The scope of the proposed project is the identification and potential usage of MA deposits originated from the Greek continental shelf, utilizing and improving (and/or adjusting) the existing European knowledge for the prospecting, dredging and usage of MA, to the specific characteristics of the Greek marine environment. Moreover, the project aims to develop an environmental protocol, compiling and integrating the existing European Directives, international practice and law; this is necessary for the accomplishment of the maximum possible protection of the marine environment.
The proposed project is innovative for marine research, not only for Greece, but also for the broader area of the eastern Mediterranean. Analogous synergies have taken place in the NW Europe over the past decades, but they relate to different coastal, oceanographic, and marine sedimentological conditions (i.e. medium to high tidal level and exposure to high oceanic waves). Furthermore, the present project is a pioneering research for Greece, since no other similar action has so far been undertaken in Greece despite the increasing demands for MAs by Greek industry (> 300,000 tones, annually). This demand for sand and gravel is anticipated to increase further due to the application of beach replenishment practices required for the mitigation of coastal erosion. Moreover, the proposed project aims to improve the relationship between basic (scientific) research and industrial (applied) research and development, investigating further possibilities for MAs usage by industry.
The innovative research objectives of the project are summarized below:
- The identification of (possible) locations of MA deposits, on the basis of: the geological and morphological evolution of the Greek continental shelf and related subaqueous plateau; the lithology of the surrounding drainage river basins; and sediment transport pathways.
- The development and application of innovative and most appropriate geophysical methods for the acquisition of seabed (and subsequence) data for MA prospecting, with reference to international practice and in relation to local marine/seabed conditions.
- A thorough investigation of the sedimentology (grain size, mineralogy, etc), composition (chemical) and other geotechnical characteristics of the identified MA deposits.
- The selection and application of the most environmentally-friendly dredging techniques, according to Greek marine conditions, with reference to international experience.
- The development of a MA prospecting/dredging protocol on the basis of the international practice, European legislation, and in accordance to Greek Law.
- An economical assessment of MAs exploitation (in relation to market demands) in terms of their availability (quantity) and their particular sedimentological composition.
- The high level training of young researchers (MSc and PhD candidates, and Postdoctoral researchers) in multi-disciplinary issues associated with MAs exploitation.
The above objectives will be addressed through the application of a wide range of scientific approaches (e.g. geological, sedimentological, physical, ecological and engineering–based), whose integration will significantly improve both resource management and knowledge in association with the potential impact of aggregates extraction on the state and dynamics of the inner shelf and coastal environment. In addition, young scientists will be trained to a high level, not only in their particular scientific skills, but also in the implementation of integrated and balanced approaches.
