Illegal Sand Mining is Threatening the Critically Endangered St. Lucia Iguana

CASTRIES. St. Lucia – The Forestry Department has issued a warning over illegal sand mining along the island’s northeast coast, highlighting severe risks to the habitat of the critically endangered St. Lucia iguana.

Assistant Chief Forestry Officer and Wildlife Biologist Pius Haynes described the situation as alarming.

“The illegal sand mining issue has been a major concern to us recently because of the intensity and also the unsustainable manner in which the activity is undertaken,” he said in an interview St Lucia Times.

The St.  Lucia iguana, an endemic species at risk of extinction, relies on soft sand beaches for nesting. During peak breeding season from February to May, the iguanas lay eggs in these vulnerable coastal areas. Just a few days ago, we discovered that there is significant sand mining occurring along the Grande Anse beach,” he said. “This has been happening almost every day, if not every day, and guys are extracting that sand for commercial use based on what we have seen because of the sheer volume, intensity and quantity.”

Even more troubling, mining persists in known iguana nesting zones. “After those areas have been mined for sand, you find that iguanas are still coming in those areas to nest…,” Haynes said, “and those nests would have, of course, been destroyed.”

He added that the destruction goes beyond just sand removal.

“Coastal vegetation, which serves as a natural buffer against storm surges and high tides, is also being destroyed. “They have even gone to the extent where they are deforesting the coastal vegetation along the beaches,” Haynes said. “Persons are using chainsaws to cut through that vegetative cover… and that would provide a form of protection from sea surges and high tidal activities.”

The Forestry Department is now ramping up efforts to halt the destruction. Under St. Lucian law, unauthorized beach sand mining carries penalties of up to $5 000 or 12 months in prison, or both.

“We have to take proactive steps with other authorities to ensure that this activity is stopped once and for all,” Haynes said.

Investigations are underway to identify offenders, particularly those profiting from sand sales for construction. While some suspects are linked to Babonneau, Haynes emphasized wider community involvement.

The Department of Fisheries, alongside other agencies, has also joined the crackdown, responding to the reports of illegal mining at Grande Anse Beach and its mangrove, a protected marine reserve under the Fisheries Act.

Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer Thomas Nelson highlighted the site’s ecological importance. He told St Lucia Times it serves as a nesting ground for leatherback, green and hawksbill turtles, as well as the Saint Lucia iguana.

Nelson urged perpetrators to “cease and desist”, noting plans to revive collaborations with local police and communities.

During an April site visit, the police pledged support for enforcement. The Department of Fisheries also aims to boost public education on the area’s ecological value.

Authorities are urging residents to report illegal mining and help safeguard Saint Lucia’s fragile ecosystems.

The St.  Lucia iguana is an endemic species—it lives nowhere else on Earth. Once its habitat is destroyed, it cannot simply relocate. If these iguanas disappear, they are gone forever, taking with them a vital part of St.  Lucia’s natural heritage.

Nelson said the destruction signals a broader environmental crisis.

He said illegal sand mining isn’t just hurting iguanas. It’s damaging the entire coastal ecosystem, including nesting areas for endangered sea turtles and protective vegetation that buffers the island from storms and erosion. That means communities, homes, and livelihoods are also at risk.