Ramsey Bay has been designated as the Isle of Man’s first Marine Nature Reserve. The Marine Nature Reserve will protect marine life, safeguard local fisheries and provide opportunities for Ramsey to develop as a centre for marine tourism, research and education. DEFA Minister John Shimmin said: “The designation of the Ramsey Marine Nature Reserve is an exciting step forward for the Isle of Man. The area will provide a replenishment area for our important local fisheries and it will maintain and restore essential marine habitats. It will also help us contribute to reducing impacts of climate change by increasing the carbon storage capacity of our seas. Eelgrass meadows, kelp forests and reef habitats all store carbon in the same way as rainforests, contributing to lowering carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere. I am especially pleased that at a time when fishermen across the British Isles are fighting a rearguard action against designation of Marine Protected Areas, the close partnership we have developed with our fishermen means that we were able to put out a joint press release when we announced the proposals, and continue to work with our fishermen to ensure that the benefit they obtain from this designation is maximised. ” Chief Executive of the Manx Fish Producers’ Organisation Tom Bryan-Brown commented: “The fishing industry has been involved in the Ramsey Bay MNR from its inception. This particular MNR differs from the other closed areas around the Island in that they have been created primarily for fisheries management purposes whereas Ramsey Bay has been created for environmental reasons. However, we hope that there will be associated fisheries benefits from this MNR in Ramsey Bay and if that is the case then the industry will be able to take advantage and the environmental credentials of the Island will be maximised.” The Ramsey Bay designation is the result of a three year process to involve the Manx community in identifying possible sites for the Marine Nature Reserves and to work with users of the sea and the wider public to choose the best site to protect. Hundreds of people have attended workshops and presentations and responded to surveys and interviews, ensuring that the MNR is based on the best possible information. Ramsey Bay provides the perfect combination of important marine habitats and potential for benefiting local fisheries. The Marine Nature Reserve is also well supported by marine users. Recent surveys carried out in Ramsey Bay have revealed an underwater world as diverse and complex as our landscapes on land. In July local Seasearch divers volunteered to participate in survey dives of the bay and photographed the lush eelgrass meadows and bright pink maerl beds. In August scientists from the Fisheries Directorate of DEFA carried out comprehensive surveys of Ramsey Bay using special seabed mapping equipment and a camera on an underwater sledge. This will enable scientists to produce detailed maps of the marine life of Ramsey Bay to assist in the monitoring of the Reserve. Tony Glen, Seasearch Isle of Man Co-ordinator who led the team of volunteer divers commented: “Isle of Man Seasearch has been involved with the Fisheries Directorate for many years and is pleased that the Ramsey Marine Nature Reserve is now officially designated This is not the end of the exercise, and we look forward to further dives to monitor the state of the seabed in the years to come. Credit should go to the Ministers both past and present who have supported this scheme and I look forward to our continued involvement in surveying the marine habitats around the Island in association with the officers of the Directorate.” The wider benefits of the Marine Nature Reserve have also been recognised by Isle of Man Friends of the Earth. Isle of Man Friends of the Earth Co-ordinator Phil Corlett said; "It's really heartening to see the Ramsey Marine Reserve set up in the Island's territorial waters as it shows the Isle of Man is taking steps to protect biodiversity and helping at the same time to conserve vital habitats. As a diver myself involved in the Seasearch surveys around the Island, I look forward to revisiting the area next year to survey it and document any changes". ENDS