This is Cornwall reports that preparation for attempts to dredge and develop Falmouth harbour will end up costing about £1 million.
So far, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, one of the partners of the Falmouth Development Initiative, has spent £700,000.
Colin Jarvis, of Cornwall Development Company said: “ It just shows the level of commitment and manpower that’s gone into getting through this process .“
The Marine Management Organisation is considering an application for a trial dredge to establish whether there is a significant impact on maerl, a slow-growing red seaweed, in the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) around the docks.
“ Natural England’s view is it cannot be touched in any way even though dredging only affects 2 per cent of the total maerl in the estuary ,” said Mr Jarvis.
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Dredging Today Staff, June 1, 2012; Image: falmouthport