Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for the UK marine aggregate industry

October 2011

1 bmapa british marine aggregate producers association Mineral Products Association Forewords Maintaining a steady supply of marine aggregate is essential to our way of life. The challenge is to harness the substantial resource that exists around our shores while protecting all that is best about our marine environment.

There has been a seismic shift in our understanding of the effects of marine aggregate extraction, enabled through a range of industry investigations and assessments, as well as wider research initiatives. The resulting improvements in evidence tegy

and understanding have in turn allowed more robust measures to be developed to manage and mitigate a the pressures created by extraction. The enhanced levels of understanding that have resulted, particularly in terms of marine habitats and their distribution, have made a significant contribution to the ongoing development of the national Marine Protected Area network. The strategy This strategy represents an important part of our wider commitment to sustainable development. Through our BAP, we hope to demonstrate the positive contribution the sector can make towards protecting and enhancing biodiversity. This should be achieved not only through the responsible management and A Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Strategy for the Marine stewardship of the areas where we operate, but also through the improved understanding made possible by the high quality survey data we acquire. Aggregate Industry

This document has been produced by the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA) and provides the strategic basis for development of the BMAPA

Kevin Seaman, Chairman, BMAPA Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). The Strategy seeks to outline the purpose of the BAP, Str Action (BAP) Plan Biodiversity its objectives, guiding principles, proposed structure and ultimate utility. To date,

Marine aggregate producers have long been at the forefront of efforts to achieve the BMAPA BAP development proposals have been reviewed by Natural England better understanding of marine biodiversity. Our knowledge of the species and and The Countryside Council for Wales to ensure that their views are incorporated habitats in the seas around England has increased significantly in the last few during the beginning of the process and that the resulting BAP is relevant to marine years, in no small part due to evidence provided by the sector. This has allowed designation of marine protected areas (MPAs) to proceed in partnership with aggregate extraction operations in English and Welsh waters. development of aggregate extraction activity. Implementation of the BMAPA BAP is a logical next step to progress the core values of sustainable development for the sector. By linking the BAP to the wider sustainability goals of its members, BMAPA will ensure that suitable and appropriate information can be used to manage operations and be provided to other seabed users, regulators, other relevant authorities and advisers. Marine aggregate Contents producers are leading the way in demonstrating marine environmental stewardship. Section Page 1. Introduction 4

2. What is biodiversity? 4

James Marsden, Director Marine, Natural England 3. Why conserve biodiversity? 5

4. What is a biodiversity action plan (BAP)? 6 The Wildlife Trusts believe that the seas around the UK have the potential to be among the most productive and wildlife-rich on Earth. Sustainable use of our seas 5. the strategy for development and implementation of the resources is vital if our seas are to recover from past declines. BMAPA BAP 7 This means development at sea that has minimal impacts on wildlife and habitats. We welcome the development of Biodiversity Action Plans by the marine 6. the BMAPA BAP in the context of BMAPA’s wider approach to aggregates industry and hope they will help the industry to minimise the impacts sustainable development 11 from aggregates extraction whilst helping to increase our knowledge of marine habitats. 7. the use of BAP in managing the operations of member companies 12

8. the structure of the BMAPA BAP 13

9. timescales for completion and implementation of the BMAPA BAP 15 Stephanie Hilbourne, Chief Executive, The Wildlife Trust

2 3 Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Strategy 4 Introduction 2. 1. What isbiodiversity? Introduction quality andmore relevantquality information, initiatives. compatible withtheirown reporting andorganisations authorities responsible forregulatory management intheUKreceive biodiversity better areas. Together, theseover-arching policieswillprovide BMAPA to memberswithaframework ensure that andproposals forprovide ongoingactivities whenconsidering dredging new memberswithastructure As anadditionto BMAPA’s Strategy, SustainableDevelopment existing itisintended that theBMAPA will BAP coherent andsustainableway. for issuitablyconsidered biodiversity andoperationsaggregate are marine managedina extraction information acquired andheldby membersismanagedinsuchaway that theimplications ofmarine ofthelicence areas hasbeenacquired.vicinity thisinmind,With BMAPA believe itisessential that the by membersavast speciesinthe theseabedhabitats andmarine amount ofdata describing undertaken biodiversity itcontains.biodiversity ecosystem, to operations shouldbemanagedwithrespect the aggregate andhow marine extraction assessment.biodiversity The BMAPA Strategy BAP ofthemarine inthecontext willconsider biodiversity There are many definitionsofbiodiversity, andwhilethisoneislimited itprovides uswithaplatform for and ofecosystems. and theecological complexes are ofwhichthey part; withinspecies, and includesdiversity between species among livingorganisms from allsources including, inter alia, terrestrial, andotheraquatic ecosystems marine According Plan Action Biodiversity (UKBAP), to theUnited Kingdom “biological diversity” isthevariability cover 1291km for around 90%oftheannualUKtotal. The licence areas operated aggregate marine by industry theBritish Products Association. represents 11membercompanies, It ofresource who interms account production BMAPA intheUK, isthetrade association for aggregate themarine industry ofthewiderMineral andpart sitesmembers andimprove around aggregate theUK. management ofmarine thebiodiversity extraction operating practices, BMAPA that plan(BAP) willassistits aimsto action develop andmaintain abiodiversity continued towards drive oftheindustry’s improved isnoexception andaspart aggregatemarine industry for maintenance are andenhancementon biodiversity minimisedandopportunities are maximised. The UK to onbiodiversity ensureall considerthat, theimplications oftheiractions where possible, adverse effects sustainable development andcorporate socialresponsibility. Governments, must communities andindustry Management, maintenance regarding are andenhancement ofbiodiversity central to currentthinking 2 oftheUKcontinental shelf, asoftheend2010, oftheregular surveys andby virtue 3. Why conserve biodiversity? Why conserve fundamental component of their everyday lives.fundamental component oftheireveryday aresteps, awarethat allmembersofsociety oftheissueandtake however small, to establishingitasa isthereforeIt management may clearthat whilstbiodiversity beadifficult concept to accept, itisimportant depends,of theecosystems uponwhichsociety ofbusinesses andtheeconomy. sustainability thelongterm ofthehealthandproductivity bothinterms istherefore isimportant ofbiodiversity It clearthat conservation provides endlessmotivation for enquiry, from schoolchildren to scientists. enriches manypeople’sIt day. lives every We are upliftedby nature andourspirit isrenewed by contact withit. It Because itinspires andenrichesour lives (aesthetic/spiritual/cultural services) convenience andabuse. thinkitiswrongMany people andto treat to goextinct letspecies nature designedfor asifithasbeen our iswrong (moral/ethical/philosophical)Because to dootherwise dollars. the soil. From flood control to soil conservation, manytrillions of is worth theannual contribution oftheseservices biodiversity plays anenormousrole inregulation oftheatmosphere, ofthewater of andthenutrient cycles cycle derivedbeen from wildplantproducts –andmanymore are yet to discovered. be At thelarger ecosystem scale, products we consume anduse. Manypharmaceuticals, aswell assoaps, starches, rubber, oils, dyes, andfabrics, have From offish to thegrowing theharvesting oftimber, biodiversity provides thesource for anenormous range of andregulation services) Because it(products upon oureconomy depend andlifestyles itsresponseabout to environmental pressures. biodiversity aloneinfluences ahuge range ofprocesses vital andfunctions to ecosystem services, known yet littleis theecological collapseIf lifeorradically onEarth systems thatsupport change, existence isthreatened. ourvery Soil with 12%ofbirds, threatened 25%ofmammalsand32%amphibiansbeing over withextinction century. thenext evolve over time. However, have humanactivities caused rates extinction to increase to 1,000timesthenatural level rivets from aflyingaircraft Natural –itshouldalso species andnew happens cause usspecies extinction to worry! range ofconditions thatfavour life onEarth. Removing components from outthe thisweb-of-lifeto taking isakin Living things, therocks andsoils, water andairinteract inamyriad ofcomplex andinter-related ways to provide a services) it(life-support upon Because depends oursurvival presented biodiversity The reasons inthat workare for reproduced conserving below: This isafundamental questionandonewhichwas addressed by theUK’s Partnership in2007. Biodiversity Why conserve biodiversity? 5 biodiversity? Why conserve

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Strategy Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Strategy 6 plan? action What isabiodiversity 4. What is a biodiversity action plan? action What isabiodiversity development andimplementation itselffollowing oftheBAP theproposedpresented structure herein. applied to ensure thatofinformation cross compatibility ispossible. The second stageoftheprocess isthe protecting andenhancingbiodiversity. considers how theBMAPA It might BAP bestbedeveloped and such asSACs, SPAs, Zones Conservation whichare crucial to ofMarine network SSSIs andtheforthcoming The Strategy BAP national programmes alsodescribes for management, biodiversity andprotected sites ensure that process theBAP enhances theirutility. with information andActive (inpartnership DredgeEnglish Heritage) Area Chart The Crown Estate)) to BMAPA Strategy, SustainableDevelopment Protocol with theArchaeological Reporting (inpartnership BMAPA initiatives (e.g. with programme (inpartnership Area Dredged reporting The Crown Estate), the outlines theaimsandproposed approach to management andusesinformation biodiversity from ongoing a two stageapproach. To beginwith, andpresented here, Strategy aBAP hasbeendeveloped. The Strategy To BAP, achieve thegoalofdeveloping andimplementing anover-arching industry BMAPA have developed are identified, aimsandactions in BAP regional differences are alsoidentified andaccounted for. (habitats, species). The BMAPA Strategy BAP accounts for thisandensures that whilst ‘common denominators’ differencesalso distinct between andcoastal theregionalenvironments marine work withinwhichthey companies andtheiroperations (e.g. dredging methods, target resources, environmental effects), there are issuesaswhilstthere are overallThis raises aggregate important commonalities between marine producing basis, planningat aregional scale. through action application ofbiodiversity BMAPA strategy, BAP aplanisbeingdeveloped to account for consideration onanindustry ofbiodiversity biological diversity. This definition BAP ofa focuses ontheutility for alocal area but ofthe for thepurposes According to UKPlanning, isastrategy aBAP prepared andenhancing for alocal area aimedat conserving 5.2.2. 5.2.1. 5.2. 5.1. 5. t t

The strategy for development andimplementation oftheBMAPA BAP T T he UKBiodiversity Partnership he UKBiodiversity Plan Action he BMAPA BAP inthecontext ofnational biodiversity andconservation management initiatives he objective oftheBMAPA BAP ordinate actions that should be taken forward at aUKlevel. forward ordinate that shouldbetaken actions involved with, orwithaninterest in, Plan Action theUKBiodiversity anditspoliciesonbiodiversity, andto co- strategies. biodiversity by andtheirnew countries The Partnership together aimsto allthepartners bring succeeded by Partnership Standing theUKBiodiversity Committee, which better reflected thedevolved lead PartnershipThe seeksto UKBiodiversity implement theUKBAP, Group was butin2002theUKBiodiversity decade. next England’s wildlife andecosystem services’, strategy itdefinesanambitiousbiodiversity for England for the recent update for England was publishedby inAugust Defra 2011. Entitled 2020:‘Biodiversity Astrategy for Since itsinception, ofanumberupdates following hasbeensubject theUKBAP review. The most sustainable useoftheUK’s biological resources. for andprovides amore ofecosystempriorities UKconservation holisticview conservation, protection, and government issetoutintheframework: –theUKApproach”. Biodiversity “Conserving This setsoutthefuture The sharedadopted visionfor by boththedevolved conservation UKBiodiversity administrations andtheUK loss called ofbiodiversity significant reduction for by theCBD. to aidrecovery, rounds show how hascontributed theUKBAP to andreporting theUK’s progress towards the at national anddevolved levels. plansfor Action themostthreatened speciesandhabitats have beensetout thebiological resourcesdescribes oftheUKandprovides detailedplansfor oftheseresources, conservation to identify, biological diversity, andprotectexisting conserve andto enhance itwherever possible. The UKBAP Convention called for thedevelopment andenforcement ofnational strategies plans andassociated action The istheUKGovernment’s UKBAP response to theConvention (CBD). onBiologicalDiversity The initiatives have beenidentified ashaving relevance oftheBMAPAto theobjective BAP. and itsoutputsprovide widervalue to management. biodiversity As afirststep, the following biodiversity The BMAPA will needto BAP bedeveloped withdueregard for initiatives widerbiodiversity sothat theBAP marine aggregatemarine companies regarding management andmitigation measures. a consistent, wideapproach to reporting. industry Inturn, thisshouldresult inmore consistent advice to issueto bedelivered, tostructure enablethisimportant whileregulators andtheiradvisors willbenefitfrom approach to biodiversity, considering In adoptinganindustry-wide operators willbenefitfrom a common relating use, to sustainablemarine ofGovernment policy delivery support Spatial Planning. includingMarine together for anddeliverinhelping interests bestpractice marine sectoral willbecome increasingly important Protected ofMarine of anetwork Areas, initiatives that are ableto pull meansthat proactiveindustry-led The evolution oftheUKGovernment’s andCoastal Access Marine 2009, Act andtheassociated development national, regional andlocal scales. issuesat biodiversity by whenconsidering thesector a robust andconsistent approach to beundertaken oftheBMAPAThe objective andprocesses structure to enable initiative BAP isto develop thenecessary below. inthesections implementation isdescribed oftheindustry. andimpacts regulating theactivities andmonitoring The strategy for development BAP and companies,guidance aggregate notonlyto marine extraction with butalsoto thoseorganisations tasked strategy isrequired. This willensure that isbothrealisticandthat theBAP itprovides initsobjectives valuable For theBMAPA to BAP achieve itsfullpotential, acarefully considered development andimplementation The strategy for development andimplementation ofthe BMAPA BAP7

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Strategy Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Strategy 8 The strategy for development andimplementation of theBMAPA BAP 5.2.4. 5.2.3.

