Eastern Channel Broadscale Habitat Mapping Project: Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF)

This aim of the project was to provide integrated broadscale habitat maps for an extensive area within the central part of the Eastern English Channel in order to support the sustainable management of offshore resources. The maps integrated geological, geophysical and biological data and interpretations, including new surveys using high resolution geophysical systems, ground truthed with sampling and video. The immediate driver was the discovery of substantial aggregate resources in this area and the requirement to manage the sustainable development of this resource and minimise potential impacts. The results are available in GIS format and may be used by Government, Nature Conservation bodies and the aggregate industry to inform the planning process. It may also be a valuable tool for fisheries management. BGS, CEFAS and JNCC are partners in the project, and MES a sub-contractor.