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Sandmining on Our Coasts Leaves no Sand for Sandcastles

2024; Frontiers Media; Volume: 12; Linguagem: Inglês

10.3389/frym.2024.1409741

2296-6846

Nelson Rangel-Buitrago, William J. Neal,

American Environmental and Regional History

Beaches and coastal dunes have always been a source of sand for various purposes. People used to take only small amounts of sand for personal needs, like building sandcastles or making a volleyball court, but now sand is being taken for big construction projects, too. However, as the sea level rises and storms get stronger, beaches and dunes are more important than ever for protecting our coasts, and each grain of sand should stay there. Removing large amounts of sand for construction projects is called coastal sand mining, and it damages coastal ecosystems, including beaches, dunes, mangroves, and rivers. We must work together to protect the beautiful places we love to visit along the coasts! You can help by raising awareness about sand mining and sharing the solutions described in this article with others.