Silent Crisis Beneath the Waves: Unveiling the Perils of Kerala’s Coastal sand Mining Plans
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Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala—Marine scientists are sounding the alarm over the central government’s plan to mine sand off Kerala’s coast, warning of possibly devastating consequences for the delicate underwater ecosystem. The plan, detailed in the National Critical Mineral Mission published January 29 by the Union Ministry of Mines, outlines massive mining operations—both on land and at sea—across india. This includes the first-ever private marine sand mining off the Kerala coast, raising serious concerns among experts and fishermen alike.
A study conducted by the Kerala university of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) between 2002 and 2006, with central government assistance, revealed alarming findings. The research, conducted at depths of 30 to 70 meters, showed that any disturbance to the seabed would eliminate micro-organisms, leading to significant chemical and physical changes in the marine surroundings. Any impact on the seabed would wipe out micro-organisms,
the study concluded. This disruption would have cascading effects throughout the food chain.
The seabed churning process would deplete oxygen levels,harming fish populations. The resulting sediment cloudiness would obstruct photosynthesis,further disrupting the marine food web. The benthic zone, the crucial lowest layer of the water body providing nutrients for fish food organisms, would be drastically altered. This impact is particularly concerning given the richness of the region.
an Indo-Norwegian project uncovered the Quilon Bank (locally known as kollam Parappu), a treasure trove of seafood. A KUFOS trawling study yielded a remarkable 10,000 kilograms of pink perch in a single hour. The area boasts 16 shrimp varieties and supports a thriving fishing industry, exporting shrimp and various fish species including false trevally, sardine, mackerel, white trevally, and ribbon fish. The potential destruction of this biodiversity hotspot is a major concern.
Prof.B Madhusoodhana Kurup, former vice-chancellor of KUFOS, emphasized the far-reaching consequences of seabed mining. Any mining that churns the seabed affects not only the fish stock but also the sand banks on the shore,
he warned, adding that even minor changes in the sea significantly impact fish populations. The erosion of protective sandbanks would lead to massive coastal erosion.
The plan directly contradicts international agreements. All UN member countries have committed to protecting 30 percent of the ocean by 2030. The central government’s decision to prioritize business interests over environmental protection is drawing sharp criticism. Dr. Sunil Mohamed, a marine scientist, warned that proceeding without an environmental impact assessment would severely damage the marine environment.Operating mining vessels and the pollution they cause, too, will be detrimental to the fish stock,
he stated.
A global Trend Against Marine Mining
The devastating effects of unchecked marine mining are well-documented. Indonesia, the epicenter of the 2004 Asian tsunami, banned marine mining after experiencing severe coastal erosion attributed to such activities. Marine scientists there linked the mining to submarine earthquakes. Similar coastal erosion and damage to the tourism sector followed extensive marine mining in Morocco, the Caribbean Islands, Queensland, and the Netherlands. Charles George, state president of the Kerala Matsya Thozhilali Aikya Vedi (United Forum of Fishermen in Kerala), noted similar crises in Nauru, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Hungary, Norway, and Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
Many countries, including France, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, switzerland, Mexico, and Peru, have called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining. The Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) launched a campaign against it,and delegates at the 2022 UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon,Portugal,formed a collective opposition. Australia has also implemented strict regulations. Ironically, while the global trend is moving away from marine mining, India is proceeding with its plans in Kollam, jeopardizing the Quilon Bank.
State Response and duty
Kerala’s response to the central government’s amendment to the Offshore Areas Mineral Development Act of 2002 has been criticized as inadequate. The state’s protest was limited to a letter to the Center, a stark contrast to Tamil Nadu’s more forceful opposition to planned tungsten mining near Madurai. Tamil Nadu’s state legislative assembly unanimously passed a resolution against the mining,highlighting the region’s biodiversity and ancient meaning. The Centre afterward abandoned the project. In contrast, the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government has not acted on calls for a similar resolution.
Scientists from the Geological Survey of India,who discovered significant sand deposits off the Kerala coast,recommended careful planning to minimize the impact of mining. They suggested conducting environmental impact assessments for each mining block, prohibiting mining during fish breeding seasons and monsoons, and acknowledging the importance of the blue economy in their planning.
