Aggregates - Key Information

Detailed information on marine aggregate extraction including information on dredge areas, dredging techniques and regional dredging statistics can be found by following the links to these websites 

The Crown Estate,

British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA)

Applicable Legislation for aggregate Environmental Impact Assessment

• Environmental Impact Assessment and Natural Habitats (Extraction of Minerals by Marine Dredging) (England and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2007
• Environmental Impact Assessment and Natural Habitats (Extraction of Minerals by Marine Dredging) (Wales) Regulations 2007
• Environmental Impact Assessment and Natural Habitats (Extraction of Minerals by Marine Dredging) (Scotland) Regulations 2007

Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF)

In 2002 the UK Government imposed a levy on all primary aggregate production (including marine aggregates) to reflect the environmental cost of winning these materials. A proportion of the revenue generated is used to provide a source of funding for research aimed at minimising the effects of aggregate production. This fund, delivered through Defra, is known as the Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund  (ALSF). 

JNCC is a member of the Defra Marine ALSF, which determines a strategic way forward for marine elements of the ALSF. JNCC’s representation here is to ensure that marine nature conservation interests can be taken into consideration when determining forward planning of wider research, policy and guidance needs that could potentially be funded by the ALSF.