Unregulated Sand Extraction Threatens Marine Life Unsustainably
Around 6 billion tons of marine sand is being extracted each year in a practice that the United Nations (UN) agency has deemed unsustainable and detrimental to local marine life. Sand is the second-most exploited natural resource globally, following water. However, extraction for industries such as construction is only loosely governed, leading the UN to pass a resolution last year to promote more sustainable mining practices.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released findings that align with the launch of a new platform called Marine Sand Watch. This initiative is supported by funding from the Swiss government and utilizes marine tracking and artificial intelligence to monitor dredging activities. UNEP’s Pascal Peduzzi emphasized the significant impact of sand extraction, referring to the process as a giant vacuum cleaner that sterilizes the sea’s bottom by removing sand and destroying microorganisms that form the basis of marine ecosystems.
Peduzzi further warned that in some cases, sand extraction eliminates all sand down to the bedrock, thereby preventing the recovery of marine life. Although the 6 billion tons extracted globally each year is less than the sand replenished by the world’s rivers, certain regions experience extraction rates that surpass replenishment. The South China Sea, the North Sea, and the east coast of the United States are among the areas suffering from extensive dredging activities.
According to Arnaud Vander Velpen, a sand industry and data analytics officer from the University of Geneva, key players in the sector include China, the Netherlands, the United States, and Belgium.
Addressing this urgent issue is crucial, as the unregulated extraction of sand poses a severe threat to marine life. It is essential to establish effective governance and management measures to ensure the sustainable use of this precious resource. Through the implementation of technological advancements, such as the Marine Sand Watch platform, tracking and monitoring of dredging activities can help prevent irreversible damage to marine ecosystems.
Furthermore, cooperation among countries involved in the sand industry is vital to address this issue collectively. By adopting sustainable mining practices and minimizing the ecological impact, it is possible to strike a balance between meeting the demands of various industries and protecting marine biodiversity.
It is clear that urgent action is required to combat the unsustainable extraction of sand and safeguard marine ecosystems. Through international cooperation, regulations, and the adoption of innovative monitoring methods, we can strive towards a more sustainable future for the global sand industry.