Wales Biodiversity Partnership E ngland Biodiversity G ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

actions. The group; Steering Group provides aleadershiprole andisthedecisionmaking however, itdoes organisations in Wales. hasbeensetupto workonbehalfofthePartnership to coordinate It Wales level consists ofaround 30memberschosen from appropriate public, groups sector and private andvoluntary ofthePartnershipThe isto mainobjective enableanddeliver action. biodiversity The WBP Steering Group it includesallthosewhohave sofarappliedto become members. Ecologists (ALGE) Champions from membersandallBiodiversity Local Authorities/National Parks. Inaddition Partnership includesall LBAP members,It allstaffofLocal Record Centres, allAssociation ofLocal Authority The ofpeoplewhohaveWBP consists ofawidenetwork in arole to play conservation inbiodiversity Wales. steered andfacilitated by group, thesteering team. andthesupport thewiderpartnership to promote, in monitor anddeliver actions biodiversity Wales. mechanismsare organised,The delivery The Wales players from together thepublic, Partnership key brings Biodiversity sectors private andvoluntary –economic, inallitsaspects ofSustainableDevelopment integrated aspart environmental and social. ofastrategic to programme andoverseeing ensureisfully Developing ofactions biodiversity delivery and, biodiversity, whichencompasses local andnational information, to form coherent UKandnational pictures; groups to create andintroduceof withotherUKcountry Working for aframework andreporting monitoring and programmes affect asthey biodiversity; Encouraging theadoptionby towards allitsmembersofcommon principles theoperation oftheirpolicies cutting issuesbetween workstreams; Strategy theEngland Biodiversity forward andaddressEstablishing aprogrammecross ofworkto take interests andsectoral inviting inbiodiversity; membershipfrom awiderange ofpartners The England Group delivers itsremit by: toSeeks promote public understandingandawareness ofbiodiversity. Provides aconduit for thetransmission ofinformation to andfrom thenational, regional andlocal levels; Is thefocal inEngland; point for partnership biodiversity Strategy;Biodiversity Identifies resource requirements funds for implementation andassistsinsecuring for the England Plan; Action Strategy oftheUKBiodiversity oftheBiodiversity for England aspart andleadsdelivery Develops In particular, theGroup: regional andlocal levels. at thenational, setbyEngland withintheframework theUKBGandwithfullco-operation ofpartners Group’sThe England Biodiversity aimisto in andenhancement promote ofbiodiversity theconservation nature’ The Group ischaired by whoprovide Defra Policy itssecretariatthorough theBiodiversity Unit. Strategy oftheBiodiversity fordevelopment England assetoutin anddelivery withthegrain of ‘Working sectors, advises theGovernment ontheimplementation inEngland. oftheUKBAP Inparticular, itoversees Group,The England Biodiversity whichinvolves from public, stakeholders private andthevoluntary or Welsh waters, isconsidered below. partnerships oftherespectivebiodiversity theremit andresponsibility administrative areas. occurswithinEnglish activity Considering that allpresentaggregate marine extraction andtheseorganisations intheirrespective ofbiodiversity now overseepartnership andreporting monitoring devolved administrations. Each ofthedevolved management administrations hasestablishedabiodiversity Since itsimplementation, hasbeenmodified theUKBAP to account for thenew responsibilities oftheUKs roup 5.2.5.

Marine ProtectedMarine Areas –Offshore SACs, SPAs andMCZs ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

The WBP presents its Statement”“Mission asfollows: principles orunderlying throughout thewiderpartnership. exclusively.not act available decisionsdependingontheadvice andexpertise The Steering Group makes of the wider marine ecosystem.of thewidermarine provide somerelatively andfunctioning unaffected thestructure areas value ofhighbiodiversity to support result ofhumanactivities, protect areas ofrepresentative speciesandhabitats to helpensure donotbecome thatthreatened they asa widespread damaging activities, protect areas ofthreatened species andhabitats to helpensureisnotlostas aresult biodiversity of protected areas areMarine onemanagement tool whichcan: toselected protectnotjusttherare andthreatened, wildlife. buttherange ofmarine Welsh inshore waters there willbeasmallnumberofMCZsafforded ahighlevel of protection. Sites willbe offshore Irish waters,and Northern MCZswillbeidentifiedMarine Zone Conservation through the Project. In can bedesignated anywhere inEnglish inshore andUKoffshore waters. InEnglish inshore andEnglish, Welsh (MCZ). wildlife, marine MCZswillprotectnationally important habitats, and geologyandgeomorphology Protectedfor ofMarine thecreation type Area ofanew (MPA) inEngland, Zone Conservation called aMarine In additionto theMPA above, designations described and Coastal AccessThe Marine contains Act provisions MPAs. andnon-statutory voluntary habitats andspecies. (MNRs)for nationally important Nature Reserves and Marine There are alsoanumberof (SACs)Areas ofConservation for habitats ofEuropean importance, SpecialProtection Areas (SPAs) for birds, species andhabitats ofEuropean andnational importance. ofMPAThe maintypes intheUKare Special resources. IntheUK, MPAs biodiversity, marine have beensetupto helpconserve primarily inparticular areas whichhaveof marine to protect living, somelevel ofrestriction non-living, cultural, and/orhistoric According to (2010), Defra Protected Marine theterm Area (MPA) awiderange hasbeenusedto describe Hofthe line withAnnex Wales Framework Biodiversity Work in to deliver Partnershipsaction ofLBAP to andtheir ability biodiversity ensure sustainability longterm outmechanismsforSeek improving fundingofbiodiversity using Local Record Centres, System andothermechanismsasrequired Reporting Action theBiodiversity met taken/targets onaction information ofbiodiversity andreporting andsharing thegathering Support and enhancement ofbiodiversity that contributes to action theconservation andtake andto support intheiractivities account ofbiodiversity Influence national andlocal government, businesses, groups, voluntary communities andindividuals to take collaborative action andde-fragmentation projects ofhabitats through management includingecological connectivity thedevelopment andmanagement oflarge-scale landandseahabitat Encourage andsupport buildings, infrastructure andutility transport theplanning,Encourage andsupport development andmanagement ofspecies-friendly, habitat-rich andpositivelybiodiversity contribute to it’s enhancement methods inorder toenvironmentally on reduce theirimpact andextraction sustainableproduction Enable agriculture, to promote andotherindustries fisheries theuseofwild-life friendly, organic, Responsive, Focused andEffective Support WBP Steering Group and intheirsaimsto Network be;Wider Decisive, Inclusive, Transparent, The strategy for development andimplementation ofthe BMAPA BAP9

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Strategy Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Strategy 10 The strategy for development and implementation oftheBMAPA BAP 5.3.

Development andimplementation oftheBMAPA BAP ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Initiation of the first reporting and review period and review Initiation ofthefirst reporting Issue oftheBMAPA BAP to BAP account ofthedraft forRevision thecomments received Council to BAP for NaturalSubmission ofthedraft England andCountryside Wales for andcomment review Completion BMAPA ofthedraft BAP Issue Strategy oftheBAP document asoutlinedbelow: Implementation willbeundertaken onoftheBAP maintain itsrelevance andvalue process andreview that ensures updatedThe theplanisregularly willformalise BAP soasto areporting protected area initiatives The willbedeveloped BAP withdueregard for management programmes national biodiversity andmarine initiatives The willbedeveloped BAP sothat itprovides information to otherBMAPA assessment andreporting attendant activities and,of aggregate extraction ifpossible, andits promoting thebeneficialeffects ofaggregateextraction The for willidentify BAP currentoperationaleffects bestpractice ofmanagingthedetrimental thepurposes to aggregate effectguidance documents ofmarine andtheirsensitivity extraction speciesandhabitatsThe identified willprovideinnational BAP legislation and information onthe priority ofbiodiversity conservation andimplications for thepotential onbiodiversity The willdescribe BAP effects ofaggregate extraction theiroperations during biodiversity considering The willbedeveloped BAP to ensure that BMAPA’s membercompanies have acommonfor framework The development strategy for theBMAPA willbedirectedby BAP thefollowing guidingprinciples: 6. development The BMAPA ofBMAPA’s inthecontext BAP widerapproach to sustainable range ofactivities. ensure thatinformed, itisproperly that itremains currentandthat theoutcomes process oftheBAP inform a Once implemented, oforganisations to avariety andinformation willneedto theBAP belinked sources to andaresource aggregate forof marine extraction membercompanies to inform theirindividualactivities. which draw ontheoutputsofotherinitiatives, issuesinthecontext ofbiodiversity providing anoverview BMAPA commitments, ofitswiderSustainableDevelopment to develop that aBAP sitsat theheart isseeking to biodiversity. process that willenableit’s membersto provide theinformation requiredbodieswithrespect by regulatory to withrespect biodiversity. viewpoint industry Inadditionto this, BMAPA provide astandardised willfurther issues tends to bemore limited. The proposed BMAPA willaddress BAP thisissueandwillformalise an site specificassessments ofhabitats andspecies,companies undertake but consideration ofbiodiversity for issuesofthesite inquestion–at local, theconservation regional and national scales.. aggregate Marine Applications for licences to dredge andongoingoperation mustaccount dredging ofexisting permissions avaluable for strategic function willperform BAP operators,aggregate industry regulators andtheiradvisors. planning asacentral pillarofmanagement activities, action biodiversity BMAPA believes that amarine ofitscommitment to international andnational initiatives,2012 aspart to adopt andmoves by industry Protected theUKGovernment committedWith to ofMarine anetwork delivering Areas by theendof members management oftheiractivities. organisations responsible for regulating operations, andadvising ontheindustry’s aswell assupporting with information (inpartnership Area Chart The Crown Estate) hasproved usefulto external extremely Strategy, Protocol andActive Dredge withEnglish Heritage) theArchaeological Reporting (inpartnership with programme (inpartnership Dredged reporting The Crown Estate), theBMAPA SustainableDevelopment resulting fromthe significance dredging. ofimpacts Information generated by initiatives suchasthe Area for whomustcomment ondredging authorities membersbutalsofor proposals anddetermine regulatory and provide amore issues. coherent response to key BMAPA believes thishasatangiblebenefitnotonly BMAPA hasinrecent years sought to implement strategies that coordinate andpractices member’s activities impact. industry’s inorder seeksto toand actively engageinterested develop operating methodsthat minimisethe parties BMAPA involved withalltheotherparties believes thischallengeshouldbeapproached asapartnership toresponsibility operate withcare for andconcern ecosystem boththemarine andotherusersofthesea. 90% ofthenational total. recognises that itworksinasensitive environmentThe industry andaccepts its BMAPA represents aggregate 11oftheUKsmarine companies produce that collectively production around The BMAPA ofBMAPA’s BAPin thecontext widerapproach to sustainable development 11

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Strategy Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Strategy 12 The useofBAP inmanaging theoperations ofmember companies 7.

The inmanagingtheoperations useofBAP ofmembercompanies v. iv. iii. ii. i.

measured impacts. of sites onaregional targeted andnational scale, aggregate by themarine industry against benchmarked Standardised characteristics protocols monitoring biodiversity capable ofdescribing andassessment criteria Statements regarding the sensitivity of priority species (described above) species(described andhabitats to dredgingStatements impacts. ofpriority regarding thesensitivity 42list. species identified innational and regional designations 1speciesandthesection including Annex alllicence speciesandhabitatsconsideration requiring applications. during A listofpriority This willinclude practical BAP for BAP practical theaggregates industry: licences.managing operational extraction BMAPA consideringenerating thefollowing a points important information, willbesuitablefor theBAP and oftheiractivities memberswhenassessingthepotential impacts BAP documentfinal to ensure that thedevelopmentBAP issuitablyinformed. ofthe By relevantconsidering national andinternational programmes inthe management willbereviewed ofbiodiversity andsummarised possible, isavoided. andduplication ofeffort enhances theBAP theirutility Information from relevant The BMAPA Strategy BAP considers information from BMAPA existing initiatives to ensure that, where applications and direct the management of operational extraction sites. themanagement ofoperationalapplications anddirect extraction pursuingthisapproach,By itwillbepossiblefor companies to draw to ontheBAP inform individuallicence fulfilment oftheir responsibilities. members butthat alsogenerates in information ofuseto national andregionalpartnerships biodiversity process that notonlyprovides ofBMAPA relevantA clearreporting theactivities information to support area A listofaccepted mitigation measures that are speciesorhabitats appliedwhenBAP are identified withinan influenced by aggregate extraction operationsinfluenced ona regional andnationalby aggregatescale. extraction 8.

