Potential Beneficial Use (Mud): Potential Material Sources - maintenance dredge disposal sites (MMO)

Published by MMO: This data layer indicates open marine disposal sites in England and Wales, which could yield muddy materials suitable for mudflat or saltmarsh restoration by applying the beneficial use / alternative reuse of dredged materials technique. Polygon data derived in 2018 based on a review of the relevant Cefas database (which contained records up to 2012), whereby sites which regularly receive maintenance dredge materials were identified. The data layer also contains information on the likely source of the sediment, and predominant sediment type, where this could be determined (through a literature review). Key limitations of the data layer are that it only provides a high level indication of where, and how much, sediments may be available. Furthermore, the review is based on a database which contained records up to 2012, so trends may have changed since then; and for some sites, primary depositors could not be identified. However, despite these limitations, the data layer presents data which is not available elsewhere, and indicates trends which are likely to continue into the future, as maintenance dredge requirements do not tend to fluctuate substantially. Dataset created as part of the project: Identifying sites suitable for marine habitat restoration or creation (MMO1135) The project aimed to develop a national dataset of sites that are suitable for habitat restoration or creation. The dataset provides information to inform policy development that can help increase the amount of ecologically important habitat, where appropriate and in line with current legislation. More information, supporting documents and guidance can be found HERE.