Marine Sand Extraction

Marine Sand Extraction

News: Recently, a newly launched data platform called 'Marine Sand Watch' sheds light on this critical issue, revealing the scale of sand extraction and its far-reaching consequences.

What is Marine Sand Extraction?
 Marine sand extraction is the process of removing sand and other sediments from the seabed or coastal areas for various purposes, such as construction, coastal protection, land reclamation, etc.
 Marine sand extraction is also known as marine dredging, shallow sea mining, or offshore sand mining.

What is Marine Sand Watch?
• It is a data platform developed by a Centre for Analytics within the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• The platform will track and monitor dredging (removal) activities of sand, clay, silt, gravel, and rock in the world’s marine environment.
• It will provide information on areas used for sand extraction, areas of capital and maintenance dredging, sand trading ports/hubs, number of vessels and operators, and extraction of sediment and other types of activities by countries with Exclusive Economic Zones.

What is the impact of Marine sand extraction?
• Sand extraction increases water turbidity (the measure of relative clarity of a liquid), reducing water clarity and affecting aquatic ecosystems.
• It disrupts nutrient availability, potentially harming marine flora and fauna.
• The extraction process generates noise pollution, which can disturb marine organisms and their habitats.
• Marine sand extraction affects the seabed flora and fauna, marine biodiversity, water quality, coastal erosion, aquifer salinization, and tourism potential. It also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
• Coastal communities face risks as sand is needed for coastal defence structures, critical in mitigating rising sea levels and storms.

How is Sand Mining regulated in India?
• Sand is classified as a “minor mineral”, under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulations) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) and administrative control over minor minerals vests with the State Governments.
• The MoEFCC has issued 'Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines 2016' to promote scientific sand mining and environmentally friendly management practices.

Conclusion
• The UNEP Marine Sand Watch initiative is a positive step, but there is a need for more cooperation and support from stakeholders for better data and policymaking