The structure oftheBMAPAThe structure BAP vi) v) iv) iii) t ii) i) extraction operations occur.extraction willbedeveloped that account for andactions activities specificissuesineachofthe regions where geographic regions whichhave ecosystem characteristics. distinct Atableofregionalised aims, supporting to thevarious delivering elements process oftheBAP willberequired. operates inwell defined The industry aims willbedeveloped BAP instage6.v,Whilst over-arching industry-wide that aregional approach itislikely of Definition regionalised aims, andactions activities supporting progress future iterations anddirect oftheBAP. may notbe completed proposed andassuchtheprocess withintheperiod willbeupdated to monitor appropriate additionalresponses introduced. That said, for ofreasons, avariety itisunderstood that actions defined,activities explained, and willbetracked year on year changesinperformance andwhere necessary progress againsttheaimsandsupporting to report usingactions relevant By andtimebound(SMART). operations. willbeproposed that are andactions specific, activities Supporting measureable, achievable, willbedeveloped andcommon mitigation measures actions identified aggregatefor allmarine extraction (outlinedabove) atableofaims, priorities On establishingtheconservation and activities supporting ofbroadscale aims,Definition andactions activities supporting sites. to befound ofaggregateare mostlikely inthevicinity extraction data ofspeciesandhabitats regarding thatorganisms thetypes to theeffect ofdredging andtheindustry protected speciesandhabitats, national guidance, BAP relevant research ofmarine regarding thesensitivity developmentphase oftheBAP willbeinformed by European to anddomesticlegislation withrespect components oftheoverall ecosystem that are mostsensitive to theinfluence ofaggregateextraction. This identified. Inthis way, the resources can bebetterrequired and for monitoring focusedonthe reporting environment ofthemarine and function consider thewiderstructure relevant to thespeciesandhabitats of theplan, speciesandhabitats and directedthrough willbemore theBAP identification clearly ofpriority isto ofaBAP The purpose ‘conserve andenhance’ biodiversity. Whilst thisover-arching aimisthefoundation Identification andhabitats species ofthepriority for consideration inthe BAP andto maximisingitsvalueutility itsbroad inachieving aims/objectives. draws on, otherBMAPA itspractical to ensuring willbekey andbroadermanagement activities biodiversity and relationship to will bedetermined. management/operational activities How relates theBAP to, and In order for to theBAP beaneffective management tool, management itspositionwithinexisting structures Positioning oftheBAP withinexisting management structures local level to inform latter process. stagesoftheBAP guidance. There willalsobeaneedto identify at thisstage, theinformation that isavailable at aregional and biodiversity/environmental/ecosystem information andrelevant Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) national government polices andguidelines, documents, strategy andpolicy industry broadscale contextual inform theBAP. At thehighestlevel, thiswillinclude, butnotbelimited to; international conventions, The ToR relevant willidentify anddescribe strategy, section andplanningdocumentation that will policy This willoutlinethereason for developing theBAP, itsbroadandtheoutputsofprocess. aims/objectives A statement ofintent/purpose willhaveBAP components, someprinciple specifically; The BMAPA willhave BAP that ultimately adefinedstructure informs management actions. anddirects The erms ofreference The structureoftheBMAPA BAP13

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Strategy Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Strategy 14 The structureof theBMAPA BAP viii) andreview reporting structure vii) and usedto inform activities. BAP andtimescales for actions ofdocumentshelpingto describing deliverseries ofthelocal BAPs theobjectives habitats andspeciesidentified instage6.iv.sensitivities ofthepriority The information willbe collated into a information produced by relevant to provide authorities thespecificinformation regarding thenature and forresponsibility implementation BAP isnow devolved, theBMAPA anddraw willreview BAP onavailable In thepastBAPs have beeninformed plans(HAPs by specifichabitat andspeciesaction andSAPs). As the componentsOther oftheBAP are andreview adopted. timescales forand practical reporting mechanism for ofaims, review andactions. activities at thisstagethat appropriate supporting isimportant It andthe willbeproposed structure that definesthescope andreview BAPupdate of reports A reporting 9.

Timescales forTimescales completion andimplementation oftheBMAPA BAP

Q.2 2014 onwards Q.2 2013 Q.2 2012 Q.4 2011 Production ofregional baseline(2011) BAP Production ofBMAPA Implementation BAP Plan Production ofBMAPA Strategy BAP Annual review ofregionalAnnual review documents BAP (2013) First ofregional review documents BAP (2012) Company BAPs* Local BAPs* SiteBAPs* specific Informed through regional data monitoring Informed data through nature conservation Informed through licence data specificmonitoring Timescales for completion andimplementation ofthe BMAPA BAP 15 *where available

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Strategy Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Strategy 16 The Biodiversity Action Plan Action The Biodiversity Contents We structure. andreview alsosetoutaplannedreporting define aims, at bothbroadscale and andactions regional levels. activities supporting speciesandhabitats that need to be considered.and identifies thepriority We then at thephysical aggregate andbiological effects ofmarine extraction in particular the mannerinwhichitwillbeimplemented by BMAPA’s members. The looks BAP From theagreed strategy, we now move Plan ontoAction theBiodiversity itselfand Aggregatethe Marine Industry Implementation oftheBiodiversity Plan (BAP) Action for 11. 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Section t t andreview reporting structure Other componentsOther oftheBAP of Definition regionalised aims, andactions activities supporting ofbroadscale aims,Definition andactions activities supporting in theBAP Identification andhabitats species ofthepriority for consideration Positioning oftheBAP within existing management structures Aims, oftheBAP Objectives andStructure andStatementintroduction ofIntent Overview erms ofreference he physical ofmarine aggregate effects andbiological extraction Page 54 50 43 39 29 24 23 21 19 18 18 17

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 18 Overview 2. 1.

Introduction andStatementIntroduction ofIntent Overview and committed to thedevelopment ofthisBAP. As aresult ofthiscommitment, BMAPA have producedPlan Action strategy aBiodiversity (BAP) document quality, relevant information, initiatives. compatible andcomparable withtheirown reporting andorganisations authorities responsible forregulatory management intheUKreceive biodiversity suitable areas. Together, theseover-arching policieswillprovide BMAPA to memberswithaframework ensure that andproposals forprovide ongoing activities whenconsidering dredging new memberswithastructure As anadditionto BMAPAs Strategy, SustainableDevelopment existing itisintended that theBMAPA will BAP and protection ofmarineandhabitats.” species “...we recognise ofmarine biodiversity andthecontribution theimportance we can make to better understanding a coherent andsustainableway. Indeed, oneofBMAPAs core values states that: for issuitablyconsidered biodiversity andoperations aggregate are marine of marine managedin extraction feel itisessential that theinformation available to membersismanagedinsuchaway that theimplications ofthelicence areas hasbeen acquired. speciesinthevicinity habitats andmarine thisinmind,With BMAPA by membersavast theseabed amount ofdata describing undertaken oftheregular surveys and by virtue by the British marine aggregate industry cover 1291km aggregate marine by industry theBritish ofresourceterms account for production around 90%oftheannualUKtotal. The licence areas operated Productswider Mineral Association. represents interest, 11memberswithamarine It in whocollectively BMAPA intheUK, isthetrade association for aggregate themarine industry andaconstituent body ofthe sites around aggregatetheUK. ingeneral andofmarine extraction management oftheindustry practices, istoBAP assistitsmembersdevelop themostsustainableworking andimprove thebiodiversity in operating practices, BMAPA plan(BAP). aimsto action develop andmaintain abiodiversity The aimofthe isnoexception. aggregatemarine industry continued towards drive oftheindustry’s improvements As part for maintenance are andenhancementon biodiversity minimisedandopportunities are maximised. The UK to onbiodiversity ensureall considerthat, theimplications oftheiractions where possible, adverse effects sustainable development andcorporate socialresponsibility. Governments, must communities andindustry Management, maintenance regarding are andenhancement ofbiodiversity central to currentthinking tool for thefuture. provide aggregate marine andpragmatic producing operational companies withapractical management consideration issueswithinthesustainabledevelopment strategy ofbiodiversity oftheAssociation and This document presents theBMAPA Plan Action establish Biodiversity whichitishopedwillmore firmly apt that BMAPA plan. action biodiversity to develop anover arching industry theopportunity hastaken recently,Most theUnited Nations declared 2010to betheInternational Year ofBiodiversity. istherefore It addressed, bestuseofournatural resources. therebyandensuring enhancingsustainability development planning,consideration during ofbiodiversity needsoftheenvironment thelongterm can be needs ofthenatural environmentofsocial, at theheart development. economic andindustrial Through Since theestablishment oftheCBD, planninghasemerged asamethodofplacingthe action biodiversity ofthe world’s andhasbeenratifiedecological structure by themajority governments. Convention onBiologicalDiversity, 2000). The agreement setsoutcommitments for maintaining theworld’s was agreementstheConvention developed inRio of thekey (CBD)(Secretariat onBiologicalDiversity that we-- meetingourneedswhileensuring leave ahealthy andviableworldfor future generations. One deJaneiro,Summit inRio worldleadersagreed onacomprehensive strategy for “sustainable development” As anissue, beganto biodiversity establishitselfinthepublicconsciousness inthe1980’s. At the1992Earth 2 oftheUKcontinental shelf(asoftheend2010) 3.

Aims, oftheBAP andStructure Objectives ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Where necessary initiate dredging management practices that seek to preserve rare initiate orunusualareas. dredging that seekto management practices preserve Where necessary MNCRbiotope ofexpanded classifications.extent Work to improve understanding ofthespecificbiotopes thatexistwithinthe region andthenature and appropriate. workintheregion for information survey similarmonitoring exchange andcollaboration where undertaking UKBAP, ingeneral andseekto nature develop linkswithgroups Habitats andmarine conservation Directive Initiate, to account for andreporting therequirements practices maintain andimprove ofthe working annuallythestatus ofhabitatsreview andspeciesineachregion. Produce region specific Habitat andSpecies Plans,Action of relevant plans, UKBAP insupport and and report commitments. ofoperators andresource widermonitoring management aspart wherever practicable activities extraction ofbiotopes andassociated therecovery Monitor specieswithinlicence areas following cessation of Provide ofhabitat withhabitat status at ofbaselinedescription cessation acomparison ofdredging. onspeciesidentified withinthelicence areas. may occurandtheeffect ofextraction impacts data monitoring toUtilise assessthehealthofspeciesinareas licence surrounding areas where secondary ofdredging can beassessed.impacts speciesandhabitats thatwithintheregion exist againstwhichthesignificance ofthe thekey Characterise Objective 3–Habitats andSpecies to aggregateassess theirvulnerability dredging. Provide bathymetric features ofkey that abaselinedescription have beenidentified withinthe region and to aggregateassess theirvulnerability dredging. Provide geological features ofkey that have abaselinedescription beenidentified withinthe region and Objective 2–G tonnages. and regional extraction Provide annual, comparative for metrics thearea available for dredging, thearea dredged, dredging intensity Objective 1–Monitor dredging activities In order to meettheseaims, thefollowing have objectives beenset: comply withrelevant legislation andcommitments. nature conservation oftheirremit to bodiesinsupport ensure nature that data monitoring isprovided conservation to statutory andlocal distinctiveness species diversity where applicable, ensure that regional managementandenhance isinformedhabitats, inorder to conserve andimprovemanagement ofregional activities publicawareness ensure dissemination ofinformation ontheregional environment to awideraudience inorder to assist from aggregate arising improve oftheimpacts extraction knowledge guide workthat seeksto improve understandingofthespecificbiotopes thatexistineach region and can beassessed ofdredgingprovide ofthehabitats andspeciesagainstwhichthesignificance oftheimpacts adescription provide information onthearea ineachregionby impacted aggregate dredging activity provide information onthearea available for aggregate dredging onaregional basis This aimto: BAP eological andBathymetriceological Features Aims, andStructure oftheBAP 19 Objectives

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 20 Aims, andStructure oftheBAP Objectives ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Objective Protected 4–Marine Areas (MPAs) of threats to theirhealth. awareness habitats, ofthecharacteristic Raise speciesandfeatures oftheregion, theirstatus andthenature management organisations. Disseminate environmental data to appropriate data custodians, stakeholders, widerpublicandregional Objective 5–Dissemination aggregate extraction. Provide ofMPAs regarding thepossiblesensitivity commentary that from may to marine arise impacts regarding thecondition oftheMPAs. recordsMaintain ofthefeatures for whichMPAs have beendesignated andthemostupto date information ofallrelevant uptoprotectedMaintain dateareas marine inrelation regional to charts dredging areas. 4.3. 4.2. 4.1. 4.

