Ramsey Bay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ramsey Bay
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 Ramsey Bay
|
|
| Parish | Bride, Lezayre, Maughold, Ramsey |
| Sheading | Ayre, Garff |
| Crown dependency | Isle of Man |
| House of Keys | Ayre & Michael, Garff, Ramsey |
Ramsey Bay (Manx: Baie Rhumsaa) is a large bay and a special protected area called a Marine Nature Reserve. It's located off the northeast coast of the Isle of Man. The bay stretches for 18 kilometers, from the very top of the island (the Point of Ayre) down to Maughold Head. The town of Ramsey, which is the second biggest town on the island, is located towards the south of the bay.
Contents
Ramsey Bay Marine Nature Reserve
The entire Ramsey Bay is a protected area known as the Ramsey Bay Marine Nature Reserve. It was officially made a reserve in October 2011 under the Wildlife Act 1990. This was the first Marine Nature Reserve on the Isle of Man.
What makes it special?
Ramsey Bay is home to many important habitats. These include:
- Eelgrass meadows: These are like underwater grasslands.
- Horse mussel reefs: These are large groups of mussels that form structures on the seabed.
- Kelp forests: Tall, brown seaweed that grows in dense groups.
- Maerl beds: A type of red seaweed that looks like coral.
These habitats help many different kinds of sea creatures to live and grow. They are important for fish, shellfish, and crabs that people catch for food.
Part of a bigger plan
Ramsey Bay is also a key part of the Isle of Man's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This means it's recognized internationally for its special natural environment. Some parts of the reserve are highly protected. Other parts are managed for fishing. This fishing zone is looked after by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture and local fish producers. This helps make sure fishing is done in a way that protects the bay. The reserve is also part of the OSPAR network, which protects marine areas across Europe.
Ramsey Bay in History
Ramsey Bay has a few interesting stories from the past.
Radio Caroline North
In July 1964, a famous pirate radio ship called Radio Caroline sailed to Ramsey Bay. It started broadcasting from here as Radio Caroline North. People could listen to music and shows from the ship. It stayed there until March 1968 when it was towed away.
The Fleetwood Lady Tragedy
On March 7, 1956, a fishing boat called the Fleetwood Lady was anchored in Ramsey Bay. Three crew members went ashore to visit their families. Sadly, when they tried to row back to the trawler, their rowing boat capsized. All six crew members on the small boat lost their lives. Their names were Allan Bradford, Arnold Brew, Albert (Abby) Cottier, Eric Lyall, his son Eric James Lyall, and Reginald Wright. In March 2002, a special plaque was put up in Ramsey to remember them.
Ramsey Lifeboat Station
Ramsey has had a lifeboat station since 1829. Lifeboats are special boats used to rescue people at sea. Since 1868, the station has been run by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, which is a charity dedicated to saving lives at sea.
