Details of the project specifications and tender forms for the above projects are available on this website under "funding opportunities".  Please note short tender deadline of 5pm Wednesday 06 January 2010

The MALSF Steering Group will be meeting in the next few months to discuss funding priorities for FY2009/10 and FY20010/11, with the view to start a (competitive) commissioning cycle in April /May time. Please keep an eye on this website for funding updates. There is no other information available at this time.

The stand will be exhibiting artifacts from the seabed as well as literature.

Projects>Completed Projects>REC08/01. 

The final outputs of the project consist of report and data appendices (available from this website).  The interpreted data GIS outputs from the Outer Thames study will shortly be available at www.marinealsf.org.uk (which also hosts the survey data acquired in 2007).

MEPF 08/P18 - Research, development, production and evaluation of innovative grab sampling devices with a view to improving the quality and efficiency of sea-bed sediment sampling.

MEPF 08/P21 - A generic investigation into noise profiles of marine aggregate dredging in relation to the acoustic sensitivity of the marine fauna in UK waters

MEPF 08/P25 - Taking 'Aggregates to Outreach' to the Marine Environment

MEPF 08/P70 - The development of an instrument array to measure solids concentration in the overflow from aggregate dredgers

• MEPF 08/P77 Quantifying and Valuing the Impacts of Marine Aggregate Extraction on Ecosystem Goods and Services (PML)

The Outer Thames REC is part of a series of 4 broadscale, REC Projects commissioned by the Marine ALSF to develop understanding of Britain's submerged habitats and heritage via broadscale characterisation of the seabed habitats, their biological communities and potential historic environment assets within the regions. The Outer Thames is the first of the 4 REC studies to complete.

• Sidescan Sonar 
• Bathymetry 
• Magnetometer 
• Sub Bottom Profile (Boomer) 
• AGDS (East Coast only)

There will be a further (higher resolution) sidescan sonar dataset for these RECs; this data is expected to be available at the end of FY09/10.   

Further information on the REC projects is available under the projects page.

• Science Review 2008 (PDF, 5.14 MB)

Note: As the printed version of the Science Review also contains a CD of project presentations from the 2008 February Conference, those wishing for a copy of this CD should contact the MEPF Secretariat at secretariat@alsf-mepf.org.uk.

The publication will shortly be available for download on this website, however, paper copies are available on request from the ALSF MEPF Secretariat (secretariat@alsf-mepf.org.uk).

Session times (tbc):
Thursday 28th February - 0930h to 1730h, followed by a drinks reception
Friday 29th February - 0930h to 1430h

Lunch and all refreshments for both days are included.

The programme will include the presentation of 2007/2008 project outputs from the Marine Environment Protection Fund and English Heritage portfolios.

The delegate fee is £125 + VAT.

In the proposal, £4M per annum is provisionally allocated to the Marine Environment Protection Fund.  This is less than we had anticipated, given the current knowledge gaps published in last year's "Helping to determine good practice -summary report" and the need to support further Regional Environmental Characterisation survey work.  However, the proposals do allow us to begin planning for the period April 2008 to March 2011, and a call for Expressions of Interest will be published via this website soon.

The full consultation and list of consultees may be found on Defra's website:

  http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/alsf-08/

The closing date for responses is 28 April 2008.

• MEPF 08/01 Thames Regional Environmental Characterisation (REC) Programme Data Analysis and Interpretation
• MEPF 08/02 South Coast Regional Environmental Characterisation (REC) Programme - Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Expression of Interest form 2008: REC Survey/Programme (.doc 43kb)
• Expressions of interest for East Coast Regional Environmental Characterisation (REC) Programme. (.doc 75kb)
• Expressions of interest for Humber Regional Environmental Characterisation (REC) Programme. (.doc 72kb)
• Regional Environmental Characterisation Survey Specification: East Coast Region (21-03-2008 v.1.4)(.pdf 844kb)
• Regional Environmental Characterisation Survey Specification:Humber Region (21-03-2008 v1.4)(.pdf 764kb)

• Expressions of interest for East Coast Regional Environmental Characterisation (REC) Programme. (.doc 75kb)- deadline 1200h Monday 28th April 2008 (Updated 26th March 2008)
• Expressions of interest for Humber Regional Environmental Characterisation (REC) Programme. (.doc 72kb)- deadline 1200h Monday 28th April 2008 (Updated 26th March 2008)

Bidders for the recent EoI call for the data analysis and interpretation of this data should refer to these reports if further information is required at this stage.

