The platform, developed by the UN Environment Programme (Unep), monitors dredging of sand in the marine environment by using AIS (automatic identification systems) data from ships. Using data from 201219, Marine Sand Watch estimates the dredging industry is digging up 6bn tonnes of marine sand a year, a scale described as "alarming". The rate of extraction is growing globally, Unep said, and is approaching the natural rate of replenishment of 10bn to 16bn tonnes of sand flowing into the sea from rivers and needed to maintain coastal structure and ecosystems.
The platform has identified "hotspots" including the North Sea, south-east Asia and the US east coast as areas of concern. In many places, including parts of Asia, marine sand is being extracted well beyond the rate at which it is being replenished from rivers.
"The scale of environmental impacts of shallow sea mining activities and dredging is alarming, including biodiversity... and noise impacts on marine mammals," said Prof Pascal Peduzzi of Unep and the University of Geneva.
Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin September 06, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin September 06, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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