29 January 2012 Last updated at 05:52 ET

Falmouth unions say dredging good for jobs

Tests will be made on the effect of dredging on calcified seaweed beds

Campaigners in support of dredging the port of Falmouth have said the plans would create jobs in the town.

The GMB and docks trade unions say a wider channel for ships would help develop the port and secure future investment.

A scientific trial is taking place to establish if dredging would damage protected seaweed beds.

The maerl [calcified seaweed] beds act as a nursery for commercial fish stocks.

The unions have been collecting signatures for a petition in support of the dredging which would widen the channel from 5m to 8m.

'New industry'

Kevin Johnson, GMB secretary and chairman of the joint unions group at ship repairers A&P Falmouth, said: "It is not just about future of A&P, it is about the future of the whole of Cornwall.

"The dredging will hopefully mean new industry coming into the port as well as cruise liners.

"That will create new apprenticeships and hopefully better pay.

"This could lead to a lot of jobs for the youngsters in the county."

The maerl beds only exists in a few coastal areas and can take thousands of years to form.

Natural England has raised concerns about the affect of dredging on the maerl.

Falmouth Harbour Commissioners (FHC), which is behind the dredging, said it would affect less than 2% of the maerl.

The Marine Management Organisation, which will grant the licence for dredging, is working with the the Marine Institute at Plymouth University, along with the FHC and A&P Falmouth on the details of the trial which could start in April and last for six months.