WAMSI 2 - Dredging Node - Theme 8 - Effects of dredging related pressures on critical ecological processes for finfish

Theme 8 was conducted in 2 phases - Project 8.1 and 8.2.

The objective of Project 8.1 was to review existing literature on the impacts of dredging on critical environmental windows of finfish in both tropical and temperate areas using the steps outlined below: • identify critical ecological processes (such as spawning, recruitment and early post- recruitment growth) and associated environmental windows; • identify pressure parameters and the intensity associated with dredging; • assess likely sensitivities/tolerances of the ecological processes and windows to dredge related activities; and • provide recommendations on key areas of concern and potential mitigation.

The objective of Project 8.2 was to assess the information presented in the literature review and to identify (by a workshop) gaps in the knowledge and highlight priority areas for future laboratory/field experiments.