Seabed Sampling near Poole & Christchurch Bays

Description

The requirement is for seabed sampling that will be used to inform potential marine aggregate production in new Option Area 2105 (West Isle of Wight). Data collection and reporting must meet a high standard in align with best practice for the aggregate industry with a track record of work for the dredging/aggregate industry in the UK. As background, the beaches in Poole and Christchurch Bays have been recipient to around 10 million tonnes of sediment from various sources since 1970 to protect thousands of homes, businesses, amenity, and environmental habitats. Local commercial sites are likely to be unable to provide sufficient future material, and existing practices are unaffordable and unsustainable hence BCP Council have agreed an Exploration and Option Area 2105 via the 2021/22 Marine Minerals Tender round with the Crown Estate. The work is for 15 locations with 5m depth vibrocores (in water depths less than 25m, each location TBC in Area 2105) and accompanying grab sample at each location.