobalt and other metals, to power technology and smartphones, is also soaring.
New technology is currently underway to start mining the seafloor, miles below the surface, targeting the same areas that are home to some of the world's rarest, strangest, and most vulnerable, animals.
Dr Sigwart continued: "It is crucial we are aware of the immediacy and potential impacts of deep-sea mining.
"This Red List designation for these species will enable appropriate international protection for the most vulnerable of creatures."
The research project involves international colleagues from Japan, Ireland, and the UK and was funded by the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund.
(JG/MH)
As scientists continue to lead the way at Queen's, the scaly-foot snail known as the sea pangolin was listed as endangered last week in the IUCN register which is recognised worldwide as the definitive conservation authority.
Dr Julia Sigwart, Senior Lecturer in Marine Biology and Associate Director at QUB's Marine Laboratory said: "The deep sea is home to thousands of species and new species are being discovered all the time.
"These deep sea marine animals like the scaly-foot snail are out of sight, out of mind, but they are still threatened by human activities."
The deep sea represents more than half the world's surface and contains more nickel, cobalt and rare earth metals than all land reserves combined. Mining corporations argue that deep-sea exploration could help diversify the supply of metals, including cobalt for electric car batteries. The demand for copper, aluminium, cobalt and other metals, to power technology and smartphones, is also soaring.
New technology is currently underway to start mining the seafloor, miles below the surface, targeting the same areas that are home to some of the world's rarest, strangest, and most vulnerable, animals.
Dr Sigwart continued: "It is crucial we are aware of the immediacy and potential impacts of deep-sea mining.
"This Red List designation for these species will enable appropriate international protection for the most vulnerable of creatures."
The research project involves international colleagues from Japan, Ireland, and the UK and was funded by the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund.
(JG/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 July 2007
Missing Diver's Body Found Off Horn Head
The body off a British police constable who went missing following a dive at Horn Head off the County Donegal coast on Sunday afternoon has been recovered. Paul Jackson, 49, was a constable with Humberside Police and had been on holiday in Donegal with friends.
Missing Diver's Body Found Off Horn Head
The body off a British police constable who went missing following a dive at Horn Head off the County Donegal coast on Sunday afternoon has been recovered. Paul Jackson, 49, was a constable with Humberside Police and had been on holiday in Donegal with friends.
01 October 2012
Invasive Species Found In Lough
Concern has been raised over the discovery of an invasive species of sea squirt in Strangford Lough. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed a colonial sea squirt found in a recent survey of marinas and harbours is the invasive non-native species Didemnum vexillum.
Invasive Species Found In Lough
Concern has been raised over the discovery of an invasive species of sea squirt in Strangford Lough. The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) has confirmed a colonial sea squirt found in a recent survey of marinas and harbours is the invasive non-native species Didemnum vexillum.
10 April 2006
Governments launch project to repel invaders
Government conservation experts have unveiled plans to repel invasive species of animals and plants from Ireland.
Governments launch project to repel invaders
Government conservation experts have unveiled plans to repel invasive species of animals and plants from Ireland.
14 January 2005
Campaign aims to raise wetlands awareness
The Environment & Heritage Service (EHS) today announced a two-week awareness campaign to promote both Northern Ireland’s wetlands and World Wetlands Day. The DOE’s EHS and a coalition of eight environmental organisations, called the Freshwater Taskforce, are encouraging everyone to take part in the annual World Wetlands Day on 2 February.
Campaign aims to raise wetlands awareness
The Environment & Heritage Service (EHS) today announced a two-week awareness campaign to promote both Northern Ireland’s wetlands and World Wetlands Day. The DOE’s EHS and a coalition of eight environmental organisations, called the Freshwater Taskforce, are encouraging everyone to take part in the annual World Wetlands Day on 2 February.
24 May 2012
Students Lobby Stormont To Protect Sea Life
Students from across Northern Ireland stood up for Northern Ireland's "spectacular" sea life at Stormont today. They gave evidence to the Assembly's Environment Committee as part of a public consultation on the proposed Marine Bill.
Students Lobby Stormont To Protect Sea Life
Students from across Northern Ireland stood up for Northern Ireland's "spectacular" sea life at Stormont today. They gave evidence to the Assembly's Environment Committee as part of a public consultation on the proposed Marine Bill.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
