Maerl is harvested here, in Falmouth and in France and elsewhere, for its fertilizer properties. It is not rare as such, it just takes many years to grow and hence not very responsive to being moved.
I am 100% behind conservation around the world and believe we should do what we can, where and when we can.
Is this algae rare, does it have any important qualities, no.
Falmouth should be given the go ahead with their Regeneration Scheme and be instructed to do what they can to minimise detriment to this algae.
The numpties who have made this decision must have this seaweed as brain matter.