Startling findings from a new UN data platform reveal that the marine dredging industry is extracting a staggering six billion tons of sand and sediment annually.
This is equivalent to over one million dump trucks every day – placing immense pressure on marine biodiversity and the well-being of coastal communities.
Marine Sand Watch, a platform developed by UN Environment Programme (UNEP)’s analytical centre, GRID-Geneva, uses artificial intelligence and automatic signals from ships to track and monitor sand, clay, silt, gravel, and rock extraction in the world’s marine environments.
It delivers crucial information on sand extraction zones (sand concessions), capital and maintenance dredging sites, sand trading hubs, vessel counts, and operators at sea.
While the platform is a groundbreaking tool, it currently cannot detect artisanal and small-scale mining along shallow coastlines, despite its intensity in some regions, according to UNEP.
Sand, a strategic material
“The scale of environmental impacts of shallow sea mining activities and dredging is alarming, including biodiversity, water turbidity, and noise impacts on marine mammals,” said Pascal Peduzzi, Director of GRID-Geneva at UNEP.
“This data signals the urgent need for better management of marine sand resources and to reduce the impacts of shallow sea mining,” he added.
The senior UN official called on governments as well as the dredging sector to treat sand as a strategic material, and swiftly engage in talks on how to improve dredging standards worldwide.
Alarming impacts
Between four and eight billion tons of sediment are dredged annually from marine and coastal environments.
This is “perilously” close to the natural replenishment rate of 10 to 16 billion tons per year necessary to sustain coastal and marine ecosystems, according to UNEP.
While shallow sea mining for sand and gravel is vital for various construction projects, they pose a major threat to coastal communities facing rising sea levels and storms.
Sand extraction also endangers coastal and seabed ecosystems, impacting marine biodiversity, nutrients from the sea and noise pollution, as well as impacting aquifer salinization and future tourism development, UNEP added.
Recommendations
International practices and regulations vary widely, UNEP noted, with countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia having banned marine sand exports in the last two decades, while others lack any legislation or effective monitoring programs.
The UN agency’s 2022 Sand and Sustainability report also called for enhanced monitoring of sand extraction and use, and recommended ending sand extraction from beaches and active beach-nearshore sand systems for mining purposes.
It also calls for new international standards governing marine sand extraction.
Lila Montgomery is a celebrated journalist who has a deep commitment to global affairs and humanitarian issues. Her extensive reporting on United Nations initiatives across the globe has brought critical stories to the forefront, stories that affect communities everywhere.
As an environmental enthusiast, it’s devastating to see the detrimental impact of massive sand removal on our coasts and sea life. The statistics presented in this article are staggering and call for immediate action to protect our marine biodiversity and coastal communities. The development of innovative platforms like Marine Sand Watch is a step in the right direction, but more comprehensive monitoring and management strategies are urgently needed to address this critical issue.
As an environmental activist, I am deeply concerned about the alarming scale of sand extraction in our marine environments. The impact on marine biodiversity and coastal communities is devastating. Urgent action is needed to address this environmental crisis.
This alarming data clearly highlights the urgent necessity for stricter regulations and better oversight of marine sand dredging activities. The devastating impact on marine ecology and coastal communities should not be taken lightly. It’s time for decisive action to protect our precious oceans.
Are there any initiatives in place to regulate the extraction of sand and sediment in order to protect marine biodiversity and coastal communities?
Absolutely, Emma_Wonders! There are ongoing efforts to establish regulations and policies to safeguard marine ecosystems and coastal areas from the detrimental effects of excessive sand extraction. Various organizations and governments are advocating for sustainable sand mining practices and promoting the conservation of marine biodiversity. By implementing stricter guidelines and monitoring mechanisms, we can strive towards a more balanced and eco-friendly approach to sand extraction.
As a marine biologist, I am deeply concerned about the devastating impact of the marine dredging industry on coastal ecosystems. It’s alarming to learn that over six billion tons of sand are being extracted annually, putting immense pressure on marine biodiversity. Immediate action is needed to protect our precious sea creatures and coastal communities.
As an environmental activist, I am deeply concerned about the devastating impact of marine dredging on our coasts and sea creatures. The alarming statistics from the UN data platform serve as a wake-up call for immediate action to protect marine biodiversity and coastal communities.
Isn’t it concerning that the marine dredging industry is extracting such a massive amount of sand and sediment every year? What measures are being taken to address the impact on marine biodiversity and coastal communities?
Yes, SamanthaSmith, the situation is indeed worrying. Currently, efforts are being made to develop sustainable practices in sand extraction and implement stricter regulations to protect marine ecosystems. Initiatives to restore damaged coastal areas and promote responsible sand mining practices are also being pursued. It’s crucial for all stakeholders to collaborate and work towards preserving our coasts and sea creatures for future generations.
As an environmentalist, I find these findings deeply concerning. The sheer amount of sand extraction is posing a significant threat to our coasts and sea creatures. It is crucial that immediate action is taken to address this unsustainable practice before irreversible damage is done.
This data signals the urgent need for better management of marine sand extraction to protect our coasts and sea creatures from irreversible harm caused by the dredging industry.
This data signals the urgent need for better management of marine sand extraction to protect our coasts and sea creatures for future generations.
This revelation is truly concerning. The excessive extraction of sand and sediment by the marine dredging industry is having devastating effects not only on sea creatures but also on coastal communities. Action must be taken immediately to ensure the protection of marine biodiversity and the well-being of our coasts.