The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) halted full-scale dredging, saying it could harm maerl beds.

BBC: Falmouth dredging trial 'won't show full-scale impact'

Bembridge is the only known regional location of maerl, a red seaweed which provides shelter to other species.

BBC: Wildlife trust blasts Marine Conservation Zone decision

Maerl is a calcified seaweed which only exists in a few coastal areas and can take thousands of years to form.

BBC: Falmouth dredging trial 'won't show full-scale impact'

But FHC has said less than 2% of the maerl will be affected and it will be lifted before dredging and returned afterwards.

BBC: Maerl

Little Loch Broom also has a bed of the coral-like algae maerl, but the scientists said it was unlikely to be significantly affected beyond a certain depth.

BBC: Western Isles sub-sea cable 'could affect' mud life

In Little Loch Broom a bed of the coral-like algae maerl was identified as one of the richest examples of the habitat in this part of Scotland.

BBC: Exploration around Ullapool confirms important species

Martin Attrill, Professor of Marine Ecology at the University Of Plymouth, said the trial would see maerl taken up from the seabed in areas "the size of a badminton court", resettled and then the impact judged.

BBC: Falmouth dredging trial 'won't show full-scale impact'