Recommendations for the sustainable exploitation of tidal sandbanks
Van Lancker, V.R.M.; Bonne, W.; Garel, E.; Degrendele, K.; Roche, M.; Van den Eynde, D.; Bellec, V.; Brière, C.; Collins, M. (2007). Recommendations for the sustainable exploitation of tidal sandbanks, in: Van Lancker, V. et al. Management, research and budgetting of aggregates in shelf seas related to end-users (Marebasse). pp. 117-139 In: Van Lancker, V. et al. (2007). Management, research and budgetting of aggregates in shelf seas related to end-users (Marebasse). Belgian Science Policy: Brussel. 139 pp., more |
| Keywords | Environmental assessment
Environmental impact
Evaluation
Marine sedimentation
Mining
Sea bed
Sediments > Clastics > Sand
ANE, Belgium, Belgian Continental Shelf (BCS) [Marine Regions]; ANE, Belgium, Flemish Banks, Kwinte Bank [Marine Regions]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top | - Van Lancker, V.R.M., more
- Bonne, W., more
- Garel, E.
| | - Bellec, V., more
- Brière, C.
- Collins, M.
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| Abstract | Sand extraction activities on the Belgian Continental Shelf are regulated, in the sense that no major changes to the seabed should occur and natural regeneration of the banks is considered to balance the extraction rates. However, the centre of a tidal sandbank (Kwinte Bank), exploited intensively since the 1970’s, is transformed now into a depression; as such, sand extraction has ceased since February 2003. The impacted site lies more than 12 km away from the adjacent shoreline and is located in water depths of 8 to 15 m. Since the central depression was revealed in 2000, the perception related to the impact of aggregate extraction has gradually changed. The present-day seabed characteristics and the recovery potential of this central part of the Kwinte Bank have been studied, on a multidisciplinary basis. This contribution provides an integration, synthesis and discussion of extensive results of the geo-acoustic, ground-truthing and modelling investigations, within the context of sustainable exploitation. Various space- and timescales are addressed. Mainly, physical and ecological impacts are discussed, together with a ‘suite’ of criteria that can assist in limiting the environmental impact of the extraction. A methodological framework for research is proposed, whilst recommendations for future monitoring schemes are highlighted. The information provided can guide decisions on the management of the impact of aggregate extraction, within the marine environment. |
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