Ross Walker
MSc Marine Resource Development and Protection
Heriot-Watt University
The Assessment and Comparison of Techniques with
Potential Use in Determining the Affects of Dredging on the Marine
Environment
Abstract
The effects of dredging on the environment include substratum
removal, topography, sediment composition and hydrodynamic changes
and water quality affects are described. Four of the properties
which are influenced by these effects are Suspended Sediment
Concentration (SSC), Particle Size Analysis, Turbulence and Organic
Content. All the properties are affected by other forces such as
weather, season, location and other human factors. The properties
are also relevant indicators of the health of the environment.
Particle size analysis can be used to aid the prediction of spring
blooms. Turbulence is an essential factor in determining the
habitat of fish. Organic Content may determine the growth of
certain species. SSC is essential in determining the settlement
properties of sediment. Analysis of these properties has the
potential to give an indication of the environmental effects of
aggregate dredging.