ICES Journal of Marine Science: Journal du Conseil Advance Access originally published online on September 10, 2008
ICES Journal of Marine Science: Journal du Conseil 2008 65(8):1402-1406; doi:10.1093/icesjms/fsn141
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This article appears in the following ICES Journal of Marine Science issue: Marine Environmental Indicators: Utility in Meeting Regulatory Needs [View the issue table of contents]
The regulatory framework for marine dredging indicators and their operational efficiency within the UK: a possible model for other nations?
1 Law School, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
2 c/o Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
Correspondence to E. Bayer: tel: +44 1482 466307; fax: +44 1482 466388; e-mail: e.bayer{at}2005.hull.ac.uk
Bayer, E., Barnes, R. A., and Rees, H. L. 2008. The regulatory framework for marine dredging indicators and their operational efficiency within the UK: a possible model for other nations? – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1402–1406.The use of indicators within marine policy and legislation is a developing phenomenon worldwide. As governments begin to take a more holistic approach to marine management, it is inevitable that economic and social goals will increasingly become enshrined in environmental regulations. Consequently, it is imperative to reach an understanding as to how scientific, economic, and social goals are interconnected, and how they influence indicator development. Arguably, a more integrated framework is needed to provide policy-makers and legislators with a coherent approach to applying marine indicators within the context of sustainable development. We examine a variety of indicators used in support of the environmental management of the UK marine aggregate-extraction industry and discuss the current UK regulatory framework in relation to the requirements of two EC directives. Additionally, we explore the depth to which interfacing occurs between various policy goals (i.e. scientific, social, economic, and legal). The study highlights the importance of good communication between the various government agencies and disciplines to better achieve sustainable-development objectives. If effective interfacing can be achieved, with scientific aims properly embedded within policy and legislative agendas, then the UK could provide a useful regulatory model for other Member States.
Keywords: aggregate extraction, dredging, ecosystem-based approach, environmental legislation, indicators, management, policy, precautionary principle, regulatory framework, standards, sustainable development
Received 23 November 2007; accepted 18 June 2008; advance access publication 10 September 2008.