The Crown Estate published a report on 7th November revealing the levels of aggregate dredged from the seabed and the revenue resulting from this.

Evidence dismissed that there is a huge level of fish uptake during the aggregate dredging process.

Ray Drabble, an independent marine scientist member of the Marine Conservation Society claiming no copyright, has invited MARINET to place his thesis on our website, as it shows the huge level of fish uptake during the dredging process (termed ‘entrainment’). His work conclusively proves that The East Channel Association of dredging companies should be evaluating his hypothesis and detailed research in their ECA studies, but up to now they appear to be dismissing the evidence and ignoring him.

MARINET’s 24 minute video presentation on Marine Aggregate Dredging providing a balanced view from all stakeholders, can be seen by clicking below. Although some of content is now several years old, the points of view remain topical. It is presented in three parts which may be played sequentially or individually.

MARINET has enlisted the aid of Norman Lamb, MP for North Norfolk in drawing the attention of DEFRA and the government in general to the now rapidly advancing and escalating threats facing East Anglia due to the many combined aggravating government policies on dredging and its licensing, and the lack of any that could help prevent the degradation.

A 14 minute video from the USA on dredging and the resultant coastal erosion, showing the both causes of it and the methodology capable of correcting the loss of shoreline, can be seen by going to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYMEh8kkRKs&feature=player_embedded If those of you who have your houses, businesses or beaches threatened by dredging and the Shoreline Management [...]

Many ‘stakeholders’ who have opposed the continuing dredging of aggregate from off our coastline may already have received the document(s) attached direct from AODA/BMAPA. But many may not have done so, so would need to read about the latest move and hopefully react accordingly. To MARINET this smacks of a rather cosy relationship requiring united opposition.

A 14 minute video from the USA on dredging and the resultant coastal erosion, showing the both causes of it and the methodology capable of correcting the loss of shoreline.

Peter Waller of Felixstowe has been studying papers on Sand Waves and their mobility, and following much reading has come up with an interesting analysis.

CSIRO was asked by the Australian Government to consult with UK and US organisations on the impact of marine aggregate dredging in these two countries, and thus to advise on lessons applicable to Australia should a similar decision be made in that country to dredge for marine aggregate.

‘Eumarsand’, the European Sand and Gravel Resources site could prove to be a step toward responsible sanity as it directly states the environmental harm brought about by offshore aggregate mining.

Ever wondered where all of those ships, dredgers, tankers, good and bad, are in the sea? Now you can find out.

This is the MARINET submission, dated 11th March 2010, to the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee considering “the Management of the Crown Estate”. Our submission provides evidence on how the Crown Estate and the UK Government have managed, and often mismanaged, the seabed, its ecosystem and the related coastline in order to exploit the seabed, which is owned by the Crown Estate, for sand and gravel.

Although the emphasis is on port dredging, the following European Court of Justice ruling on the application of The European Habitats Directive could have a decisive bearing on aggregate dredging and its impact of our offshore and coastal areas.

A well worded response to the Outer Thames pSPA consultation by Fisherman Chris Wightman acting on behalf of the Anglian Fishermen’s Association.

The MFA website content seen under ‘Marine Environment’ leaves us with little doubt of its full support of the dredging industry. The exploitation of the environment obviously takes full priority over and above concern for our sea, seabed and coastal environment in their eyes.

MARINET wrote to Anne McIntosh, who has been Shadow Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs since 8th September 2009, to express our concern of the ongoing impasse regarding continuing Offshore Aggregate Dredging. She in turn wrote to Huw Irranca Davies who is the existing Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in DEFRA.
The Ministers reply to her consisted of the usual output as regards dredging as seen earlier on our website, so a follow-up was sent to Anne McIntosh to cover our response to the content, some quotes and points of which our members might find useful when dealing with the matter.

MARINET has assembled a critique, based on a reading of the literature and scientific studies from around the world, of the assertion made by the aggregate companies that offshore dredging for sand and gravel does not cause beach and coastal erosion. This MARINET report explains the process by which this erosion occurs, and presents the evidence behind this reasoning.

You will recall that the spokesman for BMAPA originally denied any damaging impact to the sea bed as a result of dredging. Following our provision of evidence disproving this claim in our objections to licence applications, this was later amended by a claim that full recovery resulted within a year of the termination of dredging operations. Now read on…

Jerry Berne of Sustainable Coastlines wrote this philosophical treatise comparing the dredging and erosion situation (mal)practised in the USA and in the UK.