Tenderers must read and complete the requested information as contained in the "MEPF 2008 RECs - Tender Instructions Form" document now available for download and complete the separate excel spreadsheet annex (both worksheets)."

For general info, records up to 100MB can be downloaded; larger records can be obtained from the specific data officer contact.

• MAL 0020 - Development of Hierarchical Classification Scheme (PDF, 6.29 MB)
• MEPF 04/00 - Seabed Recovery Following Marine Aggregate Dredging Module 1 (PDF, 452 KB)
• MEPF 04/01 - Eastern Seabed Channel - processing of xyz data (PDF, 61 MB)
• MEPF 07/04 - Scale and impact of fishing activities in the Eastern English Channel: an initial assessment based on existing geophysical survey data (PDF, 10.42 MB)
• MEPF 07/05 - Marine Aggregates: Science, Industry, Stewardship and People Networks ("Explore the Sea Floor") (PDF, 762 KB)
• MEPF 07/06 - Feasibility study for an assessment of the relative impacts from exploitation of marine and land sand and gravel reserves (PDF, 547 KB)
• MEPF 07/07 - Mineral Wealth - Seabed Health phase ii - Eastern English Channel interactive (PDF, 149 KB)
• MEPF 07/08 - 'Best Use' - Maximising the value of data collected under ALSF projects and the Aggregate Dredging Industry (PDF, 2.80MB)

Final reports for the following 2007/2008 projects will be available shortly.

• MEPF 04/03

Tenderers must read and complete the requested information as contained in the "MEPF 2007 REC Data - Tender Instructions & Form" document now available for download.

***TENDERERS PLEASE NOTE SLIGHTLY LATER SUBMISSION DATE FOR THESE PROJECTS - WAS NOON WED 28 MAY 2008 NOW NOON MON 02 JUNE 2008***

Results of marine aggregate research published

The Marine Environment Protection Fund has published the findings of over £9 million of research related to marine aggregate dredging.

The published journal, Marine aggregate extraction - Helping to determine good practice, was based on the proceedings of a two-day conference held in Southampton in September 2006.

Defra's Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) was set up to develop the science and information required to improve the way in which marine aggregate extraction activities are planned, assessed and managed. The work undertaken includes projects to identify environmental resources that may potentially be affected by marine aggregate dredging, and those which developed practical ways to minimise and manage impacts.

Defra's Director of Marine and Fisheries, Rodney Anderson, said: "As a result of the significant investment in marine research we now have a much clearer understanding of the key issues relating to protection of environmental resources in the vicinity of aggregate dredge sites.

"The ALSF has promoted increasingly sophisticated management of aggregate extraction integrated with the protection of resources of conservation and heritage significance."

Speaking on behalf of the aggregate industry, Kevin Seaman, Chairman of the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA), said: "The research completed to date ably demonstrates the wider benefits and value that come from regulators, scientists and industry working together."

"All the while that the aggregate levy exists, it is essential that the sustainability fund is maintained to further improve and enhance the understanding of key issues related to marine aggregate extraction."

A summary report - which sets out the key issues relating to marine aggregate extraction - accompanies the main research journal. The summary identifies areas for future research should the ALSF continue

Electronic versions of both documents can be downloaded.

