Programme

Main aim of the workshop will be to identify and review the possible impacts of SMS mining plumes (be it sediment or dewatering plumes) on the different ecosystem components (benthic to pelagic). This is a MIDAS supported workshop.

While it remains uncertain how the exploitation of SMS deposits will take place, it is likely that it will result in removing all benthic organisms living on the substratum, as well as creating high turbidity and potentially toxic sediment and dewatering plumes. These plumes will be either discharged close to the vessel, in the water column or near the seafloor and will thus impact benthic and pelagic communities.

The first day will be dedicated to presentations of relevance to the subject of mining plumes and impacts (please find more information on abstract submission here).

Second day of the workshop will be divided into 2 break-out sessions to discuss:

(i) Plume characteristics

We aim to review the current knowledge on the spatio-temporal geochemical and physical characteristics of natural plumes. Main objective is to then use this knowledge to predict the composition and dispersal of the different mining plumes, and to assess in which ways they differ from the natural counterparts (composition and spatio-temporal behaviour). Both sediment plumes and dewatering plumes will be taken into account.

(ii) Plume impacts on biota

The workshop aims to address the potential impacts these plumes may have on the whole marine ecosystem function, goods and services. The assessment of the potential impacts should include both the benthic and pelagic compartments of the ecosystem thus addressing ecosystem components that, to date, have received less attention. Monitoring strategies and mitigation strategies should be part of the discussion.

On the third day, the break-out sessions will report on what happened during day two followed by a general discussion.

A more detailed programme will be based on abstract submissions (for more information click here).

Registration costs will be 150€ (for lunches and coffee breaks and a workshop dinner).