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What is dredging and what effect does it have on erosion?

Dredging is when sand and gravel is removed from the coastline or seabed.  We do it to:

  • to keep waterways navigable
  • to produce material for construction projects
  • to replace the materials lost from beaches, due to erosion.

What effect does dredging have on coastal erosion?

It is sometimes claimed that dredging causes coastal erosion, or makes it worse, as it has in the past. 

Various studies have recently been carried out to assess whether dredging makes surrounding areas more prone to erosion or not.  Research results, such as those from the Southern North Sea Sediment Transport Study, shows that because dredging is now strictly controlled and carefully managed in UK waters, it no longer has an impact on coastal erosion. 

A licence is required for dredging.  Thorough assessments are carried out to ensure dredging will not have a negative impact on the coastline or the marine environment before a licence is granted.

Marine aggregate extraction and disposal of dredged spoil is regulated by the Marine and Fisheries Agency in England, and the Welsh Assembly Government in Wales. In England, the new Marine and Coastal Access Act invests a new organisation - the Marine Management Organisation - with all licensing and regulatory powers surrounding marine dredging from April 2011.
 
Everyone undertaking dredging should follow good practice principles.