In considering permits to dredge new channels by applicants under subsection (c) of Section 49-27-11, the commission shall take into consideration in addition to Section 47-27-23 the benefit of such channel to the public at large, or to surrounding landowners, and the extent of use projected for the channel, as well as the ecological, economic, commercial, recreational and aesthetic value of the wetlands affected. The commission shall, where practical, require applicants to use existing channels, so as to reduce the coastal wetlands affected.