Marine aggregate production in the UK in 2013 remained depressed, with a 4.7% reduction compared to 2012, but there were signs of recovery in England and Wales where marine landings increased by just over 5%.
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In the marine sector’s key markets of London and South East England the performance was, says the BMAPA SD Report, even more promising. Consequently, there is growing optimism that the economic tide in Britain may finally be turning.
The publication of the BMAPA’s SD Report follows the launch of the sector’s sustainable development strategy in October 2006. Under this initiative, individual marine aggregate operators continue to report a wide range of data which, when combined, provides a comprehensive record of the sustainable development performance of the sector as a whole.
The report highlights some key developments, including how the area of seabed licensed for dredging increased by 3.9% to 739km², as new marine licences were issued for historic production areas. Marine aggregate operators are also said to be continuing to provide high resolution survey data in support of the development of Marine Conservation Zones.
Mark Russell, BMAPA Director, said: “Not only does this report demonstrate the continuing real-world impact of the current economic climate on an important industry sector that provides essential construction materials to support future growth, but it also illustrates the industry’s continuing steps and progress to improve and enhance its sustainable development credentials.”
