Are you saying that dredging would be alright in this instance since they are of the influential people in town, or is it ok because they were here first?
Half of what you say is Hog Wash. The only point you keep repeating is "we were here first" That has nothing to do with destroying marine life for ones own benefit. It will also hurt the fishermen who fish in this area every day. (I believe they are locals)
The only one who has cast judgement is you. The local people we deal with are always very helpful and polite. We have many local friends and they agree with everything we're saying.