Proposed regulations to protect Manx sea life

Public feedback is being sought on a new act to regulate seismic surveys taking place in Manx waters.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is proposing to include the regulations in the Island's Marine Infrastructure Management Act 2016.

The act sets out how permission is granted for large marine infrastructure projects.

Seismic surveys gather information about the composition of the sea bed for projects such as oil and gas exploration, wind farms and tidal turbines. 

However the research can impact on whales, dolphins, porpoises and other protected sea life and can disturb commercially important species - particularly herring. 

The new regulations will help minimise the impact on the environment and protect vulnerable species. 

You can see and respond to the consultation here.