Marine aggregate extraction and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive: A review of existing research

The purpose of this bibliographical review is to consider the environmental impact of marine aggregate extraction in the context of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the overarching objective of achieving Good Environmental Status (GES) across a number of relevant descriptors. The review identifies gaps in current knowledge, and highlights the need for expert judgement where understanding is limited. In particular, this report calls attention to the need to account for seabed recovery and recolonization when seeking to understand the footprint of effects from aggregate dredging. Information from this study should be used to optimize the management of marine aggregate extraction and its sustainable development, thus addressing policy and management needs.

28/04/2022: Minor corrections made