Ecosystem-Based Design Rules for Sand Extraction Sites

Overview

This tool provides some first design rules how sand extraction sites can be ecologically enriched. These ecosystem-based design rules are based on ecological data and estimated bed shear stress values collected from a site in the North Sea and can be used to maximise sand yield, minimize the impacted surface area with a on beforehand known ecological response. Ecosystem-based design rules can play a role in the Marine Strategy Framework directive (MSFD) which are currently implemented by European states.

Type: Method
Project Phase:
Planning & Design, Construction
Type of assessment:
System Analysis
Purpose: Develope new sand extraction strategies to balance impacted area, sand yield, costs and ecological effects
Requirements: knowledge of marine ecology, sediment characteristics, hydrodynamics and morphodynamics
Relevant Software:

Dutch sand extraction
Example of Dutch sand extraction sites in the Dutch North Sea.