Sand mining, extracting sand from the earth, is the second most widespread human activity in marine environments, after fishing. Sand and gravel are the most extracted materials across the globe. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the dredging industry removes six million tons of sand from marine settings around the world each year.

Sand is typically extracted from where it’s most abundant: aquatic areas, like ocean floors. Once mined, it is incorporated into concrete, glass, electronics and asphalt, which are then used to construct buildings and houses. Although sand has many important roles in human development, it is also important for the health of ecosystems. “This resource is often seen as an inert, abundant material, but in reality it is an essential resource that shapes coastal and marine ecosystems, protects shorelines and sustains ecosystems and livelihoods,” says Aurora Torres, a biodiversity researcher at Spain’s University of Alicante.

Removing sand in large amounts has negative effects on the environment. The process of dredging harms aquatic habitats by altering natural seagrass and coral while clouding the water. Sand mining has also been connected to the spread of invasive species, changes in wave patterns and coastal erosion. These issues are becoming increasingly prevalent. “Without new thinking, the sands of time will run out,” says Beatrice Kariuki, a Kenyan spoken word poet, in a video released by UNEP.

There are solutions to this growing threat. The sand mining industry is not regulated in many areas, so increasing government oversight is one avenue. Also, construction companies can use other materials. In Singapore, recycled glass is replacing sand in 3D-printed concrete. Limiting the amount of sand removed at one time is the most sustainable option since the sand will naturally replenish. “Keeping sand in the rivers is the best adaptation to climate change,” says Marc Goichoit, a leader at the World Wide Fund for Nature. “If a river delta receives enough sediment, it builds itself above sea level in a natural reaction.”

Sand mining is projected to continue at its current unsustainable rate unless people across the globe take action. One way to get involved is to petition your local legislature for governmental action, like creating restrictions and regulations on the industry. Also, stay informed on sand mining from sources such as the Marine Sand Watch, a data platform that monitors and tracks dredging activities across the globe.

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com. To donate, visit https://earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.