seabed

The latest US executive order was issued to "establish the United States as a global leader in responsible seabed mineral exploration", it reads.

The robot descends to the seabed to collect fluids, gases and snap off chunks of rock.

Research published in 2023 found that a year after test seabed mining disturbed the ocean floor in Japanese waters, the density of fish, crustaceans and jellyfish in nearby areas was cut in half.

While it is possible to bury cables in the seabed for additional protection, this might become prohibitively expensive over long distances and at depths below a few dozen metres.

A three-pronged claw descended from above and plucked a stone off the seabed.