Focus of the Call
The call was launched as a follow-up to the MiningImpact project conducted under the framework of JPI Oceans. It invited cruise proposals for the RV SONNE expedition to the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCZ) in the subequatorial eastern Pacific during early 2019. To facilitate the formation of international research consortia, a virtual brokerage space was established. Projects were expected to commence on 1 July 2018, and each joint project application was required to include researchers from at least three participating funding partner countries.
Project proposals were expected to address the topics outlined in the call text:
- the fate and impact of the particle plume generated during mining operations,
- the definition of appropriate indicators of ecosystem health and threshold values for “harmful effects” on the environment as well as
- measures to mitigate significant adverse effects,
- an assessment of associated environmental risks, and
- implementation of scientific knowledge and respective uncertainties into improved legislation, including analyses that address the science-policy interface.