Project Status - Complete
Start Year: 2006
End Year: 2010
Funding Body: COST

Geographic Area: Europe
Local Study Area: Europe

Project Co-Ordinator :
CMRC Contact: Gerry Sutton

Website: http://www.cost.esf.org/domains_actions/essem/Actions/638

Abstract

Extraction of marine sand and gravel has a recognised effect on the seabed and its fauna; for example, it can take several years before dredging tracks disappear and total recovery of the fauna is reached following dredging activities. The variety of stakeholders and their interactions with the marine environment adds to the disparate and complex nature of marine sand and gravel management and this is exacerbated by the transboundary nature of marine processes. Integrated management and assessment can be effective only if there is a high degree of compatibility, accessibility and interchangeability in environmental data and research.

Currently there is little integrated transferral of knowledge across all facets of this sector within Europe because of the sheer number of research initiatives and the diffracted nature of individual national research and policy objectives. Investment from COST in this area will promote clarity between national objectives and will achieve agreement on and disseminate a European position.

This Action will cover a broad scope of science issues which are essential to the development of the industry. The Action would add value to national research by synthesising techniques and results across geographic space to benefit a variety of end-users. It will enable ongoing scientific research to have more relevance and credibility across Europe, encourage collaboration and develop synergies between researchers to advance scientific results.

Keywords: marine sand and gravel extraction; knowledge transfer; European marine policy; marine environmental protection; minimising impacts.