Isle of Man · Spearfishing zone
Douglas Bay Marine Nature Reserve
What this zone is
Overview
How spearfishing is treated at Douglas Bay Marine Nature Reserve.
4.6 km2 MNR on the east coast adjoining Douglas, the island's largest town and port. Protected habitats include rocky reefs, kelp forests and maerl beds. Under the Manx Marine Nature Reserves Byelaws 2018, taking scallops/queen scallops by diving (including while wearing a mask, visor or goggles) is prohibited here (byelaw 10), and byelaw 8 species/habitats are protected. Spiny lobster may be taken here (named exception in byelaw 8(k)). Spearfishing is constrained by these conservation byelaws plus island-wide rules (no salmon/sea-trout retention, minimum landing sizes, bass rod-and-line only).
On the coast
Location
Approximate reference point for this zone. See the full picture on the interactive map.
54.1510°N, 4.4600°W
View on the mapSource
This zone is documented in the official source below.
Before you dive
License for Isle of Man
Whether you need a license to spearfish here, and how to get one.