Could a plan to dredge Falmouth Docks unleash a ‘catastrophic disaster’ for its precious marine environment? Campaigners fear the project threatens unique maerl beds and native oysters, with concerns over toxic waste release. Are the promises of ‘green jobs’ overshadowing critical ecological risks in the Fal Estuary?
A contentious proposal to dredge Falmouth Docks has ignited a fierce debate, with environmental campaigners raising grave concerns that the project could precipitate a “catastrophic disaster” for the region’s unique marine ecosystem.
The Falmouth Docks & Engineering Company (FDEC) has submitted a planning application to both Cornwall Council and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), outlining plans to significantly transform the town’s docks. Central to these plans is the dredging of approximately 850,000 tonnes of waste material, which campaigners fear will be subsequently dumped at sea.
Environmental groups are urgently advocating for the refusal of the marine licence unless rigorous conditions are met. They demand up-to-date ecological surveys, a comprehensive “appropriate assessment” of the potential impacts, and guaranteed protection for priority habitats such as the fragile maerl beds, which are crucial for marine biodiversity.
Sophie Miller, a Penryn-based environmental campaigner, suggests that the dredging is being misleadingly presented as a component of “modernisation” linked to renewable energy and “green jobs.” She argues that these claims are a “green wash” to facilitate a project primarily serving the cruise industry, diverting attention from the severe environmental risks involved.
A primary concern stems from the dredge site’s proximity to the Fal & Helford Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a legally protected marine zone. This area is renowned for its delicate maerl, a coral-like algae providing vital shelter for countless marine species. Developers acknowledge maerl presence within 200 metres of the dredge zone, yet critics contend that modern, adequate surveys for a project of this magnitude have not been conducted.
Beyond habitat destruction, campaigners warn of the release of decades of accumulated toxic contaminants. The dredging process risks re-suspending plumes of noxious fine sediment, potentially containing heavy metals like copper, mercury, and arsenic, historically used as anti-fouling biocides on boats.
Chris Ranger, an expert Fal oyster fisherman and merchant, echoes these anxieties, highlighting the threat to the last significant native oyster biomass, eelgrass, and the very maerl beds that halted previous applications. He asserts that no amount of precautionary measures will prevent the suspended toxic sediment from spreading throughout the Fal Estuary, forecasting a “catastrophic disaster” if it is dumped in Gerrans Bay.
Conversely, Mr. Jones, representing the developers, has differentiated this scheme from past proposals, noting that dredging will focus solely on wharf structures to accommodate larger vessels. He mentioned ongoing collaboration with Natural England and the Council, which contributed significant funding for an environmental impact assessment, set for completion in early 2025. He emphasized a commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure the scheme does not cause community friction.
Members of the public still have an opportunity to comment on the marine licence application by searching for MLA/2025/00157 on the online MMO Public Register before September 4, underscoring the ongoing public and environmental scrutiny of this critical development.
