Technology based impact assessment tool foR sustaInable, transparent Deep sEa miNing exploraTion and exploitation

The deep sea holds both sensitive ecosystems and mineral resources. Therefore, before any activity starts, we must be able to evaluate, mitigate and monitor its impact. The EU-funded TRIDENT project will develop a monitoring and inspection system for environmental impact assessment of deep-sea exploration and future exploitation activities. Complying with international and national regulations, this new system will integrate new technology and innovative solutions to operate autonomously in remote areas under extreme conditions, providing real-time data to the authorities. TRIDENT will identify and measure all relevant physical, chemical, geological and biological parameters at the sea surface, mid-water and on the ocean floor. Moreover, it will identify gaps in existing data sets and develop solutions to address them.