Terms ofreference Industry Monitoring Data Industry BMAPA Strategy andPolicy International Conventions andNational Polices &G of interest for andshare bestpractice thegathering, ofsuchdata. interpreting andreporting interest andsignificance. This information can beused at a regional scale to inform ofpotentialBAP features isprovided to the regulatorthese surveys includesinformation andoften features regarding conservation of from extraction. arising impacts sensitivities ofhabitats andspeciesthepotential/actual Data from activity. The oftechniques andemploys occursregularly monitoring aimedat ofavariety the determining Dredging licences require from often the dredging arising regular to monitoring assesstheimpacts number2. development isobjective ofaBAP development reports. These Plansagendaasthe Action documents place Biodiversity highontheindustry’s BMAPA have Strategy produced aSustainability andto date have produced anumberofannualsustainable together withdetailedanalysisoffeaturespecies distribution to various anthropogenic sensitivity pressures. MB102 andMB106. The various outputsfrom theseprovide data onhabitat and comprehensive overview researchDefra-funded commissioned thedevelopment to oftheUKMPA underpin Network, suchasprojects to withintheregional BAPs 9. insection described willdraw that thebaselinereview isexpected from It Where appropriate andcomplementary, theSAC/SPA andMCZspeciesorhabitats protected willbereferred sites (SAC/SPA) Zones Conservation (MCZ), andnational Marine BAPs. whenconsidering are alsoimportant ProtectedThe UKMarine Area (MPA) Network, international designations comprising suchastheNatura 2000 policy,biodiversity reducing environmental pressures andimproving knowledge. a more integrated large-scale onlandandsea, approach to conservation of puttingpeopleat theheart strategybiodiversity for England fordecade. thenext Central to areas, thesuccess are four priority namely; and UKNational Ecosystem Assessment, inthesameyear, bothpublishedearlier anddefinesanambitious A strategy for England’s wildlife andecosystem services’, thisbuiltontheNatural Environment White Paper In August 2011, strategy biodiversity anew for England was publishedby Defra. Entitled 2020:‘Biodiversity 1150, habitats to 65. andthenumberofpriority published in 2007’ ontheSpeciesandHabitat Review ‘Report speciesto increasing thenumberofpriority targets for speciesandhabitats in2006. Following this, speciesandhabitats theUKBAP were reviewed and implementation structure, ofthisnew in2005, was oftheUKBAP undertaken afullreview resulting inrevised Standing Committee (UKBPSC)toPartnership. managethebusinessofUKBiodiversity Following the was implementedA revisedstructure UKBAP inlate Partnership 2002alongwiththeUKBiodiversity and habitats between 1995and1999, withanadditional104SpeciesStatements. PlansSpecies Action (SAPs) and45Habitat Plans Action (HAPs) were from selected theinitiallistofspecies The were speciesandhabitats UKBAP ofmostconcern termed species’‘priority and habitats’.‘priority 391 onBiodiversity’UK Steering Group Report ontheestablishedtargets. whichincludedaprogress report concern. This listwas endorsedby theUKGovernment inadocument entitled to‘Government Response the established to implement whoidentified theUKBAP a total of1250speciesandhabitats of conservation habitats to conserve, to and(where 20years. enhance practicable) over thenext group Asteering was also Convention deJaneiro. inRio onBiologicalDiversity containedThis alistof59broad originally speciesand in1994, plan(BAP) to produce action anational biodiversity The UKbecame thefirst country following the that hasbeenusedto inform thisBAP. ofthedocument identifiesrelevant anddescribes This section strategy, andplanningdocumentation policy uidelines Terms of reference 21

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 22 Terms ofreference 4.5. 4.4.

Other Documents Other Aggregate Association andCompany BAPs habitats have beenidentified. tospeciesor withinthisBAP understandtheimplications ofdredging at sites whereimportant particular research also conduct tomodelsandassessments. refine impact industry These studiesmay alsobe In additiontooutlinedabove, theprojects The Crown Estate, BMAPA aggregate andmembersofthemarine thebaselineconditions oftheregions weredescribing inwhichthey undertaken. by theaggregate industry.programme undertaken These data setswillbehighlyvaluable to thisBAP, in the Aggregate Fund) Levy Sustainability Aggregate andtheMarine Environmental Regional Assessment also relevant here. Projects (Funded Environmental includetheRegional surveys Characterisation through outasdetailedabove,In additionto theworkcarried anumberofotherdocuments andprogrammes are coastline. Ltd currentlyhaveMarine documents BAP for theirmostrecently licensed areas operate they around theUK Additionally, individualcompanies may alsoproduce documents. BAP that Hanson Aggregates isknown It inform management oftheiroperations. ofdredging.impacts This data monitoring provides avaluable to resource alike for regulators andindustry www.eastchannel.info. The monitors itsactivity, ECAregularly andreviews andtheregional effects and Association (ECA)hasproduced document aBAP for theregion whichcan beseenat intheEasternEnglish Channel operates asanassociation. aggregateThe marine industry The East Channel 5.

Positioning management withinexisting structures oftheBAP v) iv) iii) ii) i)

contribution marine aggregate extraction is making to the wider marine community. to thewidermarine ismaking aggregate marine contribution extraction habitats, BAP of information relating to priority willhelpto enhance goodpractice the speciesandsurvey sites.licence themanagement ofoperational applications anddirect extraction Additionally, thesharing pursuingthisapproach,By itwillbepossiblefor companies to draw to ontheBAP inform individual tocontributing theUKBAP. playsCase studiesofregional in workthat monitoring highlightsaggregate therole marine extraction within anarea operations influenced ona regional andnationalby aggregatescale.extraction A listofaccepted mitigation measures that are species, appliedwhenBAP habitats orMPAs are identified measured impacts. of sites onaregional targeted andnational scale, aggregate by themarine industry against benchmarked Standardised characteristics protocols monitoring biodiversity capable ofdescribing andassessment criteria impacts, matrices. drawing sensitivity/pressure/exposure uponexisting vulnerability above), species(described Statements ofpriority regarding thesensitivity habitats andMPAs to dredging http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-4524. 42list.1 speciesandthesection For detailsoftheMPAs currentlyunderconsideration, pleasesee licence applications. This willincludespeciesidentified innational and regional designations including Annex speciesandhabitats,A listofpriority protected areas andmarine (MPAs), all consideration requiring during ingeneratingfollowing for aBAP theaggregates points important industry: licences. andmanagingoperational extraction oftheiractivities the potential impacts BMAPA consider the suitably informed. relevant considering information, By willbesuitablefor theBAP memberswhenassessing inthefinal Strategyreviewed andsummarised document to ensure that thedevelopmentBAP is ofthe Information from relevant national andinternational programmes management have ofbiodiversity been initiatives to ensure that, where possible, isavoided. andduplication ofeffort enhances theBAP theirutility As aconsequence, thisdocument isbeingdeveloped withconsideration ofinformation from BMAPA existing the outcomes process oftheBAP helpstoarange ofactivities. direct organisations andinformation sources to ensure thatinformed, itisproperly that itremains currentandthat to inform theirindividualactivities. Once implemented, of to avariety willneedto theBAP belinked andaresource aggregate for ofmarine issuesinthecontext extraction membercompaniesbiodiversity commitments, whichdraw ontheoutputsofotherinitiatives. The of aimisto provide anoverview BMAPA reporting ofitswiderSustainableDevelopment to that adoptaBAP sitsat theheart isseeking Positioning oftheBAPwithin existingmanagement structures 23

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 24 The physical andbiological aggregate effects of marine extraction 6.1. 6. positive effects. negative effects onbiodiversity. Poor to withrespect potential to withrespect potential ofunderstanding–Good Certainty towhich existed dredging. prior resulting habitat willhave value anenhanced biodiversity to that represents achange inhabitat andassuchitispossiblethat the effect represents alossofhabitat, however suchaneffect inreality traditionally beenconsidered negative dueto a perception that the the habitat available for recolonisation. have ofthistype Impacts ofseabedsediment followingin thetype dredging, andhence Possible unmanaged, –If impacts there may beasignificant change oftheseabedsediment followingcharacteristics dredging ifallofthesediment deposit targeted isremoved. for extraction dredge gear, removes theupperlayers oftheseabedsediment andexposes below. This may result inchangesto thephysical Aggregate involves oftheseabed. extraction removal ofthe surface dredging, Suction statically orwhilsttrailing the whetherundertaken removalSeabed –changesto sediment character

The physical aggregate andbiological effects ofmarine extraction Physical ofdredging andpotential effects impacts future action tofuture address action theissuesdiscussed. mitigation measures, statement possible ofunderstandingandabrief describing aconsideration ofcertainty environment inthefollowing are summarised tablesalongwithinformation impact, describing possible ofunwanted,return finesediment backinto thesea. The ways inwhichdredging affects thephysical the water column and hydrodynamic ofresource processes sediment resultandthe from theextraction Dredging results ineffects onthephysical environment oftheactivity. inthevicinity Effectsontheseabed, how dredging issuesofasite. can bebestmanaged inlight ofthebiodiversity differing spatial andtemporal scales. This isdiscussedlater inthedocument alongwithaconsideration of Finally, notingthat dredging effects may orbeneficial beeitherdetrimental to biodiversity itisworth over categories ofeffect. that are affected. ofeffectsThe below description provides thebasisfor understandingofthesebroad biological effects. Ingeneral terms, physical effects ofdredging changesinthebiological drive communities can broadly bedividedintoThe aggregate effectstwo ofmarine themes; extraction physical effects and localised scale. e.g. intheneedto reduction target landbasedresources, onlyaddresses thisBAP theeffects ofdredging at a broader (bothpositive effects onbiodiversity andnegative) may result aggregate from marine extraction areunderstanding ofdredging provided. effects andimpacts This document, that whilstitacknowledges below.are summarised Ineachcase, linksto references for thebackground describing development develop,which impacts apply, thescales they andtheirlongevity. theirseverity/significance These impacts studiedoverbeen extensively thepasttwo decades andthere isnow aclearunderstandingoftheways in aggregate theeffectsterms ofmarine extraction. The environmental have effects ofaggregate extraction In order that relevant habitats andspeciesare considered intheBAP, ingeneral to describe itisfirstnecessary biodiversity. ofhabitats presentvariety at a location might positively effect a changeinseabedsediment character, orchangeinthenumber/ Possible better –Develop understandingofhow future action operations. towhich existed extraction prior foundation habitat available for recolonisation iscomparable to that remains following dredging. Inthisway, ensures that the theindustry a layer ofsediment similarto to that whichexisted dredging prior to ensure that are undertaken resourceMitigation –Regular surveys biodiversity effects.biodiversity negative effects. biodiversity Poor to withrespect potential positive to withrespect potential ofunderstanding–Good Certainty resultingcharacter from additionofmobilesediment. the increase inmobilesediment andthegreater inseabed variability Conversely, that somespeciesmay there benefitfrom isthepossibility spawning grounds through accumulation offinesediment deposits. lowered reproductive success andmortality, effects on ordetrimental ofindividuals,smothering increased stress onfilter feeders resulting in the associated faunalcommunities change. may include Impacts such cases theseabedhabitat may bealtered that to suchanextent time, significant depositsoffinesediment may accumulate andin process thissediment dispersesandsettlesbackto theseabed. Over fine sediment (sandandsilt). thedredgingWhen released during Possible –Plume sediment isformed impacts predominantly of sediment andchangethehabitat character. the seabed within and the surrounding dredging area. of plume sediment Deposition onto the seabed can change of the character seabed awayinfluence ofgravityandtidalcurrentswiththe constituent from sediment beingtransported thelocation ofdredging ordeposited on aggregateDredging marine results inafinesediment plumeinthe water occur. column where activities This plumedisperses underthe Plume –changesto sediment seabed character positive effects. negative effects on biodiversity. Poor to withrespect potential to ofunderstanding –ModerateCertainty withrespect potential the area. whereby animalsnotadapted to changedconditions willnotinhabit This structure can result inchangesthebiological community shear stress that can result andscour. inchangesto sediment mobility changes may result. Effectsincludeincreases anddecreases inbed to affect broadscale however biodiversity and unlikely highlylocalised tidal processes. Ingeneral terms, thenature ofsuchchangesissmall an area, however thechangesinwater depthcan affect wave and types ofanimalsthat inhabit to influence the small andare unlikely an increase inwater depth. Suchdepthincreases are proportionally Possible –Removal ofresources impacts from theseabedresults in communities. typesofhabitats thatexistontheseabedandtheirassociatedboth beinfluenced caninfluence faunal the by suchchangesandthisinturn Changes inwater depthscan have aneffect onthehydrodynamic processes that influence asite. Tidal currentsand wave propagation can deposition offinesediment onto theseabedasacan result dredginginshallower activities water thedredging depthssurrounding area. results inanincrease inwater aggregate depthinthearea extraction Marine from whichresources are removed. Additionally, release and removalSeabed –changesto bathymetry effect biodiversity. plumes andsuspendedsediment might negatively andpositively Possible better –Develop understandingofhow future action also prevent theplumefrom transiting across sensitive sites. states ofthetide,dredging at certain orientations, andincertain may asingledredgingremobilised event. during Inaddition, only will reduce oftheplumeandvolume theintensity ofsediment dredging ofscreening operations during Mitigation –Minimisation effect biodiversity. significant changein waves andtidesmight negatively andpositively Possible better –Develop understandingofhow a future action the dredging area. volume ofresources can beimposedto prevent over-deepening of to onthe beconsiderable by modellingstudiesthenrestrictions development. changesto tideandwave If conditions are shown of significance ofchanges to bemade at theoutsetof wave propagation parameters. This allows ahighlevel assessment affected by, andpercentage changein, and tidalcurrentvelocity effects ofdredging ofthearea plansinterms assess thelikely Mitigation –Before dredging ispermitted, anapplicant must The physical andbiological aggregate 25 effects ofmarine extraction

