Kingston, JAMAICA — Seafood industry groups are calling for a pause on deep-sea mining until there is a clear understanding of the impacts it would have on the marine environment.

The announcement comes as the International Seabed Authority meets in Jamaica, where member countries are expected to design and implement deep-sea mining regulations.

The seafood groups - including the Global Tuna Alliance, whose industry partners account for roughly 30 per cent of the global tuna trade - say deep sea mining poses a threat to the oceans and its marine life.

In a letter, the organisations say sediment plumes could impact the health of fish populations, and toxic metals could be consumed by nearby seafood species.