Offshore mining can endanger critical coral reef habitats, says study

The proposed offshore mining project off the Kollam coast can cause irreparable damage to marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of local fishers, says a report

The proposed offshore mining project off the Kollam coast can cause irreparable damage to marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of local fishers, says a report prepared as part of an ongoing underwater survey by the Marine Monitoring Lab (MML) of the University of Kerala’s Department of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries.

The survey has so far documented five hard coral species and an impressive 30 plus soft coral species, suggesting that nearly two-thirds of Kerala’s known soft coral diversity thrives in waters off Kollam, site selected for mining in the initial phase. Notably, many of these soft coral species are newly recorded in the region, making it a critical biodiversity hotspot for solitary and soft corals within Kerala.

“These rocky reefs act as vital hubs within the marine ecosystem. They provide essential habitats, safe breeding areas, and protective shelter for a rich variety of marine life. These reefs are the foundation of intricate food webs, offering feeding grounds and refuge for diverse creatures like fish, crustaceans, corals, sponges, and algae. Furthermore, these reefs serve as nurseries for juvenile fish, playing a key role in maintaining healthy fish populations and ensuring ecological balance. The coral communities on these reefs significantly boost marine productivity, creating abundant food sources and shelter for countless marine species. In essence, these reefs are indispensable for a thriving and balanced marine environment,” says A. Bijukumar, Professor and Head of the Department, Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala.

While corals are an endangered marine species protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, these rocky reef areas hold substantial promise for ecotourism development. The study points out that activities like diving and snorkelling could attract visitors, generating valuable economic opportunities for local communities.

“Moreover, these rocky reefs provide natural coastal defence, shielding shorelines from erosion and mitigating the impact of powerful waves and storms,” adds Dr Bijukumar. The proposed mining operations, planned for depths of 40-60 m off the Kollam coast, pose a direct and significant threat to the region’s vital rocky reef habitats. These reefs function as crucial feeder systems, supporting the area’s rich marine biodiversity and protecting the livelihood of fishers. “Their destruction would trigger devastating consequences for both marine life and the fishing communities that rely on these ecosystems,” he says.

As per the study, sand mining will disrupt these crucial habitats by burying benthic fauna and delicate coral colonies, causing potentially irreversible damage to the marine ecosystem. Furthermore, the extraction of sand from the seabed depletes vital nutrients that are essential for the ecosystem’s natural recycling processes, leading to a significant reduction in overall nutrient availability.

While advising against proceeding with large-scale sand extraction at the time, the study report highlights the critical absence of comprehensive environmental impact assessments (EIAs) and the lack of comparative studies on alternative mining practices. It calls for a precautionary approach and recommends a temporary moratorium on offshore mining until a thorough and detailed environmental impact assessment.