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 26 The physical andbiological aggregate effects of marine extraction 6.2. negative effects. Poor to withrespect potential positive effects. to withrespect potential ofunderstanding–Good Certainty fish andfilter feeders. asafood sourcematerial intheplumemay for serve somespeciesof over prolonged periods. The suspensionofsediment andbiological ifdisturbance occurs cases may lead toand inextreme mortality displacement can hinderfeeding, breeding andspawning behaviour potential to cause displacement effects onanumber ofspecies. This Possible –Plume sediment, impacts whilstinsuspension, hasthe sediment concentrations to return nearnatural levels. whilst theplumeexists. (over whichsuspended of3-6hours)after conditions theplumewilldisperserelatively aperiod Undernormal quickly Suspended sediment inthewater column may affect fish, bird andmammalspeciesthat inhabitthearea resulting in avoidance behaviour of theplumeisinversely to thedistance from thedredger i.e. proportional lower concentrations occurat greater distances from thedredger. andimmediatelyDuring following dredging aplumeofsediment isgenerated around thedredger. The suspendedsediment concentration sedimentPlume –changesinsuspended concentration negative effects. No beneficialeffects. to withrespect potential ofunderstanding –Good Certainty mortality. subsequently influence anindividual’s survival, cases extreme andin influence feeding/breeding success, physical damage, which can from dredging operations includeavoidance behaviour, whichcan presence ofadredging vessel. dueto noiseandvibration Impacts behaviour ofotherspeciesmight besignificantly modifieddue tothe species. Whilst somespeciesmight betolerant ofdisturbance the to noiseandvibrationPossible varies between –Sensitivity impacts of animalsto noise. thedredging, andsizethe levelofvessel ofdisturbance includethetype undertaking thenature ofresources beingdredged andthesensitivity immediate surroundings. disturbance effects adredger’s may alsooccurduring Minor transit to andfrom adredging area. affectingThe factors Dredging results inemissionofnoiseinto theenvironment. This noisemay cause disturbance to animalsthat inhabitdredging areas andtheir Noise andvibration

Biological effects ofdredging effects Biological describing possible future action to possiblefutureaddress action theissuesdiscussed.describing impact, possiblemitigation measures, statement ofunderstanding andabrief aconsideration ofcertainty may beaffected by dredging inthefollowing are summarised tablesalongwithinformation describing changes to thephysical environment resulting from dredging. The ways inwhichbiological communities above. The faunalcommunities thatontheseabedandinwater exist column are influenced by the speaking,Generally thebiological effects ofdredging occurinresponse to thephysical effects described biodiversity. a significant changeinseabedsediment might positively effect Possible better –Develop understandingofhow future action restrictions. may beemployed and insomecases seasonaldredgingactivity Where specificsensitivitiesare identified, onscreening restrictions ensure that plumesoccurfor over periods definedareas. arestricted companies Mitigation –Limitations placed onaggregate extraction effects. ofspeciesto dredgingsensitivity noiseandthesignificance ofnoise Possible better –Develop understandingofthe future action maintenance ofthedredging fleet. practicable. ofsteaming Also thereduction timesandinvestment in toscreening ensure activities that noiseeffects are minimisedwhere ofloadingtimesandminimisation of Mitigation –Reduction Cefas. areas defined by the widerregional habitats andnursery/spawning upon to withrespect impacts ofunderstanding–Good Certainty habitat. deposition offinesediment (sand/silt)across widerareas ofsuitable may fromresult aggregateinthe deposition arising extraction species. marine grounds for certain or nursery Additionally, secondary uponthepreferred can impact character spawning and/ of acertain Possible – impacts The removal and/or disturbance oftheseabed range ofspecies. watersand andgravel depthsfrom 12-50m, incertain there isapotential to affect thearea oftotal habitat for available a spawning andnursery to spawn, habitat types speciesrequireMany marine certain areas. orasnursery generally targets As aggregatethickdepositsof extraction grounds inspawning andnursery Reduction effects. to withrespect negative ofunderstanding–Good Certainty available for thewiderecosystem. from oneffect theseabedmay inreducing have prey items aknock Possible –As aresult ofdredging, impacts theremoval ofspecies footprint ofdredging, theeffects ofthismay have implications for thewiderecosystem andcommercial fisheries. usually prey ontheselower levels ofthefood chain. Therefore, whilstthelocalised dredging may onlyremove communities from thedirect inspecies,The reduction biomass, andnumberofindividualsmay speciesdiversity have adetrimental, oneffect to thespeciesthat knock inpreyReduction items for fishandshellfish effects. to withrespect negative ofunderstanding –Good Certainty modified. communities that existed may beentirely removed ortemporarily inprey itemsreduction available for thewiderecosystem, but the obvious implications for thewidercommunity. Not onlyisthere a Possible – impacts The removal ofspeciesfrom theseabedhas theeffectswhen determining ofdredging onbiodiversity. biomass may bereduced. Whilst thismay bethecase onalocalised scale, itmayconsideration notbetrue over awiderarea –animportant Following removal oftheupperlayers dredging, ofseabedsediment during numbersofspecies, numbersofindividuals, and speciesdiversity ofspecies, innumbers Reduction ofindividuals, numbers diversity species andbiomass operational restrictions inmitigating theeffects.operational restrictions areas,of effects onspawning andnursery andassessthevalidityof Possible –Improve future action understandingofthesignificance mitigation. to dredging. may alsoprovide andscreening Seasonal restrictions asexisted prior the sameorsimilarhabitat for spawning andnursery to that whichexisted before dredging willallow for thearea to offer Mitigation – The requirement to leave sediment ofasimilarquality ecosystem andbiodiversity. changes infishandshellfish communitiesmight affect the wider Possible abetter –Develop understandingofhow future action reference areas, thewiderecosystem andfood chain. communities including, ofthewidermarine Mitigation –Monitoring and biodiversity. changes inbenthic communities might affect thewiderecosystem Possible abetter –Develop understandingofhow future action to dredging.prior thehabitats andspeciesthat existed the samepotential to support tothat whichexisted dredging prior shouldensure that thearea has Furthermore, therequirement to leave behindsediment similarto dredging andafter willidentify theeffectsduring ofdredging. ofthecommunities that existedMitigation –Monitoring before, The physical andbiological aggregate 27 effects ofmarine extraction

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 28 The physical andbiological aggregate effects of marine extraction sensitivities andrecoverability unknown. mapped andunderstood, whilstothersare lesswell understood and to ofunderstanding–Good poor.Certainty features Some are well may affect thefeaturesaggregate extraction identified. and dispersethem. Additionally, from thesediment plumearising features footprint from withinthedirect ofdredging, ordisturb Possible –Aggregatecan potentially remove impacts extraction of thesediment plumeacross them). environments. These features can beaffected by (through dredging theirremoval bothdirectly (through ordisturbance) thetransit orindirectly Features interest/significance ofnature conservation can be found inmany of water andoccurina depthsand forms variety hydrodynamic E communities are well undertood. known. ofseabedsediment Changes andbenthic inthe character areconcentration alsowell from aggregate arising extraction from aggregate extraction. The increases insuspendedsediment in most aggregate producing regions to the noise arising characterise ofunderstanding –Noise studieshaveCertainty beenundertaken communities may alsohave negative effects onthesegroups. birds andelasmobranchs. Changes inthenature ofbenthic dredging process andthiscan potentially mammals, affect marine frequencies. Additionally, finesedimentthe is released during Possible –Dredger produce noiseover impacts arange of Additionally, changesinthenature ofbenthic communities andincreases insuspendedsediment may infeeding result inareduction success. Dredgers produce noiseand finesuspendedsediment, bothofwhich can potentially mammals, affect marine birds andelasmobranchs. E ffects onfeaturesffects ofnature conservation interest/significance onmarine mammals,ffects birds andelasmobranchs concentration mammals, affects marine birds andelasmobranchs. noise, changesto benthic communities andsuspendedsediment Possible abetter –Develop understandingofhow future action no specificmitigation measures have beenemployed. date, onbirds have theimpacts notbeenconsidered significant and space occurs. withinregionsmarine where aggregate extraction To mammals andelasmobranchs. speciesofbird Some dousethe impacts, andasaresult, nomitigation isutilisedspecifically for marine regions. Therefore, that there willbeany overlap itisunlikely or withinmostaggregate sharks producing mammals andbasking Mitigation – There are relatively low sightings ofbothmarine recoverability. and uponthemandtheirsensitivity of aggregate extraction offeatures,spatial extent thenature andsignificance ofeffects Possible abetter –Develop understandingofthe future action activities. dredging, andexclusion ofidentified features fromextraction ofthefeaturesMitigation –Monitoring before, andafter during 7.1. 7. alga T axon

Identification of the priority speciesandhabitats for considerationIdentificationBAP inthe ofthepriority Priority habitats andspecies Anotrichium barbatum Scientific name Phymatolithon calcareum Padina pavonica Lithothamnion corallioides montagnei Dermocorynus Cruoria cruoriaeformis Ascophyllum ecad nodosum mackaii distribution and their interaction with marine aggregate withmarine andtheirinteraction operations:distribution to begenerated for eachdredging region willprovide adefinitive listing,known species/habitat basedon distribution, exposure pathways, judgement. life andexpert characteristics The documents baselineBAP aggregate dredging inUKwaters. Habitats andspecies were considered basedontheirgeographical extraction, thelisthighlights thosehabitats andspeciesthat are thought to beirrelevant to marine published below, butasmany to speciesandhabitats berelevant listed are unlikely aggregate to marine habitats andspecieswas updatedThe in2007following mostrecent listofpriority review. The fulllistis value and/orprotectionstatus. oftheirconservation species interms advisors andprovideshabitats and nature acomprehensive conservation listofthemostimportant statutory has beendrawn upthat may beaffected. The listhasbeendeveloped usingreferences provided by the from dredging, arising Using theunderstandingofnature ofimpacts habitats andspecies alistofpriority for usefulaims, to bedefinedlater andactions intheprocess. activities supporting to habitatsBAP andtheirassociated provide oftypical faunalcommunities inorder asoundbasicdescription from region to regionthem willvary andfrom licence area to licence area. istherefore for the It important animals that inhabitanarea ofseabed. to Due theseandotherfactors, habitats andthespeciesthat inhabit industry. Similarly, of thetypes seabedsediment willdictate ofnaturally occurring andmobility thetype typically inhabitareaswill have ofinteresttypes ofanimalsthat aninfluenceaggregate onthe to themarine In additionto thenature ofthesediment targeted for extraction, thepresent day hydrodynamic conditions on glacio-fluvialsediment depositsofgravel andsand. to gravel befluviallyderived more likely andsand. operations tend to IntheHumber extraction region focus sand sediment. IntheEasternEnglish Channel, regions andAnglian Offshore resources are Thames Estuary targeted differ. for extraction Sea, IntheIrish companies tend to target Estuary Channel Bristol andSevern the habitats formed by support. suchsediments andtheanimalsthey Regionally, ofresources thetypes aggregate targetstypes, extraction,Marine specificsediment that theindustry ofthefact by virtue affects Gateway andlocal record centres administrators. andBAP ofthewiderUKMPAsuch asnational research insupport projects network, Network theNational Biodiversity sites.be found ofaggregate inthevicinity extraction that widerdata sources isalsoexpected willbeused, It of dredging, to data ofspeciesandhabitats regarding that are mostlikely thetypes andaggregate industry habitats, national guidance, BAP relevant research organisms ofmarine regarding to theeffect thesensitivity development willbeinformed by European to anddomesticlegislation withrespect protected speciesand the overall ecosystem that are mostsensitive to theinfluence ofaggregateextraction. BAP This phaseofthe this way, theresources required can bebetter for focused andreporting monitoring onthecomponents of of theplan, speciesandhabitats. directedthrough willbemore theBAP identification clearly ofpriority In isto ofaBAP The purpose ‘conserve andenhance’ biodiversity. Whilst thisover-arching aimisthefoundation Identification of the priority species andhabitats for consideration inthe BAP 29 Identification ofthepriority Bearded Red SeaweedBearded Red Common name Common Maërl Peacock’s tail Coral Maërl - Burgundy paint weed maerl Wig Wrack Egg orSea-loch Wrack marine aggregate extraction * =Unlikely by to affected be * * * * *

