Marine aggregate extraction
Marine aggregate
Marine aggregate, such as sand and gravel, is a finite resource and must be sustainably managed to ensure supplies are still available for future generations. Marine aggregate can be used as construction material, for land reclamation or beach replenishment. Most of the extraction takes place in the Bristol Channel, Severn Estuary and off the North Wales coast.
Marine aggregate extraction can have impacts on the environment such as on benthic ecology and fish. Careful planning and siting of sites is essential to avoid and minimise impacts.
Guidance, Evidence and Data
Find guidance, data and evidence for your marine aggregate extraction activity.
Guidance on consenting and assessments
Find data and evidence for your marine aggregate extraction activity:
- Marine licence information and guidance on applying from our Permitting Service
- Guidance on using adaptive management for marine developments
- Guidance on scoping an Environmental Impact Assessment for marine developments
- NRW and Environmental Assessments
- Guidance on our marine habitats and species data and uses in developments
- Guidance on conservation legislation for marine vertebrates in Wales
Guidance for receptors
- Guidance on how to carry out assessments on benthic habitats
- Guidance on marine physical processes and EIA
Guidance on data for assessments
NRW evidence priorities, research and reports
Contact us
If you are considering marine aggregate extraction in Welsh waters, please get in touch with us at an early stage marine.area.advice@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk