Publication Abstract

Review of the current state of knowledge of the impacts of marine sand and gravel extraction - A UK perspective

Review of the current state of knowledge of the impacts of marine sand and gravel extraction - A U.K. perspective.

S.E. Boyd, H.L. Rees, C.M.G. Vivian, D.S. Limpenny
 

Industrial exploitation of the U.K. marine aggregate resource peaked in 1989, and has remained relatively steady in recent years at around 23 million tonnes per annum from around the England and Wales coastline. It has been estimated that there is a workable U.K. marine resource of 1 billion tonnes and this suggests controlled extraction may be sustainable for the foreseeable future. Concerns over the effects of marine sand and gravel extraction on the marine environment have grown over time and this is particularly the case at localities off the eastern and southern English coastlines, which are characterised by multiple dredging permits in close proximity. Aggregate extraction is of concern not only because of the effects of the removal of sediment and associated benthic fauna, but also in terms of its potential for changing the nature and stability of sediments through the exposure of underlying strata and the redistribution of fine particulates.

S.E. Boyd*, H.L. Rees*, C.M.G. Vivian* and D.S. Limpenny*

European marine sand and gravel - shaping the future. EMSAGG Conference 20-21st February 2003, Delft University, The Netherlands