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New research has found that the number of sea floor animals in a deep-sea mining exploration zone has fallen by 37 per cent.
The five-year study focused on the possible consequences of the emerging industry. It is believed to be the most extensive yet.
The modern commercial deep-sea mining industry uses machines to dig up previously untouched seabeds. It looks for nickel, cobalt and copper.
These materials are used in everything from rechargeable batteries to military technology.
The oceans are already threatened by pollution and overfishing. Deep-sea habitats also play a crucial role in the climate system.
The research team was made up of scientists from the United Kingdom and Sweden. They took data on wildlife in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), located between the US state of Hawaii and Mexico.
This area of the Pacific Ocean has been targeted for mining.
