Marine Aggregates
The Solent is an active focus for the aggregates industry, this activity can be divided into two functions:
- Extraction of aggregates off the south east coast of the Isle of Wight, and in Christchurch Bay.
- Landing of aggregates, including both marine dredged material and imported crushed rock. Landing for use on the mainland takes place at a number of wharves on the Rivers Itchen and Test, and at Portsmouth and Langstone Harbours. Marine aggregates are supplied to the Isle of Wight via wharves at Cowes and Newport.
Trends in demand for aggregates are principally governed by the market responding to the construction industry, such as housing and road building. Marine aggregates are also used in beach replenishment schemes. Large volumes of aggregates are pumped directly from dredgers onto beaches, providing coastal protection as well as enhancing the amenity value and therefore the economy of an area.
The Crown Estate owns most of the seabed around the UK out to the 12 nautical mile territorial limit and has the rights to all non-energy minerals within the remainder of the UK continental shelf. It will licence marine aggregate extraction, if the Government has issued a favourable permission.
To obtain a licence, companies who have been successful in a tender round run by The Crown Estate must go through a Government View (GV) procedure which includes the submission of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). This is currently administered by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). If the GV is favourable The Crown Estate will issue the applicant with a production licence.
The Crown Estate's website gives details on the area of seabed licensed, dredged and surrendered each year.
The British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA) is the representative trade body for the British marine aggregate industry and a member of the Solent Forum.
