The correct answer is D) increase holding power. Increasing the area of the anchor flukes will increase the anchor's holding power. This is because a larger surface area of the flukes will allow the anchor to grip more seabed material, creating a stronger resistance to the forces that could pull the anchor out of the ground. Larger flukes provide more surface area to dig into the seafloor, improving the anchor's ability to hold the vessel in place. The other answer choices are incorrect because: A) increasing the fluke area will affect holding power, B) it will increase rather than decrease holding power, and C) while more complete penetration can improve holding power, the key factor here is the increase in fluke surface area.