Publication Abstract

Approaches to the monitoring of masrine disposal sites under the UK Food and Environment Protection Act (Part II, 1985)

H. L. Rees, S. E. Boyd, S. M. Rowlatt, D. S. Limpenny and M. A. Pendle

In the UK, statutory control of the disposal of wastes to sea from ships is provided by the Food and Environment Protection Act (Part II, 1985), and monitoring of the environmental effects of licensed activity has been conducted by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) over several years, in order to validate hypotheses for change, to check for any unforeseen consequences, and to provide feedback to the licensing and enforcement process.

The disposal of sewage sludge and industrial wastes to sea from ships has now ceased and, while a small amount of work to examine any post-cessation changes at the former continues at key sites, most monitoring effort is now directed at dredged material disposal sites. This paper provides examples of the range of sampling designs and survey methodology that have been employed by CEFAS scientists over the years in order to evaluate environmental effects, with particular reference to studies of the benthic fauna. Illustrations are also provided of the means by which the results can contribute to better management of this sea disposal option.

Reference:

H. L. Rees*, S. E. Boyd*, S.M. Rowlatt*, D.S. Limpenny* and M.A. Pendle* (2000) Approaches to the monitoring of marine disposal sites under the UK Food and Environment Protection Act (PartII, 1985). Proceedings of 'Man-made objects on the seafloor', Society for Underwater Technology.