Ramsey Bay has been designated as the Isle of Man’s first Marine Nature Reserve meaning the area will be protected from damaging activities and fisheries safeguarded.
The Wildlife Trusts have welcomed the news which will see the whole area being nurtured as a centre for marine tourism and research.
John Edwards, head of Living Seas for the Wildlife Trusts, said, “The Ramsey Bay designation is an encouraging sign. It’s now important that Government appoints further Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) according to the network recommendations in England. A strong and complete network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) must be presented to the public by the Government next year.
“True sustainability in the marine environment will be achieved only if we create a substantial network of MPAs across our seas; areas which work together to provide protection for the full range of habitats and species found in our waters.”
The Isle of Man, like the UK’s marine environment is suffering from decades of decline. The Wildlife Trust sees the designation as a first step by the Manx government towards a well managed network covering both Manx and UK waters by 2012.
