Cornwall seaweed farms opponents celebrate as plans dropped

The plans would have involved two farms of 136 acres (55 hectares) each

Plans for commercial seaweed farms off the Cornish coast have been dropped after opposition from local people.

Biome Algae and Carbon Sea Garden, who wanted to harvest sugar kelp in Gerrans Bay, said it was "important" to have the support of local communities.

"As a result we will respectfully withdraw our applications," they said.

Locals, who said they were worried about the impact of the farm on sealife, said they were "absolutely ecstatic".

The plans involved two farms of 136 acres (55 hectares) each with suspended lines, held in place by surface floats and anchored to the seabed in the bay near Falmouth.

But fishermen said they feared it could affect their livelihoods and "privatise" an area of the bay.

'Black cloud lifted'

The firms said in their applications to the Marine Management Organisation that the native seaweed would be grown to provide food, low-carbon animal feed and fertiliser alternatives and to replace single-use plastic and takeaway cartons.

Richard Robinson, of Save Gerrans Bay, told BBC News: "The whole village is elated at the news, a black cloud has been lifted. Most of the village had their Christmas ruined by the stress of this.

"We thank the companies for making the right decision."

Opponents feared the effect on sealife

The companies' statement said they "acknowledge the many concerns that have been raised".

They said: "We still believe in the positive environmental, economic and social benefits seaweed farming can bring to Cornwall.

"But as responsible operators we also recognise that it is important to support and have the support of communities within which we operate.

"As a result we will respectfully withdraw our current applications."

They added that they would "aim to develop a feasible project in an area outside of Gerrans Bay" in the future.

Cherilyn Mackrory, Conservative MP for Truro and Falmouth, welcomed the news, saying the farms would have "proved disastrous, both for our fishermen, who are heavily reliant on inshore waters for their livelihoods, but also for leisure and community use".