Will Centre’s plan to mine sand off Kerala’s coast come at a great cost? | Kerala News

Marine Mining: A Ticking Time Bomb for KeralaS Coast

Kerala’s vibrant marine ecosystem, renowned for its rich biodiversity adn abundant seafood, faces an imminent threat from the Center’s ambitious plan to mine sand off its coast.The National Critical Mineral Mission, unveiled on January 29 by the Union Ministry of Mines, proposes large-scale mining operations both onshore and offshore, marking a controversial first for marine sand extraction in India.

Despite widespread protests and concerns raised by marine scientists and fishermen, the government appears determined to proceed with the project. Studies conducted by the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) paint a stark picture of the potential ecological devastation.

Churning the Seabed: A Recipe for Disaster

“Any impact on the seabed would wipe out micro-organisms,” warned a KUFOS study conducted between 2002 and 2006 at depths ranging from 30 to 70 meters. The research, conducted with central assistance, revealed that seabed disturbance would trigger meaningful chemical and physical alterations to the marine ecosystem.

The churning would lead to a depletion of oxygen levels, directly impacting fish populations. Suspended sediments would cloud the water, hindering photosynthesis and disrupting the delicate marine food chain. The benthic zone, the crucial bottom layer of a water body, providing essential nutrients for fish food, would be drastically altered.

Quilon Bank: A Treasure Under threat

Kerala’s coastal waters are home to a wealth of marine life, including the remarkable Quilon Bank (locally known as Kollam Parappu). This thriving ecosystem, discovered through an Indo-Norwegian project, is teeming with abundant seafood species. A KUFOS trawling expedition resulted in an remarkable catch of 10,000 kilograms of pink perch in just one hour.

The region boasts 16 different shrimp varieties, contributing significantly to Kerala’s shrimp export industry. A diverse array of fish species, such as false trevally, sardine, mackerel, white trevally, ribbon fish, and others, call the Quilon Bank home.

“Any mining that disrupts the seabed not only harms fish stocks but also destabilizes coastal sand banks,” emphasized Prof. B Madhusoodhana Kurup, former vice-chancellor of KUFOS. “Even minor disturbances in the sea can have a cascading effect on fish populations.”

A Call to Action

the potential consequences of marine sand mining in Kerala are dire. The government must prioritize the protection of this invaluable ecosystem and engage in transparent, inclusive discussions with stakeholders, including scientists, fishermen, and local communities. Lasting alternatives to sand mining must be explored, ensuring the long-term health of the marine environment and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.

What alternatives can be explored to protect Kerala’s marine ecosystem from the potential harm of marine sand mining?

The Imminent Threat of Marine Sand Mining: An interview with Dr. Aisha Patel Marine Mining: A Ticking Time Bomb for Kerala’s Coast

In light of the union Ministry of Mines’ National Critical mineral Mission,Archyde News had the prospect to interview Dr. Aisha Patel, a renowned marine scientist and advocate for lasting coastal advancement. Here’s what she had to say about the impending threat of marine sand mining to Kerala’s vibrant marine ecosystem.

Marine Sand Mining: A boon or Bane?

Archyde: Dr. Patel, could you brief our readers about the National Critical Mineral Mission and its proposed marine sand mining operations off Kerala’s coast?

Dr. Patel: Certainly. The National Critical Mineral Mission, launched in January, aims to ensure a steady domestic supply of minerals, including sand, to meet India’s growing infrastructure needs. Regrettably, one of its proposed methods is large-scale marine sand mining, which could have disastrous consequences for sensitive coastal ecosystems like Kerala’s.

Churning the Seabed: Ecological Impacts

archyde: KUFOS studies have warned of notable ecological alterations due to seabed disturbance. Can you explain these impacts in simpler terms?

Dr. Patel: Absolutely. Imagine the seabed as a bustling city. When we mine it, it’s like destroying its buildings and roads. The micro-organisms living there are damaged or destroyed, leading to chemical and physical changes in the ecosystem. This triggers a domino effect: oxygen levels drop, water becomes cloudy, and the marine food chain is disrupted.The benthic zone, the marine ecosystem’s foundation, is drastically altered.

Quilon Bank: A Treasure Threatened

Archyde: Kerala’s coastal waters are home to valuable marine resources, including the Quilon Bank. How does marine sand mining threaten these riches?

Dr. Patel: The Quilon bank is a treasure trove of marine life, supporting a diverse array of fish and shrimp species. Any mining that disrupts the seabed threatens this rich ecosystem. even minor disturbances can have a cascading effect on fish populations, potentially decimating stocks and threatening the livelihoods of local fishermen.

A Call to Action: Balancing Development and Conservation

Archyde: Given the dire potential consequences, what alternatives can be explored to protect this invaluable ecosystem?

Dr.Patel: We need holistic planning and better use of resources. Rampant sand extraction is not the only solution to India’s sand shortage.Alternatives like dune restoration, recycled aggregate, and industrial by-products can be explored. Moreover, stricter regulations on sand mining in general and transparent discussions with stakeholders, including scientists, fishermen, and local communities, are crucial.

Archyde: Lastly, how can our readers contribute to this cause?

dr. Patel: Raising awareness is key.Encourage public engagement, support conservation efforts, and urge local representatives to prioritize sustainable solutions. Every voice counts in protecting our precious marine ecosystem.