Putting it on the Shelf - Dredge Spoil Placement

Selection of spoil disposal sites is often based on relatively short-term evaluation of drivers. When placed on the shelf, longer-term behaviour can be more complex, with potential to influence benthic habitats or coastal dynamics.

Western Australia's history of port development since the 1890s includes substantial capital on-shelf placement of dredged spoil at Fremantle, Albany and Port Hedland, with ongoing placement at Bunbury. These examples provide valuable illustration of longer-term responses to dredge spoil placement on the shelf, with a side benefit of contributing to Perth's beautiful beaches for nearly 100 years!