The journal, titled ‘Marine aggregate extraction – Helping to determine good practice’, was based on the proceedings of a two day conference held in Southampton in September 2006.

At the launch event last month, Defra Director of Marine and Fisheries Rodney Anderson said, ‘As a result of the significant investment in marine research we now have a much clearer understanding of the key issues relating to protection of environmental resources in the vicinity of aggregate dredge sites. The fund has promoted increasingly sophisticated management of aggregate extraction integrated with the protection of resources of conservation and heritage significance.’

Speaking on behalf of the industry, Kevin Seaman Chairman of the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association said, ‘The research completed to date ably demonstrates the wider benefits and value that come from regulators, scientists and industry working together. All the while that the aggregate levy exists, it is essential that the sustainability fund is maintained to further improve and enhance the understanding of key issues related to marine aggregate extraction.’

As well as the main research journal, an accompanying summary report has also been produced which sets out the understanding of key issues relating to marine aggregate extraction and identifies areas for future research should the fund be continued.

Electronic versions of both documents can be downloaded from the MEPF website [http://www.alsf-mepf.org.uk/downloads/downloads.htm]