Effect of Sand Mining on Palau's Reef
Effects of Sand Mining on Palau’s Reefs
Joshua Kloulubak
SC-249: Environmental Concepts & Issues
Instructor Sherry Ngirmeriil
21 July 2013
Abstract
What are the negative effects sand mining has on Palau’s reefs? This research paper attempts to address the consequences of dredging erratically in the quest for modernization and what these threats can pose to the society should this continue in an unsustainable manner.
Over the years, the ocean and reefs of Palau have been an important source of food and livelihood to its people. It has also been the main driving force of revenue contributing to our economic growth. Nonetheless, something is being done today that results in 1) disturbance of coastal marine ecosystems, 2) the destruction and disturbance of our local wildlife and livelihood of the people, 3) economic development in terms of our tourism industry, 4) reduced water quality, and finally, the extinction of certain ecosystems. That something is sand mining. Sand mining is a coastal activity, which refers to the actual removal of sand from the ocean floor. This activity is currently practiced in Palau where sand is removed from the reefs to be used for construction purposes.
The reason why I believe this particular topic should be addressed is that Palau’s reef and the species in it plays a vital role to the people. On top of that, sand mining practice in Palau is becoming an environmental issue as the demand for sand continues to increase in industry and construction. We might not recognize its effects today as we only have one mining operator here but we will in the near future. Not many have stopped to think for a minute about what will happen to our reefs after 25 more years of sand mining. Our younger generations will definitely suffer from the negative impacts of this practice as it continues to grow gradually and slip out of our control. We need to find better solutions to this issue before our reefs become threatened with extinction.
Joshua Kloulubak
SC-249: Environmental Concepts & Issues
Instructor Sherry Ngirmeriil
21 July 2013
Abstract
What are the negative effects sand mining has on Palau’s reefs? This research paper attempts to address the consequences of dredging erratically in the quest for modernization and what these threats can pose to the society should this continue in an unsustainable manner.
Over the years, the ocean and reefs of Palau have been an important source of food and livelihood to its people. It has also been the main driving force of revenue contributing to our economic growth. Nonetheless, something is being done today that results in 1) disturbance of coastal marine ecosystems, 2) the destruction and disturbance of our local wildlife and livelihood of the people, 3) economic development in terms of our tourism industry, 4) reduced water quality, and finally, the extinction of certain ecosystems. That something is sand mining. Sand mining is a coastal activity, which refers to the actual removal of sand from the ocean floor. This activity is currently practiced in Palau where sand is removed from the reefs to be used for construction purposes.
The reason why I believe this particular topic should be addressed is that Palau’s reef and the species in it plays a vital role to the people. On top of that, sand mining practice in Palau is becoming an environmental issue as the demand for sand continues to increase in industry and construction. We might not recognize its effects today as we only have one mining operator here but we will in the near future. Not many have stopped to think for a minute about what will happen to our reefs after 25 more years of sand mining. Our younger generations will definitely suffer from the negative impacts of this practice as it continues to grow gradually and slip out of our control. We need to find better solutions to this issue before our reefs become threatened with extinction.
Cited: Loban, Christopher S., and Maria Schefter. 2004. Tropical Pacific Island Environments. Guam: University of Guam Press/Island Environments University of Guam, 1997. Chapter 2401-1 Earthmoving Regulations. 1996. 2401-1-09 Erosion and Sedimentation Control Measures. Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB). “Sand Mining”