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 30 Identification of the priority species andhabitats for consideration inthe BAP 30 Identification ofthepriority bony fish bird T axon Aphanopus carbo Ammodytes marinus Sterna dougallii Puffinus mauretanicus Melanitta nigra Larus argentatus subsp. argenteus arcticaGavia Aythya marila Scientific name Coryphaenoides rupestris Coryphaenoides Clupea harengus Hoplostethus atlanticus hippoglossus Hippoglossus Hippocampus hippocampus Hippocampus guttulatus morhua Gadus Molva dypterygia poutassou Micromesistius Merluccius merluccius Merlangius merlangus Lophius piscatorius Reinhardtius hippoglossoides Pleuronectes platessa Molva molva Trachurus trachurus Thunnus thynnus solea Solea Scomber scombrus Black ScabbardfishBlack Lesser Sandeel Roseate Tern Shearwater Balearic Common Scoter Gull Herring Black-throated Diver Greater Scaup Common name Roundnose Grenadier Roundnose Herring Orange Roughy Atlantic Halibut Seahorse Short-snouted Long-snouted Seahorse Cod Blue Ling Blue Blue Whiting European Hake Whiting Monkfish Sea Greenland Halibut Plaice Ling Horse Mackerel Horse Blue-fin Tuna Sole Mackerel * marine aggregate extraction * =Unlikely by to affected be * * * * cnidarian T crustacean mollusc axon Amphianthus dohrnii Scientific name Edwardsia timida Arachnanthus sarsi Eunicella verrucosa Haliclystus auricula Leptopsammia pruvoti Lucernariopsis campanulata Lucernariopsis cruxmelitensis Pachycordyle navis Pachycerianthus multiplicatus Swiftia pallida Swiftia Arrhis phyllonyx Arrhis Mitella pollicipes Mitella Palinurus elephas Tenellia adspersa edulis Ostrea Atrina fragilis Identification of the priority species andhabitats for consideration inthe BAP 31 Identification ofthepriority Sea-fan Anemone Sea-fan Common name Timid Burrowing Anemone Timid Scarce Tube-dwelling Anemone Pink Sea-fan Kaleidoscope jellyfish Kaleidoscope Sunset Cup Coral Stalked jellyfish Stalked St John’s jellyfish Brackish Hydroid Brackish Fireworks Anemone Northern Sea Fan Sea Northern - Gooseneck Barnacle Gooseneck Crayfish, Crawfish orSpiny Lobster Lagoon Sea Slug Lagoon Sea Native Oyster Fan Mussel * marine aggregate extraction * =Unlikely by to affected be * * * * * * * * * * *

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 32 Identification of the priority species andhabitats for consideration inthe BAP 32 Identification ofthepriority cetacean T axon Balaenoptera borealis Balaenoptera acutorostrata Scientific name Balaenoptera musculus Balaenoptera physalus Eubalaena glacialis delphis Delphinus Megaptera novaeangliae Lagenorhynchus albirostris Lagenorhynchus acutus Grampus griseus Globicephala melas Mesoplodon bidens Mesoplodon Mesoplodon mirusMesoplodon Phocoena phocoena Phoca vitulina Orcinus orca Ziphius cavirostris Tursiops truncatus Stenella coeruleoalba P hyseter catodon Sei Sei Whale Minke Whale Common name Blue Blue Whale Fin Whale Northern Right Right Whale Northern Common Dolphin Humpback Whale Dolphin White-beaked Atlantic White-sided Dolphin Risso’s Dolphin Long-finned Pilot Whale Sowerby’s Beaked Whale True’s Beaked Whale Harbour Porpoise Common Seal Killer Whale Sperm Sperm Whale Cuvier’s Beaked Whale Dolphin Bottle-nosed Dolphin Striped * marine aggregate extraction * =Unlikely by to affected be * * * * * * * * In addition, thefollowing habitats are alsoidentifiedBAP: withintheUK Littoral Rock Supralittoral Sediment Supralittoral Rock UK BAP Broad Habitat shark/skate/ray T turtle tunicate axon Centrophorus granulosus Scientific name Centrophorus squamosus Centroscymnus coelolepsis Dalatias licha Cetorhinus maximus Dermochelys coriaceaDermochelys Caretta caretta gelatinosa Styela squatina Squatina acanthiasSqualus Rostroraja alba undulata Raja Prionace glauca Leucoraja circularis Lamna nasus Isurus oxyrinchus galeus Galeorhinus batis Dipturus Sabellaria alveolataSabellaria reefs UnderboulderCommunities Intertidal Chalk Intertidal Coastal Dunes Sand Coastal Vegetated Shingle Maritime Cliff andSlopes Maritime UK BAP Priority Habitat Identification of the priority species andhabitats for consideration inthe BAP 33 Identification ofthepriority Gulper Shark Gulper Common name Leafscraper Shark Portuguese Dogfish Kitefin Shark Kitefin Shark Basking Leatherback Turtle Loggerhead Turtle Loch Squirt Sea Goil Angel Shark Spiny Dogfish White Skate orBottlenosed Undulate Ray Shark Blue Ray Sandy Porbeagle Shark Mako Shortfin Tope Shark Common Skate * marine aggregate extraction * =Unlikely by to affected be * marine aggregate extraction * =Unlikely by to affected be * * * *

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 34 Identification of the priority species andhabitats for consideration inthe BAP 34 Identification ofthepriority Sublittoral Sediment Sublittoral Rock Littoral Sediment UK BAP Broad Habitat Saline Lagoons Saline onSediment Beds Mussel Blue Reefs Serpulid Beds Maerl File Shell Beds Habitats inDeep Mud Water Beds Mussel Horse andGravelsSubtidal Sands Sabellaria spinulosaReefs Sabellaria SpongeCommunities Deep-Sea Cold-water Coral Reefs Carbonate Mounds CommunitiesSeamount Habitats Rocky Estuarine Habitats Fragile SpongeandAnthozoan Communities onSubtidalRocky Tide-Swept Channels Subtidal Chalk Peat andClay Exposures Sheltered Gravels Muddy Beds Seagrass Mudflats Intertidal Coastal Saltmarsh UK BAP Priority Habitat * * * * * * * * * marine aggregate extraction * =Unlikely by to affected be FOCI Species: habitats andfeatures interest (FOCI): ofconservation In additionto thesespeciesandhabitats listed by theUKBAP, Zone Conservation identified the project theMarine following additionalbroadscale Raja undulata Raja Victorella pavida romijniAlkmaria Leptopsammia pruvoti Nematostella vectensis Palinurus elephas eperlanus Osmerus Hippocampus hippocampus Paludinella littorina Amphianthus dohrnii Eunicella verrucosa Padina pavonica Arctica islandica edulis Ostrea Lucernariopsis cruxmelitensis Lucernariopsis campanulata Hippocampus guttulatus Tenellia adspersa cirrhosa Armandia insensibilis Gammarus Haliclystus auricula Grateloupia montagnei Pollicipes pollicipes cobitisGobius Atrina pectinata Anguilla anguilla Caecum armoricum couchiGobius Lithothamnion corallioides Phymatolithon calcareum Cruoria cruoriaeformis bispinosa Gitanopsis Scientific name Undulate ray Trembling sea mat Tentacled lagoon-worm Sunset Cup Coral seaanemone Starlet Spiny lobster Smelt snouted seahorse Short snail Sea anemone Sea-fan Pink sea-fan Peacock’s tail quahog Ocean Native oyster St John’s jellyfish jellyfish Stalked Long snouted seahorse Lagoon seaslug Lagoon sandworm Lagoon sandshrimp jellyfish Kaleidoscope Grateloup’s little-lobedweed barnacle Gooseneck Giant goby Fan mussel European eel Defolin’s lagoonsnail Couch’s goby Coral maerl Common maerl Burgundy paint weed maerl Amphipod shrimp Common name Identification of the priority species andhabitats for consideration inthe BAP 35 Identification ofthepriority * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * marine aggregate extraction * =Unlikely by to affected be

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 36 Identification of the priority species andhabitats for consideration inthe BAP 36 Identification ofthepriority FOCI Habitats: Tide-swept channels Tide-swept Subtidal sandsandgravels Subtidal chalk Sheltered muddy gravels beds Seagrass penandburrowing megafaunacommunitiesSea wormreefsRoss Peat and clay exposures Native oyster beds habitats indeepwaterMud beds Maerl Littoral chalkcommunities underbouldercommunities Intertidal musselbeds Horse Honeycomb wormreefs Fragile spongeandanthozoan habitats communities onsubtidalrocky File shellbeds habitats rocky Estuarine spongeaggregationsDeep-sea Coral gardens Cold-water coral reefs musselbeds Blue Habitat name * * * * * * aggregate extraction * =Unlikely by to affected be marine Broadscale Habitats: Subtidal sand Subtidal mud Subtidal mixed sediments Subtidal macrophyte-dominated sediment Subtidal coarse sediment Subtidal biogenicreefs onsediment rock Moderate energy intertidal Moderate energy infralittoral rock Moderate energy circalittoral rock Low rock energy intertidal Low energy infralittoral rock Low energy circalittoral rock sediments dominated by –Eelgrass aquatic bedsandpioneersaltmarshes Intertidal angiosperms sandandmuddy sand Intertidal mud Intertidal mixed sediments Intertidal coarse sediment Intertidal biogenicreefs Intertidal rock High energy intertidal High energy infralittoral rock High energy circalittoral rock bed Deep-sea Coastal saltmarshesandsalinereedbeds Habitat name become available, willbeincorporated they into theBMAPA regional BAPs where appropriate. FOCIhaveGeological notyet beengenerated by theMCZprocess, however, itisenvisaged that asthese Identification of the priority species andhabitats for consideration inthe BAP 37 Identification ofthepriority * aggregate extraction * =Unlikely by to affected be marine

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 38 Identification of the priority species andhabitats for consideration inthe BAP 38 Identification ofthepriority Rocky habitats andcaves Rocky continental dunes Coastal sanddunesand habitats Marine, coastal andhalophytic Habitat name captured through thedetails above are listed below: Further speciesandhabitats are defined under Natura 2000.for conservation The relevant habitats not yet dredging. documentsused withintheBAP to thepressure determine placed onthehabitat orspeciesby aggregate be assessedinorder to features determine vulnerability. assessment methodologywillbe This vulnerability to bedetermined. thisallows theirexposure to In turn pressures to associated withanthropogenic activity ofMCZsites,selection evidence identified of to allow thesensitivity features to awide range ofpressures ofhabitats andspecies, andsensitivity therarity as incorporating ofthe theguidance issuedinsupport to theidentification incorporate ofMCZs. themethodologiesusedduring isalsoimportant It As well foraction eachspeciesrequired designation listed by above. eachconservation requiredlist andtheassociated may actions bedifferent. Eachdocument BAP willtherefore highlight each Whilst many oftheseappearto beduplicated from list, theBAP thereason for theirappearance oneach Submerged or partially submerged seacavesSubmerged orpartially Humid duneslacks repens ssp. with Salix Dunes argentea arenariae) (Salicion rhamnoides with Hippophae Dunes Atlantic decalcified fixed dunes(Calluno-Ulicetea) Fixed duneswithherbaceous vegetation (‘grey dunes’) dunes’) dunesalongtheshoreline withAmmophilaarenariaShifting (‘white dunes shifting Embryonic (Sarcocornetea fruticosi) halophilousscrubs andthermo-Atlantic Mediterranean Atlantic saltmeadows (Glauco-Puccinellietalia maritimae) maritimae) swards (Spartinion Spartina Salicornia andotherannualscolonising mudandsand Vegetated seacliffs oftheAtlantic coasts andBaltic Perennial vegetation ofstony banks lines Annual vegetation ofdrift gases madeby structures leaking Submarine Reefs Large shallow inletsandbays Coastal lagoons andsandflatsMudflats not covered byseawater at low tide Estuaries whichareSandbanks slightly covered by seawater allthetime Explanation * marine aggregate extraction * =Unlikely by to affected be 8. Definition ofbroadscaleDefinition aims, and actions activities supporting activities andactions. activities are uponlater expanded inthis document, ofthedefinition regional-scale aims, insupport supporting Wherever possible, to have theBMAPA actions beenlinked objectives. report SustainableDevelopment These withintheseareas.account ofthespecifichabitats andspecies commonly occurring Broad Habitat scale initially. 9whereThese regional are variations uponwithinsection expanded can take For ofthisBAP, thepurposes thebroadscale aims, are identified at andactions activities supporting Taxon and processdevelop. evolve willby over necessity andknowledge thedelivery time asexperience expected evolves, theinitialaims, definedmay need andactions to beadapted. activities supporting Inthis respect, itis to monitor progress future iterations anddirect oftheBAP.be undertaken Furthermore, process astheBAP guidelines onlyandmay proposed. notbeachieved withintheperiod Inthisevent, will andreview reporting to allow themto becompared andmonitored.time-bound (SMART) The are timescales attached to actions measures for aggregate marine extraction. These willbespecific, measureable, achievable, relevant and that willbeusedto monitor andtheactions progress activities alongwithcommon mitigation supporting speciesandhabitats listed in7.1, onthepriority Based thefollowing provides section initialaims, proposed Definition of broadscale aims, supporting activities and actions 39 andactions activities ofbroadscaleDefinition aims, supporting

