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Conservationists have launched a new campaign to ban scallop dredging in the coral reefs in Lyme Bay.

It follows an announcement by the Department of Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) that it's to hold a consultation exercise on how to protect the area's marine biodiversity - which includes corals and sea fans - from the impact of towed gear.

In 2006, Defra introduced a voluntary ban on scallop dredging in parts of Lyme Bay - an area covering 12 square miles in total.

In making the decision, the Government took into account a plea by the scallopers, who said the area was an important zone for them, worth millions of pounds a year.

The decision angered conservationists who had called on a complete ban in a 60 square mile area - around 10% of Lyme Bay.

The Devon Wildlife Trust and Natural England (formerly English Nature) were among the groups recommending a ban, arguing the dredging was wrecking the reef.

A damaged sea fan after dredging in the bay

Defra's new consultation process lasts until 21 December 2007, and is a fresh opportunity for conservationists to show the damage done after dredging takes place.

A spokesman for the Devon Wildlife Trust said this was the reef's "last chance" and urged the public to back the charity's campaign.

Defra is putting forward three options for the reef, including the status quo and the trust's favoured option of a complete ban.

The trust has video footage of the reef to show the damaging effects of dredging, and says the gear reduces the habitat to rubble.

The film was taken in August 2007 by local underwater cameraman Colin Munro in West Tennants Reef, an area not covered by the voluntary "no go" zone.

Trust director Paul Gompertz said: "If this mindless destruction were taking place on land, there would be an outcry.

"Yet here in one of our most valuable and important marine habitats it is commonplace and uncontrolled. Acres of seabed are trashed - it is like picking mushrooms with a JCB.

"The only way to protect the reefs before we lose them forever is a legally enforced ban on dredging in the complete reef area."

As part of the campaign for scalloping to be banned, the trust is calling on the public to send postcards supporting a ban, to the Secretary of State at Defra, Hilary Benn MP.

However, Nick Prust of the Inshore Fishermen's Association said the Lyme Bay scallop grounds were essential for their livelihoods.

He warned: "A 60 square mile ban would devastate our industry and we can't let that happen."

Natural England is also considering Lyme Bay for possible nomination for Special Area of Conservation Status. If the area is nominated, another review into the protection of habitats and species would be needed.

Lyme Bay is already a Sensitive Marine Area, with over 300 marine species present.