In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin explores the potential risks of deep-sea mining and why it may not be a good idea. He discusses a recent study that highlights the importance of protecting deep-sea biodiversity for potential medicinal benefits. Andrew emphasizes the need for further investigation before engaging in deep-sea mining, as valuable discoveries could be overlooked. Listeners are encouraged to take action and protect the deep sea.

Link to Article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/16/ocean-fungi-from-twilight-zone-could-be-source-of-next-penicillin-like-drug?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_cu78u4kvyz

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The episode also emphasizes the importance of protecting the deep sea and its biodiversity for potential medical advancements in the future. The host mentions that deep sea exploration for mining and the lack of proper marine protected areas pose threats to biodiversity and the discovery of species with medicinal properties.

The host underscores the need for further exploration from a biodiversity and environmental perspective to uncover the potential benefits of the deep sea. They mention the possibility of finding species that could provide significant medical assistance. However, the host also raises concerns about the consequences of cultivating and collecting these species, emphasizing the need to determine how to protect and process these discoveries in the future.

Furthermore, the episode discusses the role of technology, such as AI and supercomputing, in advancing our understanding of the deep sea and its potential medical properties. The host emphasizes that protecting the deep sea is crucial for preserving biodiversity, which in turn increases our access to different species that could contribute to medical advancements. The host mentions the potential of these discoveries to aid in the treatment of diseases like cancer and malaria.

Overall, the episode highlights the importance of protecting the deep sea and its biodiversity to unlock the potential of medical advancements in the future. It emphasizes the need for further exploration, the implementation of marine protected areas, and addressing the ethical considerations surrounding the cultivation and collection of species with medicinal potential.