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 40 Definition of broadscale aims, supporting activities andactions activities of broadscale40 Definition aims, supporting cnidarian bony fish bird alga T axon Aim aggregates. ofmarine extraction the during the UKBAP identified cnidarian by and life of cycles affect onpopulations No significant adverse aggregates. ofmarine the extraction by during theUKBAP fish speciesidentified and life ofbony cycles affect onpopulations No significant adverse aggregate. of transportation marine the dredging or throughthe UKBAP identified within affect onbird species No significant adverse environment.marine of aggregates from the theextraction during listed withintheUKBAP affect onalgalspecies No significant adverse Supporting Activities Supporting life cycle. populations and oncnidarian extraction aggregateminimise theeffects ofmarine fromUK BAP available data sources and speciesidentified of cnidarian by the ofregional populations theextent Map extraction. adversely affected aggregate by marine grounds for identified fishspecies are not and ensure that regional spawning spawning habitats from available data areas andpotential impact Map sites identified BAP.by theUK onpotential bonyactivities fishspawning ofdredging theimpact Minimise UK BAP. onbony fishidentifiedactivities bythe ofdredging impact thedirect Minimise behaviour. operations onbird populations and ofaggregatethe potential impacts identifiedBAP andassess withintheUK on theoccurrenceofbird species through ofpublishedliterature thereview aggregatewith marine extraction potential ofbird interactions populations abetter understanding ofthe Gain items for thespecieslisted intheUKBAP. theeffects ofdredging onprey Minimise practicable. shippinglaneswherever within marked Ensure that dredging vessels navigate column. suspended sediment withinthewater and to minimise turbidity practicable wherever screening activities Minimise influenced by plumeactivities. thearea dredged andthereforeMinimise Action activity in the production process. inthe production activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise process. intheproduction activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise process. intheproduction activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise process. intheproduction activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise responsible andeffective management. footprint ofdredging operations through Where overlaps exist, minimisethespatial process. intheproduction thescreening activity Minimise management. operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise process. intheproduction thescreening activity Minimise management. operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise turtle tunicate shark/skate/ray sea mammal mollusc crustacean T axon producing regions. the aggregate inhabiting ortransiting affect onturtles No significant adverse aggregates. ofmarine extraction the during the UKBAP tunicate identified by and life of cycles affect onpopulations No significant adverse aggregates. ofmarine the extraction by during theUKBAP andrays identified skate and life ofsharks, cycles affect onpopulations No significant adverse producing regions. transiting theaggregate mammals inhabitingor affect onmarine No significant adverse aggregates. ofmarine extraction the during the UKBAP mollusc identified by and life of cycles affect onpopulations No significant adverse aggregates. ofmarine the extraction by during theUKBAP crustacean identified and life of cycles affect onpopulations No significant adverse Aim levels andavoid contact. direct dredgers background above known thenoisefootprint ofaggregateMinimise life cycle. ontunicate populations and extraction aggregateminimise theeffects ofmarine fromBAP available data sources and of tunicate speciesidentified by theUK ofregional populations theextent Map ray populations andlife cycle. onshark,aggregate extraction and skate and minimisetheeffects ofmarine by the UK BAP from available data sources of sharks, andrays speciesidentified skate ofregional populations theextent Map levels andavoid contact. direct dredgers background above known thenoisefootprint ofaggregateMinimise populations andlife cycle. onmollusc aggregatemarine extraction overlaps exist, minimisetheeffects of from available data sources andwhere mollusc speciesidentified BAP by theUK ofregional populations theextent of Map crustacean populations andlife cycle. on aggregateeffects ofmarine extraction and where overlaps exist, minimisethe fromUK BAP available data sources of crustacean speciesidentified by the ofregional populations theextent Map Activities Supporting Definition of broadscale aims, supporting activities and actions 41 andactions activities ofbroadscaleDefinition aims, supporting SeaWatch forms. reporting usingthe theoccurrenceofturtles Report process. inthe production activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise process. intheproduction activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise process. intheproduction activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise the SeaWatch forms. reporting mammalsusing theoccurrenceofmarine Report process. intheproduction activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise process. intheproduction activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise process. intheproduction activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise Action

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 42 Definition of broadscale aims, supporting activities andactions activities of broadscale42 Definition aims, supporting Broad Habitat Rock Supralittoral Sediment Supralittoral Littoral Rock Littoral Sediment Sublittoral Rock Sediment Sublittoral Aim aggregates. ofmarine theextraction during identified BAP by theUK on superlittoral rock habitats No significant adverse affect aggregates. ofmarine theextraction during identified BAP by theUK superlittoral sediment habitats No significant adverse affect on of marine aggregates.of marine theextraction during the UKBAP littoral rock habitats identified by No significant adverse affect on aggregates. ofmarine theextraction during identified BAP by theUK on littoral sediment habitats No significant adverse affect aggregates. ofmarine theextraction during identified BAP by theUK on sublittoral rock habitats No significant adverse affect aggregates. ofmarine theextraction during identified BAP by theUK sublittoral sediment habitats No significant adverse affect on Supporting Activities Supporting habitats. onthese aggregate extraction minimise theeffects ofmarine available data sources and identified BAP fromby theUK superlittoral rock habitats ofthe theextent Map habitats. onthese aggregate extraction minimise theeffects ofmarine available data sources and identified BAP fromby theUK superlittoral sediment habitats ofthe theextent Map these habitats. on aggregatemarine extraction and minimisetheeffects of fromBAP available data sources rock habitats identified by theUK ofthelittoral theextent Map habitats. onthese aggregate extraction minimise theeffects ofmarine available data sources and identified BAP fromby theUK littoral sediment habitats ofregional theextent Map these habitats. on aggregatemarine extraction and minimisetheeffects of fromBAP available data sources rock habitats identified by theUK ofthesublittoral theextent Map on thesehabitats. aggregateof marine extraction sources andminimisetheeffects fromthe UKBAP available data sediment habitats identified by ofthesublittoral theextent Map Action activity in the production process. intheproduction activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise activity in the production process. intheproduction activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise activity in the production process. intheproduction activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise activity in the production process. intheproduction activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise activity in the production process. intheproduction activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise activity in the production process. intheproduction activity management andminimisethescreening operations through responsible andeffective thespatial footprint ofdredgingMinimise 9. Definition of regional-scaleDefinition aims, and actions activities supporting the spatial extent ofthefeaturesthe spatial extent andsignificancefrom ofeffects aggregate arising extraction. future BMAPA BAPs, thespecificaims, account of willbemodified totake and actions activities supporting fromat aggregate risk extraction. However, asresearch data andmonitoring isreceived andreviewed by documentBAP whichincludes aliterature to review capture the specificsites, features, speciesandhabitats Therefore, inthisdocument theaims, are highlighted andactions for activities thefirstBMAPA supporting Gateway Network andlocalNational record Biodiversity centres administrators. andBAP help refine the regional focus, ofthewiderUKMPA suchasnational insupport research projects network, the willbeused.aggregate extraction However, itisrecognised that widerdata sources willalsobeavailable to to befound ofspeciesandhabitatsregarding ofregional that are mostlikely thetypes inthevicinity aggregatedistinct producing regions asdefinedbelow. data It isanticipated that aggregate industry andanalysisisrequiredcollection to habitatswithineachofthe assesswhichUKBAP andspeciesexist However, asthisdocument setsoutthestrategy for thebaselineBAP, aconsiderable amount ofdata region andpotentially adversely affected by aggregate extraction. target specific features, sites, habitats andspeciesidentified andotherinitiatives, bytheUKBAP relevant tothe operates.each ofthewell definedgeographic regions inwhichtheindustry Inthis way, the BAPsregional will activity, to ensure that theseaims, itis important become more specific andactions activities for supporting BMAPA for theUKasawhole. However, given theregional variations inhabitats, species, MPAs anddredging The highlevel aims, 8present the identified insection overall andactions BAP activities for supporting North We Bris tol st Channe l Definition of regional-scale aims, supporting activities and actions 43 andactions of activities Definition regional-scale aims, supporting South Coas t North East Humber and th Channel Ea Englis st er h n Th e am Ea es Estuar st Coas t y

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 44 Definition of regional-scale aims, supporting activities andactions of activities 44 Definition regional-scale aims, supporting Creating sustainablecommunities Natural resources andenvironmental protection Climate changeandenergy Sustainable production ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

report objectives whichcan beclassifiedas objectives follows: report to note that where possible, isimportant It to have theBMAPA actions beenlinked SustainableDevelopment Estate whichcan alsobeaccessed from produce BMAPA’s annualarea dredged reports website. produced annuallyandavailable from www.bmapa.org. Inadditionto thisdocument, BMAPA and The Crown For more indicators information above, described onthesustainability pleaseseetheBMAPA SDreports stakeholders other marine ofactivities,Objective 3-Increasing thetransparency liaisonwith andmaintaining anddeveloping further Objective 2-Improving employee development through vocational training Objective 1-Improve sector’s theoccupational healthandsafety of themarine employees effectiveObjective 4-Maintain controls to minimisethepotential for environment pollutionto themarine environmenthistoric towards contribution theunderstandingofBritain’s anddevelop industry Objective 3-Maintain marine and gravel habitats towards contribution sand theunderstandingofmarine anddevelop theindustry Objective 2-Maintain management thespatial footprint ofdredgingObjective 1-Minimise operations through responsible andeffective theefficient useofthedredgingObjective 2-Maximise fleet processes emissionsreleased andtransport ofatmospheric through theproduction theimpact Objective 1-Reduce andpromoteObjective 5-Develop for bestpractice resource management process intheproduction thescreening activity Objective 4-Minimise themostefficient useof available licensedObjective 3-Make resources andenvironmentalefficiency performance andincreaseObjective 2-Maintain investment indredgers anddredging technology inorder to improve employment andimproveObjective 1-Maintain inorder profitability to provide for continuing investment and 2. Aim 1.

aggregate. ofmarine or transportation throughBAP thedredging identified withintheUK affect onbird species No significant adverse environment. aggregates from themarine of theextraction during listed withintheUKBAP affect onalgalspecies No significant adverse d) c) b) a) c) b) a) Activities Supporting marine aggregatemarine extraction. of bird populations with of thepotential interactions abetter understanding Gain BAP. the specieslisted intheUK dredging onprey items for theeffects of Minimise practicable. shipping laneswherever navigate withinmarked Ensure that dredging vessels impact uponthem. impact potential assess thelikely present intheregion and to be birdBAP specieslikely To ofUK maptheextent the water column. suspended sediment within and minimise turbidity towherever practicable screening activities Minimise the sediment plume. andinfluenced by extraction byimpacted aggregate and therefore directly thearea dredged Minimise them. upon potential impact likely the region andassessthe to bepresent in alga likely To ofUKBAP maptheextent iv) iii) ii) i) iii) ii) i) Action Definition of regional-scale aims, supporting activities and actions 45 andactions of activities Definition regional-scale aims, supporting December 2012. December of aggregate operations onbird populations andbehaviour by identifiedBAP andassessthepotential withintheUK impacts publishedliteratureReview ontheoccurrenceofbird species Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators withintheBMAPA Sustainable 4ofthe Objective data produced toReview support Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators withintheBMAPA Sustainable 3ofthe Objective data produced toReview support Map the extents usingavailable theextents Map data by 2012. December Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators within theBMAPA Sustainable 4ofthe Objective data produced toReview support Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators within theBMAPA Sustainable 3ofthe Objective data produced toReview support Map the extents usingavailable theextents Map data by 2012. December

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 46 Definition of regional-scale aims, supporting activities andactions of activities 46 Definition regional-scale aims, supporting 6. 5. 4. Aim 3.

aggregates. ofmarine the extraction by during theUK BAP ofmolluscidentified cycles on populations andlife No significant adverse affect marine aggregates.marine of theextraction during identified BAP by theUK life ofcrustacean cycles affect onpopulations and No significant adverse aggregates. ofmarine the extraction by during theUKBAP identified ofcnidarian cycles on populations andlife No significant adverse affect marine aggregates.marine of theextraction during identified BAP by theUK ofbony fish species cycles on populations andlife No significant adverse affect b) a) b) a) b) a) d) c) b) Supporting Activities Supporting a) life cycle. on molluscpopulations and aggregatemarine extraction theeffects of Minimise impact uponthem. impact potential assess thelikely present intheregion and to be mollusc specieslikely To ofUKBAP maptheextent and life cycle. on crustacean populations aggregatemarine extraction theeffects of Minimise impact uponthem. impact potential assess thelikely be present intheregion and to crustacean specieslikely To ofUKBAP map theextent and life cycle. populations on cnidarian aggregatemarine extraction theeffects of Minimise impact uponthem. impact potential assess thelikely present intheregion and to be specieslikely cnidarian To ofUKBAP map theextent marine aggregatemarine extraction. not adversely affected by identified fishspecies are spawning grounds for Ensure that regional the UKBAP. spawning sites identified by on potential bony fish of dredging activities theimpact Minimise UK BAP. bony fishidentified bythe on of dredging activities impact thedirect Minimise impact uponthem. impact potential assess thelikely present intheregion and to be birdBAP specieslikely To ofUK maptheextent ii) i) ii) i) ii) i) iv) iii) ii) i) Action Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators withintheBMAPA Sustainable 3and4ofthe Objectives data produced toReview support impacts arising from marine aggregate from marine arising extraction. impacts annuallyto 2012andreview assessthepotentialDecember identified BAP fromby theUK available data sources by ofregional populations theextent ofmolluscspecies Map development report by 2012. December development report Sustainable Production indicator withintheBMAPA sustainable 3and4ofthe Objectives to data collected support Review impacts arising from marine aggregate from marine arising extraction. impacts annuallyto 2012andreview assessthepotentialDecember identified BAP fromby theUK available data sources by ofregional populations theextent ofcrustacean species Map Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators withintheBMAPA Sustainable 3and4ofthe Objectives data produced toReview support impacts arising from marine aggregate from marine arising extraction. impacts annuallyto 2012andreview assessthepotentialDecember identified BAP fromby theUK available data sources by ofregionalspecies populations theextent ofcnidarian Map identifiedBAP. intheUK donotadverselythat regional affect impacts bony fishspecies Cefas data annuallyto by 2012 andreview ensure December areas andpotential impact spawningMap habitats from RECand Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators within theBMAPA Sustainable 3and4ofthe Objectives data produced toReview support Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators within theBMAPA Sustainable 3and4ofthe Objectives data produced toReview support Map the extents usingavailable theextents Map data by 2012. December Aim 7.