• Summary (pdf 753kb)
• Marine Aggregate Dredging: Helping To Determine Good Practice (pdf 8.8MB)

• MEPF04/00 Assessment of The Rehabilitation of The Seabed Following Marine Aggregate Dredging. Part II
• MEPF04/01 Eastern English Channel seabed habitat mapping
• MEPF04/02a Predictive Framework for Assessment of Recoverability of Marine Benthic Communities Following Cessation of Aggregate Dredging
• MEPF04/02b The significance of benthic communities for higher levels in the marine food-web at aggregate dredge sites using the ecosystem approach
• MEPF04/03 Development of a Risk Assessment Framework - Marine Aggregate Extraction Risk Assessment (MARA) Framework
• MEPF07/04 Scale and impact of fishing activities in the Eastern English Channel: an initial assessment based on existing geophysical survey data
• MEPF07/06 Feasibility study for an assessment of the relative impacts from exploitation of marine and land sand and gravel reserves
• MEPFMAL0027 Dissemination & raised awareness of the recoverability of Sabellaria spinulosa aggregations following aggregate extraction

• England's Historic Seascapes Programme (EH)
• ALFM Guidance Notes: i) Acquisition of Marine Geophysical Data; ii) Defining Exclusion Zones around archaeological sites (Southampton University)
• Marine Geophysics Data Acquisition and Interpretation (Southampton University)
• Overview of 2007 Regional Environmental Characterisation Studies for Thames and South Coast regions (Wessex Archaeology)
• Development of Hierarchical Classification Scheme for ground validation and accuracy assessment of data from an acoustic ground descrimination system (Sussex SFC) (pdf 1.42mb)
• Mapping Doggerland: Marine Palaeolandscapes of the Southern North Sea (Birmingham University)           
• Development of a regional sediment mobility model for submerged archaeological sites (Southampton University)
• Seabed Recovery Following Marine Aggregate Dredging (Cefas)
• Predictive framework for assessment of recoverability of marine benthic communities following cessation of aggregate extraction. Preparation of Genus Trait Handbook (MESL) (pdf 458kb)
• Development of the Marine Aggregate Extraction Risk Assessment framework (MARA) GIS (HR Wallingford)
• Marine Class Descriptions and Principles of selection in aggregate areas (Wessex Archaeology) (pdf 1.22MB)
• BMAPA/EH protocol for reporting funds of archaeological interest (Wessex Archaeology)
• Eastern Seabed Channel - processing of xyz data (BGS)
• The significance of benthic communities for higher levels in the marine food-web at aggregate dredge sites using the ecosystem approach (MESL) (pdf 1.11MB)
• Scale and impact of fishing activities in the Eastern English Channel: an initial assessment based on existing geophysical survey data (Cefas)
• Contiguous Palaeo-Landscape Reconstruction (St Andrews University)
• Seabed Prehistory - Gauging the effects of Marine Aggregate Dredging (Wessex Archaeology)
• Feasibility study for an assessment of the relative impacts from exploitation of marine and land sand and gravel (Resource Decisions Ltd.)
• Dissemination & raised awareness of the recoverability of Sabellaria spinulosa aggregations following aggregate (MESL) (pdf 1.43MB)
• Marine ALSF GIS (ABP Marine Environmental Research) (pdf 803kb)
• Marine Aggregates: Science, Industry, Stewardship and People Networks - "Explore the Sea Floor" (National Museum Wales)
• Mineral Wealth - Seabed Health phase ii - Eastern English Channel interactive (Marine Biological Association) (pdf  3.33MB)
• 'Best Use' - Maximising the value of data collected under ALSF projects and the Aggregate Dredging Industry (Cefas)
• Engaging Audiences with Marine Aggregate and Maritime Archaeology through Education (Hampshire & Wight Trust for Maritime Archaeology) (pdf 9.36MB)
• Refining Areas of Maritime Archaeological Potential for Shipwrecks - AMAP 1 (Bournemouth University)

The next Marine ALSF conference is being arranged for February 2008 to disseminate the outputs from these projects. 

EOIs are now sought for the following projects:

MEPF 07/01 - Broad scale Regional Environmental Characterisation study for the Thames region

MEPF 07/02 - Broad scale Regional Environmental Characterisation study for the South Coast region

These projects are expected to complement the industry-led REA process by providing a broader regional environmental context against which sub-regional significance can be robustly considered, and will involve the collection and interpretation of data to describe the seabed features, habitats, and species and features, including items of heritage interest, that exist at a regional scale centred on current marine aggregate licensed interests.