Title: “The Hidden Perils Beneath the Waves: Understanding the Environmental Crisis of Kerala’s Coastal Sand Mining”
Question 1: What makes Kerala’s coastal seabed mining such a global concern?
The coastal sands off Kerala’s coast are home to a sensitive adn complex marine ecosystem. The planned seabed mining operations threaten to disrupt this delicate balance,posing grave environmental risks. When disturbing the seabed, even at relatively shallow depths of 30 to 70 meters, we eliminate crucial micro-organisms. This triggers a cascade of changes that affect the entire marine food web, including a decline in fish populations and increased sediment cloudiness that obstructs photosynthesis.
Key Takeaways:
- The potential to eliminate micro-organisms disrupts marine ecosystems.
- Consequences include oxygen depletion,affecting fish habitats,and sediment issues,hindering photosynthesis.
Question 2: How do global responses to marine mining illustrate the potential risks of the Kerala project?
Globally, unchecked marine mining has led to consistent and severe consequences, such as intensified coastal erosion and damage to the tourism industry. Indonesia’s experience post-2004 tsunami is a stark example, where marine mining was directly linked to submarine earthquakes and significant coastal erosion. Countries like New Zealand, Canada, and even the UK have opted for a moratorium on deep-sea mining due to these risks. The global trend leans towards increased regulation and protection of marine environments, contrasting starkly with India’s current plans.
Key Takeaways:
- real-World Examples: Indonesia’s tsunami-linked erosion.
- Global Trend: Countries are moving towards moratoriums and stricter regulations.
Question 3: Can you explain the crucial role of the seabed habitat, particularly the benthic zone, in the broader marine ecosystem?
The benthic zone—essentially the lowest layer of a water body—is pivotal in supplying nutrients for various marine life forms. Disrupting this layer through seabed mining operations can lead to drastic nutrient imbalances and habitat destruction. This disruption poses a risk not only to the marine life directly dependent on the benthic zone but also to the entire food chain, including commercially valuable fish species that support local economies and global seafood supply chains.
Key Takeaways:
- The benthic zone supplies essential nutrients.
- habitat disruption impacts the entire marine food chain, including economically pivotal fish species.
Question 4: Considering the findings of the KUFOS study and global precedents, what should be prioritized in managing Kerala’s coastal resources?
Prudent management of Kerala’s coastal resources necessitates comprehensive environmental impact assessments before any seabed mining initiatives. As the ecosystem is known to be highly sensitive, even minor disruptions can have wide-reaching effects.It’s vital to adopt strategies such as banning mining during critical periods like fish breeding seasons or monsoons and conducting detailed studies of each mining block. This approach minimizes environmental impact, aligns with lasting development principles, and adheres to international commitments like the 30% ocean protection goal by 2030.
Key Takeaways:
- Environmental Assessments: Crucial for informed decision-making.
- strategic Planning: Banning during critical natural periods reduces risks.
- Sustainability Alignment: Aligns with global environmental protection goals.
Question 5: How can the involved stakeholders in Kerala better protect the marine environment while addressing industrial and economic interests?
Stakeholders need to strike a balance between economic development and environmental preservation. This can be achieved by prioritizing environmentally-kind practices and fostering collaborative dialogues between the government, businesses, scientists, and local communities. Implementing a transparent permit and monitoring system, mandating eco-friendly technologies for vessels, and investing in alternative livelihoods for affected fishermen can harmonize industrial interests with ecological sustainability.
Key Takeaways:
- Collaborative Dialogues: Engages all stakeholders.
- Sustainability Practices: Promote eco-friendly mining technologies.
- alternative Livelihoods: Support for those impacted by industrial changes.
Final Thoughts:
Understanding the perils of Kerala’s coastal sand mining requires recognizing the intricate relationship between human activities and the marine environment. Through thoughtful management and global learning, we can safeguard these precious resources for future generations while still pursuing economic advancement. Share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media to continue this vital conversation. Are there other areas where economic development and environmental protection intersect in your region? Join the discussion!
