Manx marine conservation zone meetings held in Ramsey

The meetings will be held on Saturday 15th and Tuesday 18th January 2011

The Isle of Man government is looking for more public input into radical plans to make Ramsey Bay into a Marine Conservation Zone.

A huge 40 sq km area has been put forward as a possible site for the nature reserve and no fishing zone.

Under the proposal the area would be closed to scallop dredging and queenie trawling to help replenish fish stocks.

The suggestion was made by the Manx Fish Producers Organisation and is being supported by the IOM government.

The area proposed for the island's first Marine Conservation Zone

Marine Officer, Fiona Gell said: "The build up of animals which happens naturally in a protected conservation area can have a positive affect on fishing.

"There are no walls around a marine reserve and the plankton will move out into other areas and enrich the sea around the Island.

Two drop-in sessions at Ramsey Town Hall have been arranged by officials from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture where you can find out more information and put your questions to the department.

The dates for these sessions are Saturday 15 January between 10am-5pm and Tuesday 18 January 2pm-8pm.