MAREBASSE: Bridging gaps with other disciplines and end-users

Abstract:

Fitting in with the framework of Belspo's Scientific Support Plan for a Sustainable Development Policy, MAREBASSE is a strategic research net work, which focusses on the'Evaluation of sedimentary systems and the develop ment of new evaluation technologies within the view of a sustainable management of the Belgian exclusive economic zone (EEZ)'. With a view to a science-based approach to management, the development of a sediment-based integrated assessment framework was aimed at, to which knowledge of the nature and dynamical behaviour of sediments is central. This framework was considered necessary in order to answer man agement and policy questions as to how a sustainable exploitation of the seabed should be conceived and which approaches could be envisaged. Sediments are indeed an essential, integral and dynamic part of any aquatic system and are the key for a better understanding of the marine ecosystem. They are also a valuable socio-economic resource for constmction material, nourishment of eroding beaches and land reclamation. Therefore, marine aggregates are increasingly being extracted. Unfortunately, this activity can not be carried out without causing any detrimental effects on the seabed. With the increasing importance of aggregate extraction, the need for appro priate environmental (impact) assessment tools is being felt with growing urgency. This relates back to the need for sound baseline studies, both on a large and a small scale, and preferentially based on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary datasets. Understanding the nature and dynamic behav iour of sediments is also crucial for the …

Año de publicación:

2007

Keywords:

Fuente:

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