Priority setting is not concluded, but that the expectation is that each project would cost at least £600k, with an upper range of £800k.  Data collection must be completed in the period May to October.  Surveys may include observer client representatives.

EOIs must specify all project partners and attach CVs of the individuals involved.  Criteria for the shortlisting of the EOIs will focus on:

• Demonstrable track record of managing and delivery of large projects
• Leaders for the major survey components to be defined
• Practical work must be scheduled from end May and concluded by end Oct
• Deliverables required under the project specification to be reported by end February 2008

EOIs must be submitted to Kate Francis, MEPF Secretariat, Cefas Lowestoft, NR33 0HT by 1700h Monday 26 March 2007.  Please refer to the Bidding page for further instructions.

Shortlisting will take place on 28 March, and shortlisted bidders will be required to submit fully costed proposals by 18 April 2007 and attend an evaluation interview in London on Monday 23 April, with a view to projects starting 1 May 2007.

A further call for EOIs for smaller projects which address the remaining research priorities identified in the Marine ALSF Science & Information Strategy will be publicised via this website. 

This represents a significant increase on the funds available in FY2006/07, and will assist with progressing of the Marine ALSF strategic aims of:

• developing seabed mapping
• increasing understand of aggregate extraction effects and their significance
• developing monitoring, mitigation and management techniques
• socio-economic issues
• dissemination activities

There will be two opportunities for bidding into the fund.  The first, to be announced shortly on this website, will be for two large regional seabed mapping projects for the Thames and Isle of Wight regions, followed by a call for proposals to cover the other strategic aims listed above.

Please return to this website or contact Kate Francis at if you wish to be kept informed of these opportunities.

English Heritage is the other Marine ALSF delivery partner for FY2007/08.  Details of their application process can be found at:

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.1315

• MEPF_04/01 Eastern English Channel seabed habitat mapping
• MEPF_04/02 Predictive Framework for Assessment of Recoverability of Marine Benthic Communities Following Cessation of Aggregate Dredging
• MEPF_04/03 Development of a Risk Assessment Framework
• MEPF_04/04 Coupling physical and ecological models: A new approach to predicting the impacts of aggregate extraction on biological recoverability.
• MEPF_04/07 Marine Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) Offshore Geographical Information System

23/11/2005

Final Report for MEPF 04/00 Assessment of The Rehabilitation of The Seabed Following Marine Aggregate Dredging.

MEPF_04/01 Eastern English Channel seabed habitat mapping. Annual Report 2005-6

MEPF_04/02 Predictive Framework for Assessment of Recoverability of Marine Benthic Communities Following Cessation of Aggregate Dredging. Annual Report 2005-6.

MEPF_04/03 Development of a Risk Assessment Framework. Annual Report 2005-6.

MEPF_04/04 Coupling physical and ecological models: A new approach to predicting the impacts of aggregate extraction on biological recoverability. Annual Report 2005-6.

MEPF_04/07 Marine Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) Offshore Geographical Information System. Annual Report 2005-6

The funding for FY2007/08 is still to be confirmed, but in preparation for the commissioning of some regional seabed mapping projects, a Projects Co-ordinator is being sought.

Applications must be submitted to by 1700h Tuesday 9 January 2007.  Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend a selection interview on Monday 15 January 2007 at Defra.

For further details on ALSF please visit Defra's website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/aggregates/

1. reduce the local effects of marine aggregate extraction.
2. promote environmentally friendly practices for the extraction of marine aggregate.
3. undertake strategic research into the environmental consequences of marine aggregate extraction.
4. reduce the environmental impacts of using marine aggregate in coastal protection schemes.

The fund which Cefas administers on behalf of Defra is called the Marine Environment Protection Fund (MEPF).

In the first year, MEPF contracts have been awarded to 5 organisations to work on 7 projects as follows:

2010 Marine ALSF publication

W/c 19 or 26 April 2010 publish call (project details tbc)

W/e 21 or 28 May 2010 return of tenders

New projects to commence 01 or 08 June 2010 (subject to any specific requirements)

This note has been posted to help potential bidders with tender planning and to note short timeframe for return of tenders following any announcement.  The MEPF reserves the right to amend or cancel and that any call is still subject to agreement with the Marine ALSF Steering Group.

