The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is consulting the public on whether 10 inshore areas should be formally designated as marine nature reserves.

The Department pledged the measure in its strategy on biodiversity, Managing Our Natural Wealth, and its fisheries strategy, Future Fisheries, and it is a target of the Programme for Government.

In adopting the proposal, the Isle of Man would also meet key targets of the OSPAR Convention and the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The areas in question are already closed to, or carry restrictions for, fishing using trawls and dredges and, in some cases, other activities. 

‘Designating them as marine nature reserves would offer additional protection to important species and habitats found within them,’ said Geoffrey Boot MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture.

‘Habitats include what is thought to be one of the best quality horse mussel reefs in the British Isles; the internationally known rocky reefs around the Calf of Man and rare eelgrass meadows.

‘Species include the ocean quahog, which can live to be more than 400 years old, and the dog whelk, which is declining across Europe.

‘Our responsible management of our marine environment is one of the reasons UNESCO awarded us our coveted Biosphere status and this continues to evolve,’ said the Minister.

‘Protecting inshore marine life will boost tourist and recreational use of the marine environment, including diving, snorkelling, wildlife watching and sustainable sea angling.

‘Giving the areas formal reserve status will also mean people are better informed about the fantastic marine life we have hidden away below the surface of our waters.’

The proposals have been developed in close consultation with the fishing industry and marine conservationists.

The consultation can be found at www.gov.im/consultations.

Responses to the consultation should be sent to:
Fisheries Directorate
Department of Environment Food and Agriculture
Thie Slieau Whallian
Foxdale Road
St John’s
Isle of Man
IM4 3AS
or
fisheries@gov.im
by Friday 4 August 2017.

Paper copies of the consultation can be requested at DEFA or by ringing 01624 685857.

The public can also air views at a drop-in session at DEFA on Tuesday 11 July, noon to 7pm.