THE GEOLOGY OF SEA-FLOOR MASSIVE SULPHIDES
28
Human activities invariably have some impact on any ecosystem, and activities in the deep sea are
no exception. Sea-floor ecosystems are increasingly affected by such human activities as bottom
fishing, oil drilling, and waste disposal (Polunin
et al
. 2008; Smith
et al
. 2008). With the emerging
industry of deep sea mineral extraction, there is need for appropriate and responsible manage-
ment strategies, with an aim to maintain overall biodiversity and ecosystem health and function.
In this section, we describe the likely environmental effects of SMS extraction, with a particular em-
phasis on the specific characteristics of biological communities associated with sea-floor massive
sulphide habitats. Management options are discussed, and options are recommended to balance
the impacts of extraction with conservation of the wider environment and faunal communities.