There are no further details available from the MEPF at present.

Best methods for identifying and evaluating Sabellaria spinulosa and cobble reef (ref MAL0008).

Details of the project specifications and tender forms are available under Downloads - "Current Tender Documentation".  Tender deadline 5pm Thursday 13 May 2010

There are no further details to report at this time.  This news items has been issued as a result of recent similar enquiries to the MEPF Secretariat.

Document can be found on downloads page

08/P33 - Final Report - Mitigation of Marine Aggregate Dredging Impacts - Benchmarking Equipment, Practices and Technologies against Global Best Practice

08/P133 - Final Report - Reduction of environmental impacts of dredger operations

 In July 2009, compatibility trials of the twin grab were conducted as part of the East Coast REC survey work.  A short report on the findings of these trials is now available.

MEPF REC 08/04 - Addendum Report

The MEPF may issue a further call in April 2010, subject to further Marine ALSF Steering Group discussion, the details of which will be announced on this website.

We also hope to add REC boundary shape files very soon to enable users to upload on to their own systems.

04/01 - XYZ Final Report - Sea bed morphology modelling for habitat mapping in Eastern English Channel and Marine ALSF Regional Environment Characterisation (REC) studies

P14 - Final Report - Marine Aggregates Supply as part of a sustainable mix: evaluating the evidence from a sub-regional level

P27 - Final Report - Derek the Dredger and the Marine Biologists  (Derek's Fishy Adventure)

P64 - Final Report - Developing new ground truthing techniques for seabed mapping

Future calls - The Marine ALSF Steering Group expects this to be the final call in Round 3 of the Marine ALSF programme.

Details of the project specifications and tender forms are available under Downloads - "Current Tender Documentation".  Tender deadline of 12 noon Friday 6 August 2010.

MEPF 08/P02 - Marine Aggregate Integrated Assessment - A method to quantify ecosystem sustainability

South Coast Final Report

 A higher resolution version (300MB) of the report plus the interpreted data deliverables (shape files etc.) will be available from the Marine ALSF Data Archive at www.marinealsf.org.uk - expected week commencing 09 August 2010.   

 A printed copy of the final report (including a DVD containing the final report, data appendices, shape files, MapInfo files and arc reader) will also be available - expected week commencing 09 August 2010.  If you would like to receive a copy of the report please contact the Secretariat on secretariat@alsf-mepf.org.uk.

 Original South Coast survey data (acquired during 2007) is also available from the Marine ALSF Data Archive.

The datasets are as follows:

•  Non-Acoustic: including Hamon Grabs, Clamshell Grabs, Beam Trawl, Camera Techniques, Underwater Imagery, Vibrocores
• Acoustic: additional high resolution Bathymetry and Sidescan Sonar Data

 In July 2010, the East Coast REC has produced the following ADDITIONAL deliverables:

• Additional re-processed sidescan sonar data from the 2008 GEOPHYSICAL survey
• Sonar seafloor mosaic (tiles) to an agreed resolution

Data users should also download the accompanying survey operations report (also available from the Marine ALSF Data Archive).

 Geophysical survey data (acquired during 2008) is also available from the Marine ALSF Data Archive.

The final report for the South Coast REC 08/02 is now available for download.  This is a low-resolution version (90MB). 

South Coast Final Report

 A higher resolution version (300MB) of the report plus the interpreted data deliverables (shape files etc.) will be available from the Marine ALSF Data Archive at www.marinealsf.org.uk - expected week commencing 09 August 2010.   

A printed copy of the final report (including a DVD containing the final report, data appendices, shape files, MapInfo files and arc reader) is now available.  If you would like to receive a copy of the report please contact the Secretariat on secretariat@alsf-mepf.org.uk.

 Original South Coast survey data (acquired during 2007) is also available from the Marine ALSF Data Archive.

The data available from the data archive allows users to develop their own GIS.

