The Crown Estate recently commissioned new detailed survey work to enhance knowledge of the quality and distribution of marine sand and gravel resources in the UK and support the sustainable management of the seabed.
The research, which has been undertaken by EGS International Ltd, has captured high-quality bathymetric and geophysical data, focusing on four key seabed regions: the East English Channel, the Thames Estuary, the East Coast, and the Humber.
The data and evidence captured will inform decisions relating to the future use of the UK seabed, helping to optimise the area of seabed used for aggregate dredging.
This will enable the potential safeguarding high quality resources, whilst releasing other seabed for alternative uses. It will also be used to help develop national & regional resource statements, for marine and mineral policy & planning and marine development guidance.
EGS has used the permanently mobilised 50m survey vessel, EGS Ventus, which is operating a spread of high-resolution bathymetric and geophysical equipment. This includes a hull mounted, dual head/dual swath Kongsberg 2040 MBES system, high-resolution dual frequency sidescan sonar and UHRS boomer system.
Marine aggregates are a vital component of the building materials supply chain and are extensively used in construction and civil engineering projects, particularly in the South East of England and South Wales.
The survey work which was announced earlier this week builds on the ongoing research delivered by the British Geological Survey, the marine aggregates industry and The Crown Estate.