Marina development 'could boost ecosytem'

Plans for a new marina in the north of the island "could provide hundreds of new jobs and create a thriving marine ecosystem".

That's according to developers who have hit back after plans for Ramsey Bay were criticised on social media.

Ramsey Marina Limited (RML) wants to develop a 400-berth dock, residential and commercial units, a hotel and a yacht club near the town's harbour.

The plans are being proposed for an area between the harbour entrance and the Queen's Pier.

RML said it was "keenly aware" that the location is within the Ramsey Bay Marine Nature Reserve and, while the environment will inevitably be affected, it would also create "a new marine ecosystem both above and below the water".

A spokesman said an artificial reef "will increase the number of spawning fish and crustaceans in the bay, as well as providing excellent breeding grounds for sea birds". 

RML estimates the development, which would provide a public marine leisure centre for the island, could benefit the local economy to the tune of £30 million each year.

Campaigners against the plans have launched a petition against the scheme which has gathered support from nearly 40,000 people.

They are calling for the Manx government to "Save the Bay" and "Stop the destruction of the Ramsey Bay Marine Nature Reserve".

They say dredging the bay would cause "irreparable harm" to the area which is "home to many diverse species of fish, horse mussel reefs and eelgrass meadows".

You can find more information about the petition here and more information about the developers here.