Key points
- Archaeologist Dr. Matthew Piscitelli of SEARCH outlines tangible cultural heritage (shipwrecks, downed aircraft, whale remains, shark teeth) and intangible cultural heritage (indigenous beliefs and practices) as factors in deep sea mining projects.
- He cites a study identifying more than 150,000 known shipwrecks worldwide, noting only about 1.6% lie at depths relevant to deep sea mining, and points to International Seabed Authority regulation 35, which governs reporting of underwater cultural heritage discoveries.
- During Q&A, participants from American Samoa and Native Hawaiian community members raise opposition to deep sea mining and describe ancestral and genealogical ties to the deep ocean, including the Kumulipo creation narrative.
- Impossible Metals says it has tested its vehicle to about 2,000 meters in the Atlantic Ocean, describes its technology as at TRL level six, and plans a full mining test next year with a German contractor and at least 30 scientists documenting results.
