RAMSEY Bay was designated as the Isle of Man's first Marine Nature Reserve (MNR) in October in a project welcomed by government, fishermen and Friends of the Earth.
Underwater surveys revealed that the bay has a highly complex, thriving and diverse habitat that is ideal for the establishment of a reserve which will protect marine life, safeguard local fisheries and provide opportunities for Ramsey to develop as a centre for marine tourism, research and education.
"The designation of the Ramsey Marine Nature Reserve is an exciting step forward for the Isle of Man," said the then Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister John Shimmin MHK.
"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."
Tom Bryan-Brown, the chief executive of the Manx Fish Producers' Organisation, added: "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.
The wider benefits of the Marine Nature Reserve have also been recognised by Isle of Man Friends of the Earth. Local coordinator 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."
This story is part of isleofman.com's Review of the Year 2011.
