drawing strength from the depths Offshore Development: experiences of the marine aggregates industry Mark Russell British Marine Aggregate Producers Association UK Offshore Wind 2002, 18 th April 2002

drawing strength from the depths

Historical Influences Consents Process –currently non-statutory –to be replaced by a Statutory System National Policy –no specific Government Policy –Marine Mineral Guidance imminent

drawing strength from the depths

Regional Environmental Assessment Controlled development, informed by REA Regional approach to assessment - particularly cumulative/in-combination Environmental impacts to be minimised OBJECTIVE: Regional Management Scheme

drawing strength from the depths Why this approach ? improved baseline of environmental data/ reduction in survey costs, leading to; more consistent approach to assessment, particularly cumulative/in-combination, which results in; identification of key issues to be managed, mitigated and monitored

drawing strength from the depths Wider Implications industry committed to confirming the implications of the ECR at a national level permissions will be linked to: - return of exhausted licence area - prioritisation of current applications national/regional policy objectives (MMG): - minimise area licensed - minimise area dredged

drawing strength from the depths Benefits Consideration at a regional scale will lead to more effective management of individual areas and ensure environmental impacts are minimised. Linkages with the wider industry position at a national scale will allow a more sustainable approach towards the important role marine aggregates play

drawing strength from the depths “We (the developers) have to help them (regulators/stakeholders) to help ourselves…”