Dredging starts at Falmouth
2:09pm Tuesday 25th September 2012 in News
Dredging is taking place in Falmouth harbour
Dredging work has started in Falmouth harbour as a scientific trial is held ahead to test the effects of the work on the local environment.
The work, which began on Monday, is being led by Plymouth University's Marine Instuitute.
It will see an area of 50 square metres dredged to a depth of 30cm, stored and then replaced to see the effect on the deposits of maerl that inhabit the harbour.
Although the information from the trial will be considered when the decision on whether to allow a full dredge to take place is made, it will not be the decisive factor.
Supporters of the dredging claim the work is vital for the future of the docks as a working port, as larger ships will be unable to access the facilities unless it takes place.
The dredging would also allow larger cruise ships to visit the port.
However, opponents say the work will damage the marine environment and local fisheries, including the oyster beds.
Comments(3)
Goldie 1
says...
9:32pm Tue 25 Sep 12
Up to about 30 years ago parts of the the channel and around the dock wharves were regularly dredged so the big oil tankers could access the port for repairs etc, but since the near demise of the oil tankers coming into Falmouth the dredging ceased.
It's a pity that those in power at that time never had the foresight to realise that ships, especially passenger ships were going to get even bigger, and needed to keep the dredging going for the future.
If that were the case we would not have the problems today regarding re-dredging the harbour, because it would have just carried on..
So it's nothing new regarding dredging in Falmouth..
Teejay
says...
9:32am Wed 26 Sep 12
With modern methods the risk of pollution is low, but even if there was short term pollution the long term benefits outweigh the risk.
Nature has a wonderful way of recovering, for example, no long term damage was recorded when Wheal Jane flooded tons of contaminated water into the estuary, and the Scottish coast soon recovered after the oil tanker Braer split open.
It's strange how one minute local media reports the demise of traditional oyster fishing, only a handful of boats etc., yet the opponents put the interests of these few above the benefit of the whole county.
Everything in life is a balance or compromise, and tradition is wonderful. But so is progress.
Mike Clouston says...
4:48pm Tue 25 Sep 12
Why does it need dredging if that is the case, please?