From: Isle of Man Today

A WORKSHOP on the development of the government’s Marine Plan will be held at the forthcoming Energy Expo in the Isle of Man College in Greenfield Road, Douglas, at 11am on Saturday, May 7.

The workshop will be the first opportunity for those interested in the Isle of Man’s marine areas to find out more about marine spatial planning and to have input into the development of the Marine Plan.

The plan aims to balance the future development of the Isle of Man’s territorial sea with the protection of the marine environment which sustains fisheries, recreation and many other aspects of Manx life.

The purpose of the plan is to identify areas suitable for development and conservation.

The input of all users of the sea, including fishermen, divers, marine conservationists, sailors, shipping and ferry companies, will be vital in this process, says the government.

Minister for Economic Development Allan Bell MHK commented: ‘The Isle of Man owns its own territorial seas up to 12 miles from the shoreline; our seabed therefore consists of 87 per cent of the island’s territory. This extensive ownership of the territorial seas represents significant opportunities for future economic development.’