Reef talk this evening

There's a chance to hear more about a proposed cable reef this evening (Monday).

It's proposed to sink the structures made of old cable in the sea off Port Erin in the hope of attracting a wide range of sea-life.

Following a recent consultation, 37 people responded to the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry - the vast majority in favour of the trial, albeit with some constructive criticisms.

A public meeting will be held at the Erin Arts Centre tonight to give people an opportunity to discuss the idea.

Andy Read of the Fisheries Department says the three year trials are designed to study the impact such structures may have on the marine environment and he believes they would be the first of their kind in British waters.