Research and analysis

Redefining physical oceanographic conditions to determine extent of sediment plumes as a result of dredge disposal at disposal sites

Evidence requirement R077: Understanding extent of sediment plumes as a result of dredge disposal at disposal sites

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Redefining physical oceanographic conditions to determine extent of sediment plumes as a result of dredge disposal at disposal sites

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Details

Requirement R077

To understand extent of sediment plumes as a result of dredge disposal at disposal sites

Requirement detail

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) requires physical models to improve understanding of sediment transport routes, during dredge disposal operations at designated disposal sites, to provide further evidence and support decisions around licensing conditions.

To consider:

  • physical conditions have an influence on the environmental impact of dredge disposal (for example, sediment plumes, changes in conditions of substrate, seabed morphology and removal/smoothering of subtidal benthic species and communities)
  • existing physical conditions are defined, for example, as part of the process involved in designating a new disposal site
  • physical oceanographic information or approach (see existing evidence) may be used to improve understanding other evidence needs, such as defining local physical conditions at marine protected areas, for example the effectiveness of closed areas (larval dispersal) as well as in planning to support descriptions of habitats

MMO use

Marine licensing:

  • identify disposal sites where additional management measures may be required to reduce possible extent of sediment plumes
  • form part of evidence base for marine licensing

Marine planning:

  • determine if evidence acquired can be used to support marine planning

Marine conservation:

  • determine if evidence acquired can be used to inform future decisions marine conservation

External interest

Cefas, Natural England, Environment Agency, JNCC

Delivery target

2016, Quarter 4

Published 10 August 2016
Last updated 26 August 2016 + show all updates
  1. Document updated

  2. First published.