Marine Aggregate Extraction Regulation in EU Member States

Abstract

This paper provides a brief review of regulations and procedures relevant to the authorization of marine aggregate (MA) operations in eight EU Member States MA operations are affected by a multi level legislative/regulatory regime consisting of international conventions (e g the UNCLOS 1982 OSPAR Helsinki ICLS Barcelona and Lspoo Conventions) secondary EC legislation (e g the Environmental Impact Assessment Directives (85/337/EEC and 97/11 EC) and the Freedom of Access to Environmental Information Directive (2003/4/EC)) and national legislation or regulation It appears that rules and procedures relevant to MA extraction vary considerably between the considered Member States In general relevant information is not easily available in accurate comprehensive and up-to date form As a result it is difficult to assess whether and to which extent national practice in relation to MA extraction authorization is in substantive compliance with the requirements of existing international and European rules and regulations aimed at sustainable development and protection of the marine and coastal environment