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Offshore aggregates - summary
Due to the localised occurrence of suitable material and the need for this
to be readily exploitable and near to discharge ports the areas
of exploitation are considered to be relatively small. Marine aggregate
extraction has, in the past, been encouraged by Government policy, subject to
detailed assessment of potential impacts, known as the "Government View".
Offshore aggregate extraction is not an obvious and direct pressure on coastal
shingle formations. However the extent of gravel extraction offshore poses a
potential threat, if it diminishes the supply of material to the coast. The
precise effects are difficult to determine, though there are a number of recent
developments that suggest the issue is an increasingly important consideration
in granting new licences for potential offshore extraction sites, namely:
The current procedures within England
and Scotland
and Wales are summarised and attempt made to identify key elements
which are important to coastal vegetated shingle.
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