Sea bed Mining

This week, the fledgling deep sea mining sector got a green light for future mining in the Pacific by 2023, due to Nauru setting a "two year" rule in motion at the International Seabed Authority.

The Authority, tasked with regulating the seabed, confirmed Nauru triggered a clause that would allow mining to begin in two years within its Exclusive Economic Zone.

However, some fear the move could have opened the path for a 'domino-effect' and other countries could also open their doors to the controversial new industry.

Papua New Guinea is closest to having deep water mining begin in the Bismarck Sea, while the Cook Islands last week opened up bidding for exploratory licences.

But a principal scientist at New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Malcolm Clark, says scientists working with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community are pushing for more collaboration among Pacific Island countries.