However, his rejection of the arguments put forward by me and Professor Davis has no scientific foundation.

A Google Scholar search of barrage will produce a number of scientific papers relating to the problems these structures cause; but not one expounding any hydrodynamic virtues.

He claims that Launceston does not have a barrage to remove, when in fact we have the next best thing in the form of levees.

Their effect is the same as for a barrage; reduced tidal volume and increased sedimentation.

Again the proof is in the literature and results from removal of levees and barrages in other parts of the world.

We also have a structure called the Trevallyn Dam, which has greatly increased sedimentation in the Yacht Basin.

I truly despair at the management of the Tamar; we appear to have learnt nothing from 200 years of dogged determination to tame symptoms of our problem, when what is required is to step back, isolate the actual causes of our problem and act on them.

I fear this is another futile waste of taxpayers' money; when will we ever learn?

- IAN KIDD, AMC.