MUA to support nature reserve research

Manx Utilities is set to help with research and monitoring of two of the Island's Marine Nature Reserves (MNR).

The company says it'll be partnering with DEFA over the next five years to assist at the Little Ness and Douglas Bay MNR sites.

It comes after MUA this week celebrated the 20th anniversary of the commissioning of the subsea electricity interconnector and subsea fibre optic cable to the UK.

The subsea cables were commissioned in the year 2000 and remain some of the longest installations of their kind in the world.

Meanwhile, the organisation also says it hopes other companies with infrastructure in the marine environment will support the sustainability of the Island's conservation locations.

MUA Chair, Tim Baker MHK, says: "The sea and blue carbon play in our environmental future and we are pleased that Manx Utilities is leading the way in helping DEFA with the first Manx Nature Reserve partnership in recognition of the 20 year anniversary.

"I very much hope this initiative leads to further support from other organisations which are also active in our marine environment."