ANYONE who has an interest in Ramsey Bay is being invited to participate in the next stage of consultation on the Manx Marine Nature Reserve project.
A proposal for an extensive Marine Nature Reserve was put forward by the Manx Fish Producers' Organisation and it has now been developed into a formal proposal.
While some elements - such as the boundaries of the reserve - have been decided details of the management of the site are open to the public's influence, the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has said.
There are a number of different ways in which members of the public can get involved in the consultation process:
1. Go to the Isle of Man Government website and see the consultations page: www.gov.im/consultations
2. Respond by letter, email or via the Survey Monkey questionnaire on the internet: www.surveymonkey.com/s/KGNKWJB
3. Join one of the DEFA drop in sessions at Ramsey Town Hall on Saturday, January 15 between 10am to 5pm or Tuesday, January 18, from 2pm to 8pm.
4. Contact DEFA staff directly to make an individual appointment - or an appointment for a group - to have a meeting about the proposal and how to respond to the consultation.
As the proposal has been developed together with the Manx Fish Producers' Organisation (MFPO) commercial scallop and queenie fishermen have already had a significant input into the process.
There are a wide range of other stakeholders who will have a valuable input to the design and management of a successful Marine Nature Reserve and this is the opportunity for all these other stakeholders to get actively involved.
Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister John Shimmin MHK said: "Marine Nature Reserves work best when they have the support and involvement of the local community.
"This is a new stage in the Manx Marine Nature Reserve project and the perfect opportunity for everyone with an interest in Ramsey Bay, fisheries management and the marine environment to really make a difference.
"I encourage all those with an interest in the area take this opportunity and work with DEFA and the MFPO to make this project a real asset for Ramsey and the Isle of Man."