regions. the aggregate producing inhabiting ortransiting mammals affect onmarine No significant adverse c) b) a) Activities Supporting dredging fleet. operation oftheUK the mammals during ofmarine observations andrecord Observe avoid contact. direct of aggregate dredgers and thenoisefootprint Minimise typical aggregatetypical dredger noiseofa characteristic in theregion andthe noiselevels background published sources for the literatureReview and iii) ii) i) Action Definition of regional-scale aims, supporting activities and actions 47 andactions of activities Definition regional-scale aims, supporting December 2012). December review forms andassesstrends annually(next reporting mammalsusingtheSeaWatch theoccurrenceofmarine Report Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators within theBMAPA Sustainable 3and4ofthe Objectives data produced toReview support by 2012. December regions andmapthepotential aggregate noiseabove thislevel noiselevels withinthe background Understand thecharacteristic

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 48 Definition of regional-scale aims, supporting activities andactions of activities 48 Definition regional-scale aims, supporting 9. Aim 8.

aggregates. ofmarine the extraction by during theUKBAP oftunicate identified cycles on populations andlife No significant adverse affect marine aggregates.marine of theextraction during BAP rays identified by theUK ofsharks,cycles and skate on populations andlife No significant adverse affect b) a) b) Supporting Activities Supporting a) life cycle. on tunicate populations and aggregatemarine extraction theeffects of Minimise impact uponthem. impact potential assess thelikely present intheregion and to be trunicate specieslikely To ofUKBAP maptheextent populations andlife cycle. on shark, andray skate aggregatemarine extraction theeffects of Minimise potential impact uponthem. potential impact region andassessthelikely to bepresent inthe likely shark, andrays species skate To ofUKBAP maptheextent ii) i) ii) i) Action Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators within theBMAPA Sustainable 3and4ofthe Objectives data produced toReview support potential impacts arising from marine aggregate from marine arising potential extraction. impacts data annuallyto by 2012andreview assessthe December identified BAP fromby theUK available REC, REAandsite specific ofregional populations theextent oftunicateMap species Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators within theBMAPA Sustainable 3and4ofthe Objectives data produced toReview support marine aggregate extraction annuallythereafter. aggregatemarine extraction from arising 2012andassessthepotentialDecember impacts species identified BAP fromby theUK available data sources by ofregional populations theextent ofsharks,Map andrays skate 14. 13. 12. 11. Aim 10.

marine aggregates.marine of theextraction during BAP habitats identified by theUK on sublittoral sediment No significant adverse affect marine aggregates.marine of theextraction during identified BAP by theUK on sublittoral rock habitats No significant adverse affect marine aggregates.marine of theextraction during identified BAP by theUK on littoral sediment habitats No significant adverse affect marine aggregates.marine of theextraction during identified BAP by theUK on littoral rock habitats No significant adverse affect producing regions. or transiting theaggregate inhabiting affect onturtles No significant adverse b) a) b) a) b) a) b) a) c) Supporting Activities Supporting b) a) habitats. on thesublittoral sediment aggregatemarine extraction theeffects of Minimise them. aggregate dredging upon of potential impact the likely within theregion and assess littoral sediment habitats To ofUKBAP maptheextent habitats. on thesublittoral rock aggregatemarine extraction theeffects of Minimise them. aggregate dredging upon of potential impact the likely within theregion andassess sublittoralBAP rock habitats To ofUK map theextent on littoral sediment habitats. aggregatemarine extraction theeffects of Minimise them. aggregate dredging upon of potential impact the likely within theregion andassess littoral sediment habitats To ofUKBAP map theextent on thelittoral rock habitats. aggregatemarine extraction theeffects of Minimise them. aggregate dredging upon of potential impact likely the region andassessthe littoral rock habitats within To ofUKBAP maptheextent UK dredging fleet. theoperation ofthe during ofturtles observations andrecord Observe avoid contact. direct of aggregate dredgers and thenoisefootprint Minimise typical aggregatetypical dredger noiseofa characteristic in theregion andthe noiselevels background published sources for the literatureReview and ii) i) ii) i) ii) i) ii) i) iii) ii) Action i) Definition of regional-scale aims, supporting activities and actions 49 andactions of activities Definition regional-scale aims, supporting Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators withintheBMAPA Sustainable 3and4ofthe Objectives data produced to Review support impacts arising from marine aggregate from marine arising extraction. impacts annuallyto 2012andreview assessthepotentialDecember by from theUK BAP available REC, REAandsite specificdata by ofthesublittoral theextent sediment habitats identifiedMap Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators withintheBMAPA Sustainable 3and4ofthe Objectives data produced toReview support marine aggregatemarine extraction. from annuallyto review arising assessthepotential impacts fromUK BAP available data sources by 2012and December ofthesublittoral theextent rock habitatsMap identified by the Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators withintheBMAPA Sustainable 3and4ofthe Objectives data produced toReview support marine aggregatemarine extraction. from annuallyto and review arising assessthepotential impacts by from theUKBAP available data sources by 2012 December ofregional littoral theextent sedimentMap habitats identified Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators withintheBMAPA Sustainable 3and4ofthe Objectives data produced toReview support aggregate extraction. fromannually to marine arising assessthepotential impacts fromBAP available data sources by 2012andreview December ofthelittoral theextent rock habitatsMap identified by theUK forms and assess trends annually (next review December 2012). December review forms andassesstrends annually(next usingtheSeaWatch theoccurrenceofturtles reporting Report Development report by 2012. December report Development Sustainable Production indicators within theBMAPA Sustainable 3and4ofthe Objectives data produced toReview support by 2012. December regions andmapthepotential aggregate noiseabove thislevel noiselevels withinthe background Understand thecharacteristic

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 50 Reporting andreview structure 50 Reporting Marine Mammals –E Mammals Marine 10. Reporting and review structure andreview Reporting ast Coast ■ ■ ■

extracted –gravel generatingextracted highernoiselevels than sand. process iselevated atextraction frequencies above 1kHz, dependingupontheaggregate being type speed for frequencies below etal. 500Hz(Robinson 2011). Broadband noisegenerated by theaggregate research for thearea shows that aggregate dredgerscargo are asnoisytypical shipstravelling at modest noise produced by aggregate noise. dredgers ofregional withinthecontext background The mostrecent However, for withintheUKBAP, conservation given theirpriority to theirsensitive review to the itispertinent dredgers suggeststhat aggregate mammalssignificantly. dredgers donotdisturbmarine mammalswithinthearea,The occurrenceofthesemarine ofthesespeciesby aggregate andobservation Dolphin 1 Bottle-nosed 1 Harbour Porpoise 2 Common Seals 2012: during mammalswere4 sightings ofmarine observed Sightings 2012: oftheproposedbaselineandannualupdateAn example structure tableisprovided below: accordingly. not ableto beusedto update speciesandfeatures, andtimescales willbeamendedoradjusted theactions available at thetimeofupdate, notallcomponents ofthetablemay beupdated. However, where data is Whilst theseaims, willbereviewed annually, andactions activities supporting dueto thenature ofdata proposed 8and9willbeupdated that thetableslisted annuallywithany insections acquired newly data. resourcesunderstanding ofthebiodiversity for eachaggregate region isstillrequired. production is It andfuture establishestheframework development oftheBMAPAThis report BAP. Production ofbaseline 7. Aim

regions. producing aggregate transiting the inhabiting or mammals marine affect the significantly To not a) c) b) Supporting Activities Supporting aggregate dredger noise ofatypical the characteristic the region and noise levels in background sources for the and published literatureReview dredging fleet. operation oftheUK the during mammals marine of observations andrecord Observe contact. and avoid direct aggregate dredgers noise footprint of the Minimise therefore of thenoisegenerated constitute asmallfraction by shippingusingtheregion. aggregateRecent data shows that dredgers constitute around 11%ofthetraffic withinthe region and The licence areas withintheaggregate producing region are located withinawell usedshippingregion. i) iii) ii) Action 2012. by December above thislevel aggregate noise potential map the regions and within the noise levels background characteristic Understand the 2012). December review (next trends annually and assess forms reporting the SeaWatch mammals using of marine occurrence the Report 2012. December by report Development Sustainable the BMAPA indicators within Production Sustainable and 4ofthe 3 Objectives to support produced data Review hour per loaded T (km dredged Area the action period. the action sightings speciesnoted ofBAP during dredger. has alsomappedthe It noise produced by anaggregate noise intheregion, andthetypical and levels ofactivity background Literature hasidentified the review aggregate dredgers. and shown donotavoid that they ofthesespecies,of thedistribution This hashelpedourunderstanding from aggregate dredgers.observed mammalshaveof marine been As mentioned above, anumber hour dredged isincreasing. reducing whilstthetonnes loadedper be seenthat thearea dredged is As aresult ofthese metrics, itcan dredged andloadingtimedata: withinthearea can beobserved shows that thefollowingreport trends The BMAPA Sustainabledevelopment Performance Against Action onnes 2 ) 840.14 123.63 2009 859.12 137.9 2008 783.57 134.67 2007 707.41 140.6 2006 Reporting andreview structure 51 Reporting ✔ ✔ ✔ 2013 Action iii) ii) i) distribution. and sensitivity assess their mammals to of marine sightings report Continue to indicators. trend in to downward aim to continue mammals and of marine the context dredgers in of aggregate performance monitor the Continue to actions No further

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 52 Reporting andreview structure 52 Reporting Circalittoral Habitats Coast Rock –South Circalittoral Habitats Rock andtheoretical dredger Plume extents: 13. Aim

aggregates. of marine extraction the during the UKBAP identified by rock habitats circalittoral affect the significantly To not b) a) Activities Supporting habitats. circalittoral rock onthe extraction aggregate effects ofmarine the Minimise upon them. aggregate dredging of potential impact assess thelikely the region and habitats within circalittoral rock ofUKBAP extent To mapthe ii) Action i) December 2012. December by report Development Sustainable the BMAPA indicators within Production Sustainable and 4ofthe 3 Objectives to support produced data Review extraction. aggregate from marine arising impacts potential to assessthe annually review 2012 and by December specific data REA andsite available REC, fromUK BAP identified by the rock habitats circalittoral ofthe extent the Map hour per loaded T (km dredged Area hour dredged isincreasing. reducing whilstthetonnes loadedper be seenthat thearea dredged is As aresult ofthese metrics, itcan dredged andloadingdata: withinthearea can beobserved shows that the followingreport trends The BMAPA Sustainabledevelopment regional circalittoral rock resource. overall thisrepresents 14%ofthe plumeaffects.secondary However, could potentially beaffected by maximum ofapproximately 58.05km areas. Beyondthedredging areas, a Performance Against Action extend to 0.38km extend ofthecircalittoralThe extents rock onnes 2 ) 840.14 123.63 2009 859.12 137.9 2008 2 withindredging 783.57 134.67 2007 707.41 140.6 2006 Reporting andreview structure 53 Reporting 2

✔ ✔ ii) i) 2013 Action indicators. trend in to downward to continue rock andaim of circalittoral the context dredgers in of aggregate performance monitor the Continue to activity. with dredging interaction the potential annually review data and and research monitoring from available the UKBAP identified by rock habitats circalittoral maps of the Modify

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) PLAN 54 Other components oftheBAP 54 Other 11.2. 11.1. 11.

Other components oftheBAP Other Company BAPs Local BAPs The Strategy BAP andassociated produced implementationplan hasbeen by BMAPA inconjunction withMarineSpace Limited. aligned to andrequirements satisfy theobjectives for any these company existing BAPs. specific developed, isenvisaged ofan overarching andIit that theproduction the regional BMAPA willbe BAP licence areas. This information thewiderBMAPA willfeed into andsupport process BAP that is being oftheBMAPASeveral member companies alsoproduce BAPs for theirwideroperations orfor particular Local BAPs to beconsidered inthisdocument are highlighted inthediagram below: willbeincorporated intodata andactions theannualBMAPA document. BAP and provide more specificactions for thelocal habitats andspeciesidentified. Where appropriate, localBAP Local BAPs form across anetwork theUK. They supplement theinformation provided withinthenational BAP BAPs. ofthedocument providesThis section information ontheselocal andindustry In additiontheinformation provided above, documents are localalsorelevant BAPs to thisBAP. andindustry Gl am Devo orga De n nb n M ighshire onmou F lintshire So Ch thshir me L es ancashire rset hire Do e rs Gl et ou cestershir Ha Is Wight mp le of shir

e e Yo rk Li Su sh ncolnshire ir sse e x Esse x No Ke Su rf nt ol ff k ol k The British Marine Aggregate Producers Association is part of the Mineral Products Association, the trade association for the aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, lime, mortar and silica sand industries

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