Falmouth Harbour Commissoners (FHC) presented their annual report at a public meeting last week when they reiterated the need to dredge a deep water channel into the port.

The event, at Falmouth Maritime Museum, was led by FHC’s chairman, Dave Ellis and included a presentation from Captain Mark Sansom, chief executive and harbour master. As well as summarising the highlights from the previous year, guests also had the chance to ask commissioners questions about the year ahead.

The presentation also gave an overview of the year’s financial accounts and an update on the Port of Falmouth Development Initiative (PFDI) and the next stages in the trial dredge.

Mr Sansom also gave a recap of their partnership work with Falmouth Marine School and Exeter University and more information about the high profile award FHC received for its work launching FaBTest, a pioneering marine energy converter site.

Mr Ellis said: “The annual meeting is always a good opportunity for the Commissioners and the local community to come together and reflect on the previous year’s activity and for the public to find out more about what FHC do.

“One of the outstanding achievements of last year was the specification, tendering and management of a trial dredge. As a partner in the PFDI we believe the dredging project is fundamental to the future of Falmouth Port and its economic viability going forward and we look forward to sharing a further update early next year once the results from the trial have been analysed.”

There is opposition to the dredging, though, and Miles Hoskin, of the Falmouth Bay and Harbour Action Group attended the meeting which he called "a ludicrous spectacle.”

The annual report is available from the Falmouth Harbour Commissioners’ office and can downloaded at www.falmouthport.co.uk.