The government has asked police to investigate recent reports of illegal sand mining at locations including Long Bay, Beef Island, officials said.
At Long Bay, the mining has compromised the walkway to the western end of the beach, undermining restoration efforts and affecting the beach’s overall health, according to a Monday statement from the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change.
Sand mining has also been reported recently in other areas including Capppoons Bay, the ministry stated.
“Our beaches support our quality of life, providing immense recreational, spiritual and health benefits,” said Deputy Premier Julian Fraser, who oversees the ministry. “They are also our main tourist attraction, and we need to work together to preserve them and protect them at all costs. It is a duty that collectively we owe to the environment, our children and grandchildren.”
Criminal offence
The ministry warned that sand mining is a criminal offence prohibited under the Beach Protection Ordinance, 1985.
The ordinance bans the removal of any natural barrier against the sea as well as sand, stone, gravel or shingle from the foreshore.
Also prohibited is removing from any land — including private property — such material if it is likely to result in erosion by the sea, according to the ministry.
Offenders are liable to a fine of up to $500 and imprisonment for up to six months, and any boat or vehicle used to carry out an offence can be seized.
Signs planned
Besides contacting the police, the ministry is working to increase beach monitoring, and it aims to install signs at Long Bay about sand mining and other prohibited activities as part of the pilot beach management plan for the area.
In the interim, the ministry has sought permission to temporarily close the Little Mountain Estate access to the beach at Long Bay.
“Arrangements are being made to accommodate early morning access for elderly persons and others who utilise that entry on a daily basis,” the ministry stated.
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