'If Marinet expect a meaningful debate with the industry on the issues they must base their arguments on fact and not fiction. So far they have ignored all the scientific evidence and made a number of damaging claims that are inaccurate and irresponsible, ' said Mr Drury.

'We have never denied that marine dredging makes an impact but we strive to minimise our impacts and work closely with all stakeholders. Marinet completely ignores scientific evidence that would instantly settle the concerns of any reasonable organisation. If Government regulators were not happy with our performance then licences could be refused or revoked.'

According to BMAPA, the aggregates industry believes that Marinet is:

. Ignoring research that suggests coastal erosion is caused by the actions of the sea and tides aided by extreme weather conditions.

(Southern North Sea Sediment Transport Study, 2002).

. Making misleading statements about the Eurosion study, stating that it suggested dredging off Norfolk contributes to coastal erosion. Norfolk was never even considered by the study.

. Claiming that the marine aggregates industry is rapidly expanding when production levels have been stable for 15 years.

. Claiming dredging is banned in France, Belgium and Holland, when, for example, Dutch production is twice that of the UK.

. That dredging has a significant impact on fishing when less than a tenth of one per cent of the UK continental shelf is dredged - leaving 99.9 per cent of the seabed undisturbed.

. Suggesting more recycling could replace marine aggregates, when UK recycling levels at 65 million tonnes per annum, are three times higher than the European average.

Mr Drury concluded: 'The industry works in partnership with many environmental organisations, so it is a shame that Marinet is choosing to campaign based upon misconceptions and confrontation.

We can only hope for a more positive and constructive relationship with them in the future.'

BMAPA claims that there is 'no evidence of any coastal impact due to dredging, ' and says coastal erosion and coastal change, driven by waves and currents, is a natural phenomenon that affects both beaches and cliffs. 'The industry's objective is to ensure that marine aggregate extraction does not affect these coastal processes, ' said BMAPA.

'Although dredging occurs varying distances offshore (often 8km or more) and commonly in water at least 20m deep, the industry still carries out detailed studies. As a further safety mechanism, monitoring of the seabed and adjacent coast in sensitive areas is also undertaken while dredging is carried out.

BMAPA also rejects claims that dredging is responsible for a decline in commercial fisheries, or that it damages long-term biodiversity.

Contrary to assertions that dredging is not a sustainable practice, BMAPA says the reality is that subject to continuing research and consideration of local environmental impacts, there are sufficient marine aggregate resources on the seabed for at least a further 50 years at present levels of extraction.

BMAPA says the use of recycled materials in aggregates markets has more than doubled over the last 15 years and now accounts for nearly 25 per cent of British total aggregate demand - which is three times higher than the European average.