Dredging - GCSE Biology Definition

Dredging is a process where people remove mud, sand, and other materials from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbours, or other water bodies. This is done to keep the waterway clear for boats, prevent flooding, or to create new land areas. In biology, dredging can affect ecosystems because it changes the natural environment underwater. It can disturb plants, fish, and other animals living there, sometimes causing them to move or even die. Dredging is important for humans to manage water environments, but it is also important to consider its impact on wildlife and try to do it in a way that is less harmful.