An application to extend a mussel farm near the King Harry Ferry has been recommended for refusal by Carrick council's harbour master.

Capt Andy Brigden says the application should be refused off Messack Point and that the Environment Agency be asked to put resources in place to identify and remove any cause of pollution in the King Harry Reach area.

Four separate companies operate in the location but one, Cornish Mussels Ltd., requested an alternative site at which to site a small mussel farm to allow them to keep trading during periods when the water quality was downgraded.

Capt Brigden said originally the application site was at North Bank, within Falmouth Harbour, but that was changed to an area off Messack Point.

Falmouth Harbours Forum say the extension is not welcomed. Other mussel farmers in the river make a successful living, accept they are not able to produce all year round and do not feel the need to relocate during the course of the year.

"We feel the answer must be to progress as urgently as possible the identification of the source and type of pollution by the King Harry Ferry and to then eradicate it and or adjust farming procedures to minimise the effects," said the forum.

Fears have also been expressed that other companies might wish to extend if the plan byt Cornish Mussels went ahead although not all mussel farmers are affected by the water quality downgrades, says Capt Brigden in his report.

There were also concerns over the oyster dredging which took place in the area, he added.

A number of people have expressed their concerns direct to the Harbour Office on aesthetic and environmental grounds.

The full report goes to the Carrick harbours board on September 27.