Dredging Florida coral reef is ‘lunacy’ says Philippe Cousteau, grandson of Jacques

Expansion plans for a port near the continental US's only barrier reef have been fiercely criticized by experts, but proponents say it will bring jobs

A plan to expand a port near the continental US's only barrier reef is "lunacy" and risks devastating the ailing coral ecosystem, Philippe Cousteau, grandson of famed ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, warned on Wednesday.

The US army corps of engineers plans to deepen and widen shipping channels to allow more ships to access Port Everglades, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The $374m plan, which has been sent to Congress for approval, would mean vast tracts of seabed will be dug up and deposited out at sea starting next year.