Environmental Impact Assessment critical in sea sand mining: CMFRI Director

Maintaining that Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are critical in sea sand mining, Grinson George, Director of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, emphasised the need for a balanced approach that prioritises environmental sustainability and economic growth.

While sea sand mining presents significant economic opportunities, generating government revenue and creating jobs in extraction, transportation, and related sectors, he said it should be done on the basis of adequate studies and community engagement.

Community engagement is essential for sustainable resource management. Marine sand mining companies must coordinate with local stakeholders, including local fishing communities in decision-making processes, he said, while addressing a workshop on the impact of sea sand mining.

Diverse offshore resources, including poly-metallic nodules, gas hydrates and poly-metallic sulphide deposits present significant opportunities for economic growth. But they must be harnessed responsibly. A sustainable and controlled approach is essential to ensure that the state can benefit from these resources without compromising the health of marine ecosystems, he said.

Blue economy concept

The concept of the ‘blue economy’ emphasises sustainable management of ocean resources, focusing on economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. However, challenges such as unsustainable resource extraction, habitat destruction, marine pollution, and climate change impacts must be addressed, he added.

He cited the complex relationship between resource extraction and environmental balance by citing the example of river sand mining in Kerala. The ban on river sand mining in Kerala was initially prompted by environmental concerns and ultimately led to increased sand accumulation. This resulted in flooding in vulnerable areas and adverse effects on fishing activities in certain areas.

The Fisheries Coordination Committee is conducting an agitation against the Centre’s decision to allow sea sand mining off the Kerala coast without conducting environment impact studies or holding a public hearing.