Implications of dredging induced changes in sediment particle size composition for the structure and function of marine benthic macrofaunal communities

► We examine benthic community sensitivity to changes in sediment composition. ► Sensitivity increases as the proportion of gravel increases. ► Sensitivity increases as the level of natural physical disturbance decreases. ► Benefit to locating aggregate extraction sites in areas of high disturbance. ► Minimise impacts locally by preserving gravel content of surface sediments.