‘Strength from the Depths’ – Eighth Annual Sustainable Development Report for the British Marine Aggregate Industry Published
This report can be downloaded from the website of the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association at: http://www.bmapa.org/issues/sustainability.php
Summary:
The British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA) has published its eighth annual Sustainable Development report covering the year 2013. This builds upon the wider sustainable development initiative established by BMAPA’s parent organisation, the Mineral Products Association (MPA).
The publication of BMAPA’s eighth annual report follows the launch of the sector’s sustainable development strategy in October 2006. Under this initiative, individual marine aggregate operators continue to report a wide range of data which, when combined, provides a comprehensive record of the sustainable development performance of the sector as a whole.
Although overall marine aggregate production during 2013 remained depressed, with a 4.7% reduction compared to 2012, there were signs of recovery in the home markets of England and Wales where marine landings increased by just over 5%. This was consistent with the performance of the wider GB aggregates market, and in the marine sector’s key markets of London and South East England the performance was even more promising. Consequently, there is growing optimism that the economic tide in Britain may finally be turning.
The report highlights some key developments, including:
- The area of seabed licensed for dredging increased by 3.9% to 739km2, as new marine licences were issued for historic production areas
- New best practice introduced to support resource management and compliance with licence conditions
- Marine aggregate operators continue to provide high resolution survey data in support of the development of Marine Conservation Zones
- Industry funds the development of a new Regional Seabed Monitoring Programme in partnership with DEFRA, the Marine Management Organisation and The Crown Estate
Marine aggregates provide over 20% of the sand and gravel demand in England and Wales, with the majority of supply used in high value ready-mixed concrete and concrete products. Certain regions are particularly reliant upon marine supplies. One third of all primary aggregate demand in London and the South East of England is met from marine resources whilst in South Wales over 90% of the market demand for sand also comes from the sea.
This report can be downloaded from the website of the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association at: http://www.bmapa.org/issues/sustainability.php
For further information contact: Mark Russell, Director, British Marine Aggregate Producers Association, Gillingham House, 38-44 Gillingham Street, London, SW1V 1HU Email: bmapa@mineralproducts.org Tel: 0207 963 8000
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