Regulation under the Dredging Permission Procedure

Government control of marine aggregate dredging has historically been exercised through the government view / permission procedure, currently administered by the Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA). With the introduction of Environmental Impact Assessment and Habitats (Extraction of Minerals by Marine Dredging) Regulations, applications for the extraction of marine minerals operate under statutory procedures administered by MFA in England, NIEA in Northern Ireland, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Scottish Executive, as appropriate. Each application – for a dredging permission - will involve the undertaking of an environmental impact assessment and extensive consultation with the fishing industry, relevant government bodies and the general public.

Further Information

For further information please contact:

Marine Environment Team
Marine & Fisheries Agency
Area 4D, Ergon House
Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 2AL

telephone 020 7270 8328

Department for the Environment, Sustainability & Housing
Welsh Assembly Government
Welsh Office
Crown Buildings
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF1 3NQ

telephone 029 2082 3725
fax 029 2082 5622

Department of Environment Northern Ireland
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Belfast
Northern Ireland
BT4 3SB

telephone 028 9052 0100
fax 028 9052 5546