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Mr X.

Im an earth scientist based in south Wales so I'm aware of the general anti dredging sentiment and the numerous articles that appear in local and national press/news.
I can assure you that British Geological Survey and Countryside Council for Wales and Welsh Assembly are continually monitoring aggregate extraction, its impacts and sustainability. At the moment there is no evidence that aggregate dredging is having any impact on sand level of beaches despite claims by some on the Gower who claim otherwise.

In such a huge tidal system (Bristol Channel) is inconceivable that dredging could have a significant impact on visibility. Vis around this part of the coast is dictated by currents, tide, local sediment type and river input (rainfall).

In relation to the cockles- I did see the article. What I would however say is that these shellfish beds are routinely closed to collecting because of disease or quotas. These estuary cockle beds are quite distinct marine environments and are well away from the aggregate zones which are actually quite a way offshore. Local sewage pollution is a far more credible explanation for the boom and bust populations of cockles.