28th: Festival of the Sea – Manx (Isle of Man)

We had arranged to meet Graham Makepeace-Warne (the head of engagement and deputy CEO of Manx Wildlife Trust) on the day he was setting up their annual Festival of the Sea. We were there to talk about everything to do with the Manx Wildlife Trust and although we did that (they have 25% of the UKs population of hen harriers, stunning orchid displays and no foxes, badgers or squirrels!) it was the marine life that quickly dominated the discussion. We were at the Festival of the Sea after all! The Isle of Man is justifiably proud of its seas, they have 10 marine reserves and have worked very closely with the local fishermen. They’ve worked so closely with them in fact, that the fishermen are now the strongest supporters of the fishing bans and limitations that are put in place as a result. This is because, when the marine life and fish thrive inside the reserves they spill over into the areas that can be fished boosting the catch for the hardworking fishing crews. A true win, win situation!

The Festival of the Sea includes what were called mega tanks. A series of huge sea water tanks fed with constantly changing fresh sea water, and these tanks contained just a sample of the incredible life supported by our seas.

We saw starfish by the dozen, live scallops, crabs huge and small, fish of all colours and sizes, plus one nudibranch an incredible little marine animal that is simply beautiful. I’m not sure if I will be able to use any of this in my art, but it was stunning all the same.