Levee Food Co co-owner Alex Britton said the health of the Tamar was vital for business.

"The whole Seaport employs hundreds of people, and it's enjoyed by thousands," Mr Britton said.

"I've worked down here for 10 years and in the last few years it's been busier than ever, it's got a really good vibe about it.

"This is potentially jeopardising that, especially with the marina potentially moving because of the mud, that's the lifeblood of the place."

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Mr Britton said the past program of raking and dredging seemed to be working, but there needed to be a new solution.

"We asked the question why had it stopped, and nobody had an answer," he said.

Rupert and Hound co-owner Karen Burbury said the waterfront of a city should be the community's heartland.

"You look at Salamanca or Southbank - it draws people in, and when you look at ours it's unappealing and that's sad," Ms Burbury said.

"There needs to be a continual push to increase the water quality, and the sensitivity of the water that's coming into the Tamar.

"It's not going to be fixed in my generation, this is an issue that's been caused by past generations not caring about what goes into the river, it has to be generational managing the silt problem."

Ms Burbury said it was time for action.

"The time for talking is over, a group of people need to be accountable and that money, which is in the bank, needs to be spent to improve water quality," she said.

"The problem is there, we see it every day, there needs to be a clear plan commenced. If we don't push people to make change then we won't see that change start happening in our lifetime."

Chairman of the Tamar Action Group Andrew Lovitt said he was really grateful for the community support behind the campaign.

"The mere fact that good, high class restaurants will put up signs I think shows the sincerity of their concern about the river," Mr Lovitt said.

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