Massive Dredging for Marine Sand Threatens Irreversible Damage, Warns U.N.
An alarming report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reveals that the practice of massive dredging for marine sand is causing irreversible damage to marine ecosystems worldwide. Approximately 6 billion tons of marine sand are extracted annually, making it the second most exploited natural resource after water. This unsustainable practice is jeopardizing local marine life and prompting urgent calls for more responsible and sustainable mining.
The UNEP findings coincide with the launch of a new platform called Marine Sand Watch, which is supported by funding from the Swiss government. This innovative initiative uses marine tracking and artificial intelligence to monitor dredging activities, shedding light on the extent of the problem. UNEP spokesperson Pascal Peduzzi cautioned that the amount of sand being withdrawn from the environment has a significant impact. He likened the giant dredging ships to vacuum cleaners, sterile machines extracting sand and destroying microorganisms vital to the marine food chain.
In some cases, companies go so far as removing all the sand down to the bedrock, resulting in irreparable damage that could prevent life from ever recovering. While the global extraction of 6 billion tons annually is currently less than the amount of sand deposited by the world’s rivers, some regions are experiencing removal rates that exceed replenishment rates. The South China Sea, the North Sea, and the east coast of the United States are among the areas most affected by extensive dredging.
Countries such as China, the Netherlands, the United States, and Belgium are identified as the most active participants in the marine sand extraction industry. To address this growing concern, the U.N. passed a resolution last year to encourage more sustainable mining practices. However, the loose governance surrounding the sand extraction industry allows the exploitation to continue at an alarming pace.
The consequences of these actions are far-reaching. Marine ecosystems are delicate and reliant on a delicate balance of microorganisms and biodiversity to thrive. Disturbing this balance through indiscriminate dredging could potentially cause irreparable harm to marine life and the wider environment. By sterilizing the seabed and disrupting the foundation of the marine food chain, massive dredging for marine sand poses a threat that cannot be ignored.
Efforts to address this issue have taken a significant step forward with the establishment of Marine Sand Watch. By utilizing cutting-edge technology and data analytics, this platform aims to provide real-time monitoring of dredging activities, tracking the impact on marine ecosystems. With this information, regulators and policymakers can make informed decisions and enforce measures to conserve marine biodiversity and prevent irreversible damage.
In conclusion, the extraction of marine sand through massive dredging poses an alarming threat to the environment. The current practices are unsustainable and may lead to irreversible damage to marine ecosystems. Urgent action is required to promote responsible and sustainable mining, with stricter governance and monitoring of dredging activities. Only through collective efforts can we protect our oceans and preserve their vital ecosystems for future generations.
