Namibia has granted an environmental clearance for a marine phosphate extraction project that has raised concerns. This clearance allows the Sandpiper Project, operated by Namibian Marine Phosphate (NMP), to dredge the seabed off the coast of Walvis Bay for phosphate. Environmentalists are worried about the potential impact on local fisheries and health risks from consuming fish that breed in the areas designated for dredging.
On August 5, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) issued an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) to NMP, permitting industrial mining within concession area 170 (ML 170) in Namibia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This area covers roughly 2,234 square kilometers (863 square miles) of the Atlantic seabed. NMP plans to dredge phosphate-rich sediments from the seafloor at depths of 180 to 250 meters. Dredging involves removing sediments and debris from the bottom of water bodies.
Ocean Conservation Namibia (OCN), a nonprofit organization, has criticized the decision to issue the ECC, stating that the large-scale development could have significant impacts on the Benguela marine ecosystem, Namibia’s fishing industry, and marine conservation. The Benguela marine ecosystem is known for being one of the most productive coastal upwelling zones in the world.
This article was originally published on Mongabay.
Sources:
Source: Mongabay Animals, by Mongabay Animals