Thieves Profit as Caribbean Beaches Recede
Elsa Blaine — October 26, 2008 — Eco
References: sfgate
There is a vanishing sand crisis in the Caribbean. Apparently the beaches are receding at an alarming rate, according to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Late at night, thieves are swiping sand by the truckload and selling it to the construction trade for upwards of $200 per cubic yard. In Grenada, where the beaches are diminishing by 3 linear feet a year, fines of $190 are enforced. Not much of a deterrent when you can cover the cost of the fine in a single stolen scoop.
An area in Jamaica lost 100 truckloads recently. Jamaica Mines Commissioner Clinton Thompson told the Chronicle that the theft had the unintended effect of “exposing protected mangroves and a limestone forest to wind and waves.” Thompson also told the Chronicle that he suspects government officials were involved in the theft.
Late at night, thieves are swiping sand by the truckload and selling it to the construction trade for upwards of $200 per cubic yard. In Grenada, where the beaches are diminishing by 3 linear feet a year, fines of $190 are enforced. Not much of a deterrent when you can cover the cost of the fine in a single stolen scoop.
An area in Jamaica lost 100 truckloads recently. Jamaica Mines Commissioner Clinton Thompson told the Chronicle that the theft had the unintended effect of “exposing protected mangroves and a limestone forest to wind and waves.” Thompson also told the Chronicle that he suspects government officials were involved in the theft.
Trend Themes
1. Vanishing Sand Crisis - The alarming rate at which Caribbean beaches are receding presents opportunities for innovative solutions in coastal protection and beach restoration.
2. Sand Theft - The rise of sand theft in the Caribbean creates opportunities for advanced surveillance and security technologies to deter and catch thieves in the act.
3. Environmental Damage - The detrimental effects of sand theft on protected ecosystems highlights the need for sustainable construction practices and alternative materials.
Industry Implications
1. Coastal Protection - The coastal protection industry can capitalize on the vanishing sand crisis by developing innovative techniques and products to preserve and restore beaches.
2. Surveillance and Security - The sand theft problem presents a market opportunity for the surveillance and security industry to create advanced technologies for beach protection and theft prevention.
3. Sustainable Construction - The environmental damage caused by sand theft calls for the construction industry to explore alternative materials and adopt sustainable practices in building projects.
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