Area 522 Pre-Dredge Review

A Marine Licence for Area 522 was granted to CEMEX UK Marine Ltd (CEMEX) in 2020. MarineSpace Ltd (MarineSpace) have been commissioned to produce a Pre-Dredge Review (PDR) and have commissioned MSDS Marine Ltd (MSDS Marine) to undertake an archaeological assessment of geophysical and hydrographic data collected in advance of the commencement of dredging operations. The PDR is being undertaken to fulfil the requirements of Marine Licence MLA/2019/00150. Geophysical and hydrographic survey data were collected during 2018 within predefined boundaries covering the licence area and a 500m buffer. The data were assessed by a qualified and experienced maritime archaeologist to identify any features of potential archaeological significance and undertake a comparison with previously identified features. No sites of high potential have been identified in the 2018 geophysical and hydrographic data. Two medium potential contacts were identified, one of which is located within the licence area. Thirty-five low potential contacts were identified within the survey extents which have been assessed to be unlikely to be of archaeological interest. No mitigation in the form of AEZs is recommended, however the positions of medium potential contacts should be avoided during the course of dredging operations.