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Marine nature reserve facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

A Marine Nature Reserve (MNR) is a special area in the ocean or along the coast that a government officially protects. These areas are set aside to keep marine life and important underwater places safe and healthy. Think of them like national parks, but for the sea!

Marine Nature Reserves in Different Countries

Republic of Ireland

In the Republic of Ireland, there is only one Marine Nature Reserve. It's called Lough Hyne, which is a unique marine lake located off the coast of County Cork.

United Kingdom

The idea of Marine Nature Reserves in the UK started with a law called the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. These reserves were created to protect amazing sea creatures, plants, and special underwater features like unique rocks or landscapes. They are similar to national nature reserves on land, but they focus on the sea and the seabed.

There are three main official (or statutory) Marine Nature Reserves in the UK:

There's also a voluntary Marine Nature Reserve at St Abbs Head in Berwickshire, Scotland. This one isn't officially protected by law, but people choose to protect it.

Changes to Marine Nature Reserves

A newer law, the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, is changing how marine areas are protected in the UK. This law allows the existing Marine Nature Reserves to become a new type of protected area called Marine Conservation Zones. These new zones aim to offer even broader protection for marine environments.

Isle of Man

The Isle of Man is an island nation with its own government. It has also created several Marine Nature Reserves under its Wildlife Act 1990. There are ten of these special areas, including:

  • Ramsey Bay
  • Laxey Bay
  • The West Coast Marine Nature Reserve
  • Douglas Bay
  • Little Ness
  • Niarbyl Bay
  • Port Erin Bay
  • Calf and Wart Bank Marine Nature Reserve
  • Langness

These reserves help protect the unique marine life and habitats around the Isle of Man.

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