Working alongside the marine historic environment - an aggregate dredging industry perspective
Type:
Presented during:
CEDA Dredging Days 2007 - The Day After we Stop Dredging, Rotterdam
Authors:
Russell M L, British Marine Aggregate Producers Association and Firth A, Wessex Archaeology, United Kingdom
Abstract: The contribution of terrestrial sand and gravel quarrying to our understanding of the historic environment in the UK is well documented. Some of the most important finds in recent years have been associated with sand and gravel extraction at land-based quarries. As the marine aggregate industry targets similar deposits of sand and gravel, associated with ancient channel terraces and infills, it is reasonable to assume that a similar potential exists for items of archaeological significance to be present - submerged landscapes and artefacts, as well as the more obvious wrecks.
Through the extraction of sand and gravel, dredging activity inevitably disturbs the seabed. The potential therefore exists for any features of archaeological interest that may be present to also be disturbed - including submerged landscapes, wrecks and artefacts. By recognising and acknowledging this, the British marine aggregate industry through its trade association the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association has worked to address these issues on a proactive basis. Guidance to provide advice and procedures for every stage of marine aggregate development and operation, from assessment of new licence areas, to mitigating and monitoring sensitive sites and reporting and evaluating finds has been developed in partnership with English Heritage, statutory advisor to the UK Government on England's historic environment, land and sea.
This paper provides an industry perspective on marine archaeology, and reflects on how an issue of potential threat can be turned into an opportunity through an open and constructive partnership approach.
Keywords: marine aggregates, heritage, archaeology, guidance