The ocean floor holds a treasure trove of mineral resources. From sulfides near hydrothermal vents to manganese nodules on abyssal plains, these deposits offer valuable metals like copper, zinc, and cobalt. Extraction methods vary, with some well-established and others still in development.

Marine resource development isn't without challenges. Environmental impacts range from disrupting marine life to potential oil spills. However, the ocean also offers renewable energy potential through offshore wind, wave, and tidal power. Balancing economic benefits with conservation efforts remains a key consideration in marine resource exploitation.

Marine Mineral Resources

Types of marine mineral resources

• Seafloor massive sulfides form near hydrothermal vents extracted using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) contain valuable metals (copper, zinc, gold)
• Manganese nodules located on abyssal plains harvested using specialized deep-sea mining equipment rich in manganese, nickel, copper, and cobalt
• Cobalt-rich crusts formed on seamounts and ridges extraction methods still in development valuable source of cobalt, nickel, and platinum
• Placer deposits concentrated by wave and current action extracted through dredging or suction mining techniques contain minerals like gold, diamonds, and heavy metals
• Phosphorites found on continental shelves extracted through dredging or drilling used in fertilizer production
• Salt deposits obtained through solar evaporation of seawater essential for food preservation and chemical industry
• Sand and gravel extracted from coastal areas and continental shelves through dredging or suction mining used in construction and beach nourishment

Environmental and Economic Considerations

Environmental impacts of offshore extraction

• Seismic surveys disrupt marine mammal communication and navigation affecting migration patterns and feeding behaviors
• Drilling operations release drilling muds and cuttings causing habitat destruction on the seafloor smothering benthic communities
• Oil spills have immediate and long-term effects on marine ecosystems impacting coastal communities and economies (Deepwater Horizon)
• Produced water discharge potentially contaminates surrounding waters with hydrocarbons and heavy metals
• Greenhouse gas emissions from offshore operations contribute to climate change exacerbating ocean acidification
• Decommissioning of platforms poses challenges in proper removal and disposal potentially leaving lasting environmental impacts

Potential of renewable marine energy

• Offshore wind power offers large-scale energy production but faces challenges like visual impact, bird collisions, and underwater noise
• Wave energy provides consistent and predictable power source but struggles with device durability and impacts on coastal processes
• Tidal power generates highly predictable energy but limited by suitable locations and potential impacts on marine life (fish migration)
• Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) utilizes temperature differences between surface and deep waters but faces high initial costs and potential impacts on ocean circulation
• Salinity gradient power harnesses energy from mixing fresh and saltwater but challenges include membrane technology development and environmental impacts

Factors in marine resource development

• Global demand for minerals and energy increases pressure to exploit marine resources driving exploration in deeper waters
• Technological advancements enable access to previously unreachable resources (deep-sea mining equipment, improved drilling techniques)
• International maritime laws like United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) regulate resource exploitation
• Geopolitical tensions arise from disputes over resource-rich areas (Arctic, South China Sea) leading to competing claims
• Environmental regulations aim to balance economic development with conservation efforts impacting extraction methods and locations
• Investment and risk considerations include high costs of marine resource extraction and uncertain returns due to market fluctuations
• Sustainable development goals pressure alignment of resource exploitation with environmental protection influencing industry practices
• Energy security drives nations to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources encouraging domestic offshore exploration
• Economic diversification efforts lead coastal nations to expand marine-based economies including aquaculture and marine biotechnology