(As part of the problem of dredger positioning this is significant mainly in channel 

 clearing (capital and maintenance) dredging rather than in sand and gravel dredging. 

 Believed to be a profitable line to pursue in association with ship control techniques 

 and automation. As a resultof studies of dredging economics and the CI RIA survey, 

 but depending on support offered, studies may be launched of ship-positioning 

 systems for this and other applications. A short study (as described by heading) 

 would, however, not be inappropriate). 



Heavy lift movements within containerisation. Engineering considerations of 

 equipment and handling methods. 



'Settlement of material in hopper-dredgers-configuration of discharge pipes and 

 mechanical settling devices. 



(Settlement of dredged material in hoppers (Mechanical/hydrodynamic tech- 

 niques): DTI information is that this could be significant in increasing productivity, 

 but no study in existence; chemical (flocculant) techniques being considered 

 currently by DTI and NPC, should be able shortly to indicate order of improvement 

 required for a non-chemical technique to be viable). 



Field Reference 16 



SEA-BED INVESTIGATIONS 



Recommended Topics 



"Mechanisms (This is an area in which NERC are also interested). 

 Investigation of mechanisms leading to ripple/dune formation. Movement of 

 sand/gravel under action of waves and currents. Interaction of sea and sea-bed 

 (ie sand waves, shoals, etc.). Long term research into movement of sea floor 

 sediments. Effect of dredging on sea-bed. 



Inspection Techniques 



Application of nuclear techniques to sea-bed investigations. 

 Recorders to provide continuous indication of constitution of upper three feet of 

 the sea-bed. 



Improved coring methods for soft ground in the open sea. 

 Acoustic properties of sea-bed, etc. for sonar applications. 



Field Reference 17 



FISHING TECHNOLOGY, FISH FARMING ENGINEERING 



Recommended Topics 

 Conventional Fisheries 



Development of improved sonar systems for locating and identifying fish shoals, 

 both for catching and for surveying the extent of resources including fish-counting. 



Development of economical side-scan sonar systems to follow nets and fish 

 shoals In the horizontal and vertical planes, as opposed to solely in the vertical plane, 

 to Improve the effectiveness of fish hunting and capture for both pelagic (free- 

 ranging) and demersal (bottom-living) fish. 



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