A full suite of interpreted deliverables for the project is available on a DVD which includes - final report, shape files, layer files plus associated software for viewing the GIS deliverables generated from by project team.  

Users should also read the linked"README" file - this provides further information on the contents of the DVD.    

If you would like to receive a printed copy of the report plus the accompanying DVD please contact the Secretariat on secretariat@alsf-mepf.org.uk.

Original South Coast survey data (acquired during 2007) is also available from the Marine ALSF Data Archive.

MEPF 09/P130 - A Review of the Potential Impacts of Marine Aggregate Extraction on Seabirds

• Type of Reports due, and if they are available
• Type of Data due and if they are available
• Other outputs expected from projects.

MEPF 09/P116 - Integrated inshore and offshore fishing activities data layer in aggregate producing REC areas

MEPF 09/P97 - A Framework for Evaluating Restoration Requirements Following Marine Aggregate Extraction

05/J/1/03/0843/0000 -  Marine Biodiversity and Aggregate Dredging in Both Two and Three Dimensional Context (Volume 1)

This can be found under Projects > Other Marine ALSF projects; and was commissioned by Natural England via the ALSF

MEPF 09/P109 - Waterlands: Developing Management Indicators for Submerged Palaeoenvironmental Landscapes

MEPF 09/P95 - Improving Sustainability Indicators for Marine Aggregate Dredging

Final Report, Recommendations Summary and PowerPoint Slides are now available for:

MEPF 09/P107 - Automated mapping of marine habitats from marine sonar

MEPF 08/P73 - Assessment of the distribution and intensity of fishing activities in the vicinity of aggregate extraction sites

MEPF 09/P80 - Examining the relationship between acoustic backscatter and physical properties of the seabed

MEPF 09/P108 - Measurement of underwater noise rising from marine aggregate dredging operations

MEPF 10/P134 - The 'Mystery Wreck' Dissemination Element (Aggregate Area 122/2 - UMD), Eastern Solent: Investigating a Shipwreck Key Stages 3-4 School Resource

MEPF 09/P115 - Seabed restoration following marine aggregate dredging: Do the benefits justify the costs?

MEPF 08/P40 - Dredging Impacts Verified in Relation to Scientific Evidence (DIVERSE)

MEPF 09/P104 - Including the Socio-economic Impacts of Marine Dredging in Decision-Making

MEPF 09/P118 - Use Many Times: archaeological interpretation of Eastern English Channel datasets

MEPF 09/P92 - The MALSF synthesis study in the central and eastern English Channel

Hard copies of the synthesis study will be available.  If you wish to receive a copy please contact the secretariat@alsf-mepf.org.uk, with your name, company and address.

MEPF 08/P39 Final Report (print version) - Impacts of Marine Aggregate Extraction on Adjacent Sabellaria spinulosa aggregations and Other Benthic Fauna 

Final Report with appendices (Interactive version) - Impacts of Marine Aggregate Extraction on Adjacent Sabellaria spinulosa aggregations and Other Benthic Fauna

MEPF 08/P37 - Modelling possible Food-Web Effects of Aggregate Dredging in the Eastern English Channel

MEPF 10/P142 - Macrofauna Genus Traits Handbook & Smartphone App

MEPF 09/P114 Natural variability of REA regions, their ecological significance & sensitivity

• Final Report
• Addendum Turbidity report

MEPF 08/P76 - Measuring the effects of suspended particulate matter and smothering on the behaviour, growth and survival of key species found in areas associated with aggregate dredging

MEPF 09/P93 - Redefining biotopes at a regional scale and development of a new MNCR biotope decision support tool

MEPF REC 08/04- The East Coast Regional Environmental Characterisation

This is a low resolution version. Hard copies of the final report (A3) are expected to be available shortly on request from the MEPF Secretariat.  A high resolution version will be available in the DVD (available with hard copy report) and also from www.marinealsf.org.uk. Shape files and the WEBGIS will also be available shortly.

MEPF 10/P171 - The Applicability of Environmental Indicators of Change to the Management of Marine Aggregate Extraction