UN Warns Of The Destructive Impact Of Sand Dredging On Ocean Floors
The UN warns of the destructive impact of sand dredging on ocean floors after raising an alarm over the excessive extraction of approximately six billion tons of sand from the world's oceans annually. Sand ranks as the second most exploited natural resource globally, following water, and is a crucial ingredient in the production of concrete and glass.
Author:Camilo WoodReviewer:Dexter CookeSep 07, 2023271 Shares270.9K Views
The UN warns of the destructive impact of sand dredging on ocean floorsafter raising an alarm over the excessive extraction of approximately six billion tons of sand from the world's oceans annually. Sand ranks as the second most exploited natural resource globally, following water, and is a crucial ingredient in the production of concrete and glass.
According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), certain vessels are akin to "vacuum cleaners," indiscriminately dredging both sand and essential microorganisms that serve as food for fish. This unrestrained activity has the potential to cause irreparable damage in some regions, where the balance of marine life may never fully recover.
In tandem with this revelation, a new analytical tool named Marine Sand Watch has been launched. It employs marine tracking technology and artificial intelligence to monitor and assess dredging operations, providing valuable insights into the environmental impact of these activities.
“„The scale of environmental impacts of shallow sea mining activities and dredging is alarming.- Pascal Peduzzi, who heads UNEP's analytics center GRID-Geneva
The recently introduced platform calculates that out of the approximately 50 billion tonnes of sand and gravel consumed annually worldwide, an average of six billion tonnes is sourced from the Earth's oceans and seas. To put this into perspective, it equates to the removal of "more than one million dump trucks every day," as noted by Mr. Peduzzi.
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Mr. Peduzzi stressed the need to allow the marine environment to undergo a recovery process, stating that the current extraction levels are unsustainable. He also raised concerns about the detrimental impact of large vessels, explaining that they essentially deplete the ocean floor by extracting sand while simultaneously disrupting the microorganisms that serve as vital sustenance for fish populations.
Mr. Peduzzi further highlighted that in certain cases, sand extraction goes all the way down to the bedrock, posing a grave threat to marine ecosystems, potentially leading to irreparable damage.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has put forth a recommendation to prohibit sand dredging on beaches as a measure to safeguard coastal resilience and protect local economies.
Sand serves as a critical resource in the construction of buildings, roads, hydroelectric dams, and solar panels. It also carries environmental significance by acting as a natural barrier against rising sea levels, offering protection to communities in vulnerable coastal areas.
Conclusion
According to the report, the South China Sea, the North Sea, and the eastern coast of the United States are some of the regions where extensive dredging activities have been recorded.
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Camilo Wood
Author
Camilo Wood has over two decades of experience as a writer and journalist, specializing in finance and economics. With a degree in Economics and a background in financial research and analysis, Camilo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his writing.
Throughout his career, Camilo has contributed to numerous publications, covering a wide range of topics such as global economic trends, investment strategies, and market analysis. His articles are recognized for their insightful analysis and clear explanations, making complex financial concepts accessible to readers.
Camilo's experience includes working in roles related to financial reporting, analysis, and commentary, allowing him to provide readers with accurate and trustworthy information. His dedication to journalistic integrity and commitment to delivering high-quality content make him a trusted voice in the fields of finance and journalism.
Dexter Cooke
Reviewer
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
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