Rob's assessment is correct. I first saw the beach in 1969 and had a water sports business from 1973 to 1986 and I saw the beach change many times. As with most beaches in the world it's always a dynamic situation. The sea giveth and the sea taketh away.
I realize that many of the signers of the petition are well intentioned but perhaps it's was a bit of a knee jerk reaction.
Just one sailor's opinion.