The government is consulting on aims to safeguard eelgrass beds off the Laxey coastline and saltmarsh habitat at Cornaa.
It wants to create a new Marine Nature Reserve (MNR) off the east coast to protect important blue carbon habitats.
Eelgrass beds and saltmarshes absorb and store atmospheric carbon while supporting biodiversity.
DEFA is seeking to add a reserve around Bulgham Bay’s eelgrass bed, extend protection from Skeirrig Rock to Cornaa Headland and a larger MNR reaching Maughold Head.
Minister Clare Barber said: “Protecting our blue carbon habitats is essential to achieving our Net Zero goals and strengthening our status as a UNESCO Biosphere.
“By safeguarding these ecosystems, we not only help combat climate change but also create an environment we can be proud of, in line with our Island Plan.”
The consultation runs from 14 March to 25 April, with responses informing the final decision. Submissions can be made via the Consultation Hub or by contacting the Environment Directorate on defa@gov.im.
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