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A new scientific study warns that current protections for deep-sea hydrothermal vents are not enough to safeguard these fragile ecosystems from future deep-seabed mining. Researchers argue that protection should extend beyond visible vent sites to include the seafloor, subseafloor, and surrounding water column. They recommend a no-mining buffer zone with a 50 km diameter around all active vents, plus pollution-free protection across an 80 km corridor along ocean ridges to safeguard larvae and ecosystem connectivity. The study highlights that international law can support stronger global protection of these unique deep-sea habitats.

Gollner, S., Jaeckel, A., Robb, S. et al. Three-dimensional management needs of deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems, Marine Policy, Volume 185, 2026, 106959, ISSN 0308-597X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2025.106959