MANNIN: PROGRAMME WILL FEATURE AN ENVIRONMENT UNDER THREAT

Marine life around the Isle of Man will feature in a prime-time BBC television programme later this week. 'Inside Out' will show footage of seals and basking sharks and also the extremely rare Risso's Dolphins. The programme is the latest in a number which have featured marine life around the Isle of Man. However

Marine life around the Isle of Man will feature in a prime-time BBC television programme later this week.

\'Inside Out\' will show footage of seals and basking sharks and also the extremely rare Risso\'s Dolphins. The programme is the latest in a number which have featured marine life around the Isle of Man.

However even as the Manx and a wider audience throughout the United Kingdom tune in the very environment which provides the habitat for these wonderful creatures is under threat.

Exploratory work in connection with possible sea-bed aggregate extraction is currently ongoing with the full co-operation of the Isle of Man governments Department of Trade and Industry. Sites off the North West and East of the Island are being assessed and there seems little doubt that if the extraction plans finally get the green light then the marine environment in the immediate area and for many square kilometres around will be damaged irreparably.

The BBC One footage may yet turn out to be just another historical record of marine life in an environment despoiled by man.

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

21/10/07