SHASHWAT GUPTA RAY
shashwat@herald-goa.com
VASCO: At a time when there is a raging debate on regarding how to maintain a balance between economic growth and environment conservation, a scientist from Goa's National Centre for Ocean and Polar Research (NCPOR), Rengaiyan Periasamy has discovered 12 new species in the mid-ocean ridge areas of the central and southwest Indian Ocean which are mineral hotspots and would help in avoiding explorations in such ecological hotspots.
Periasamy’s research has been recognised by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), a United Nations Organisation (UN) body.
It governs all mineral-resources-related activities in the international waters to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects that may arise from deep-seabed-related activities.
It has awarded him the ISA Secretary-General Award for Research Excellence. This recognition highlights his contribution to advancing scientific knowledge of deep-sea environments, essential for the governance of international waters and the sustainable exploitation of seabed minerals.
“The findings of Dr Periasamy, including four corals, four sponges, and two lobster species, enhance India's leadership in the Blue Economy, particularly in the sustainable management of deep-sea mining prospects. As India seeks to harness the economic potential of its oceans, particularly under the Deep Ocean Mission, Dr Periasamy's discoveries will inform policies aimed at maintaining a balance between exploiting mineral resources and preserving the unique marine ecosystems that underpin the long-term sustainability of the Blue Economy,” the ISA stated in its citation.
Reacting to this recognition, the NCPOR scientist said, “Yes. I have discovered 12 new marine species from the Central and Southwest Indian Ocean Ridge system, specifically in potential mineral hotspots. The discoveries of these new species shed light on the undiscovered biodiversity of mid-ocean ridges and thus play a critical role in decision-making with regard to planning any future mineral extraction activities. This approach emphasises the need for sustainable practices that balance resource extraction with the preservation of unique and fragile marine ecosystems.”
When asked about the implications of this discovery, Periasamy, Project Scientist II, Marine Environmental Studies Section, NCPOR said, “One of the key aspects of the regulations on (future) seabed mining is the emphasis on collecting as much environmental baseline information as possible in the exploration areas. The ISA, which regulates all exploration in international waters, has clearly outlined the environmental parameters which need to be monitored continuously in mineral exploration areas – which includes water quality parameters, sediment characteristics and biodiversity (both in the seafloor and water column).”
“Thus far, my research has led to the description of four corals, four sponges, and two lobster species from the exploration area along the Indian Ocean ridge system. These long-term background datasets will act as baselines against which any environmental disturbances can be assessed in the event of future seabed mining. Moreover, the baseline environmental data will also aid in technological development to have a minimal disturbance to the deep-sea environment,” Periasamy said.
The discovery of 12 new species in the mid-ocean ridge areas also improves the knowledge about the deep-sea biodiversity.
“It contributes significantly to the baseline environmental data along a poorly studied part of the ocean floor, which is earmarked for exploration of seabed mineral resources (specifically hydrothermally derived polymetallic sulphide deposits rich in battery metals such as nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese). Apart from the rich and unique communities of hydrothermal vents, mid-ocean ridges harbor diverse seafloor communities, particularly rich in sessile fauna like corals and sponges,” said John Kurian, Group Director, Marine Geosciences and Exploration Group, NCPOR.