Q. With reference to the offshore mining, consider the following statements:
1.Offshore mining refers to the drilling for oil and gas in deep-sea regions.
2.International Seabed Authority (ISA) regulates offshore mining beyond national jurisdiction.
3.It leads to the destruction of deep-sea ecosystems and marine biodiversity.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Quarterly-SFG-Jan-to-March
Red Book

[A] Only one

[B] Only two

[C] All three

[D] None

Answer: B
Notes:

Explanations –

Statement 1 is incorrect. Offshore mining pertains to the extraction of mineral resources from the seabed, such as polymetallic nodules, phosphorites, and marine placer deposits. Drilling for oil and gas in deep-sea regions is referred to as offshore drilling.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct. The ISA oversees mineral-related activities in international waters under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).  Offshore mining, particularly deep-sea mining, causes significant ecological damage, including habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, sediment plumes, and long-term impacts on marine ecosystems.

Source: The Hindu


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