Effects of extraction of marine sediments on fisheries

Report of the ICES Working Group on the Effects of Extraction of Marine Sediments on Fisheries. 

Aggregates are required principally for construction purposes and land reclamation and beach replenishment schemes. As acceptable land-based sources are being diminished, pressure is increasing in many ICES member countries to meet the demand with marine deposits. This in tum is leading to greater potential for conflict between the marine aggregate extraction industry and other users of ocean space, in particular the fishing industry.

The ICES Working Group on the Effects of Extraction of Marine Sediments on Fisheries was convened in 1986 with the aim of increasing our knowledge and understanding of the impact of marine aggregate extraction activities upon fisheries in particular, and the marine environment in general, as well as reviewing management practices adopted by member countries to control such activities. Members of the Working Group have met regularly to exchange information on these matters: the following report is a synthesis of the information compiled.