Marine sand mining is the act of extracting sand from the seabed or coastal regions for various purposes which include construction, land reclamation, beach nourishment, or mining. The process of sand extraction is a significant threat to marine ecosystems and coastal communities globally.
Mechanisms of Extraction
Three primary methods are used in marine sand extraction – dredging, mining, and harvesting.
Dredging is the most common method where a vessel fitted with a suction pipe or a mechanical grab is used to gather sand from the seabed and transports it to the shore or another location. Mining is another method that involves the use of specialized equipment, such as drills, cutters, or jets, to break up sand deposits and extract valuable minerals or metals.
Finally, harvesting is essentially reliant on natural forces like waves, currents, or tides, to collect the sand and deposit it onshore. This method is comparatively less used.
The Marine Sand Watch Initiative
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recently launched an analytical tool known as Marine Sand Watch. This data platform aims at tracking and monitoring dredging activities involving sand, clay, silt, gravel, and rock in the world’s marine environment. It will provide critical information on sand extraction areas, dredging areas, sand trading ports/hubs, number of vessels and operators, and extraction of sediment among other activities by countries with Exclusive Economic Zones.
Impacts of Marine Sand Extraction
Marine sand extraction leads to environmental impacts, particularly water turbidity, nutrient alteration, and noise pollution. Increased water turbidity reduces water clarity and adversely affects aquatic ecosystems. Extraction disrupts nutrient availability which could harm marine flora and fauna. The noise pollution generated during extraction can disturb marine organisms and their habitats.
Other impacts on coastal communities and infrastructure include increased vulnerability to sea-level rise and storms due to the depletion of sand, which is crucial for creating coastal defense structures.
Marine sand is also pivotal for erecting offshore infrastructure such as wind and wave turbines. Extraction near-shore can lead to the salinization of aquifers, which impacts freshwater resources and can potentially hinder tourism development in coastal areas, hence affecting local economies.
Responses to Marine Sand Extraction
The increasing demand for sand due to the boom in construction and infrastructure has led to significant responses to marine sand extraction. In India, for instance, administrative control over sand, classified as a “minor mineral” under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulations) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), lies with State Governments. The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued “Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines 2016” to promote scientific sand mining and environmentally friendly practices.
Globally, countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia have banned marine sand exports in the last two decades. The UNEP advocates for stricter monitoring of sand extraction and use, calling for international standards.
Similarly, the International Seabed Authority (ISA), an intergovernmental organization established in 1982 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), regulates deep-sea mining and exploration in international waters.
Way Forward
To move towards sustainable alternatives to marine sand extraction, innovation and investment are needed. This can involve reducing sand demand through better construction materials, recycling, and circular economy principles. Additionally, alternative sources of sand, such as manufactured sand from crushed rock or quarry dust, or natural sources like desert or volcanic sand, should be explored.
Effective governance and regulation of marine sand extraction at various levels is critical. This includes establishing clear standards for environmental assessments, licensing, reporting, and auditing. The UNEP Marine Sand Watch initiative represents a positive step in this direction, but more cooperation and support from stakeholders are needed for better data collection and policymaking.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
In the Civil Services Exam, a typical question that appeared in the Prelims was about the Global Ocean Commission’s role in granting licenses for seabed exploration and mining in international waters. India’s status in receiving licenses for seabed mineral exploration in international waters and the presence of ‘Rare earth minerals’ on the seafloor in international waters were also asked. The answer clarified the roles of different organizations and India’s involvement in seabed exploration. In the Mains, a question focused on the impacts of coastal sand mining in India, emphasizing the need for specific examples.