Visit Isle of Man announces ‘Big Blue Bag’ initiative with TV marine biologist

Monty Hall’s initiative will allow people to collect data on marine health

Visit Isle of Man has announced a new conservation project in partnership with TV broadcaster and marine biologist Monty Halls.

Participants in the “Big Blue Bag” initiative will receive a bag containing equipment that will allow them to collect data on marine health.

Data such as microplastic pollution, species biodiversity, water temperature and coastal debris.

The plan, says Visit Isle of Man, is that the data collected can be uploaded to a digital app (currently in development), contributing to citizen science to help inform conservation efforts around the world.

You may recognize Monty Halls from his series ‘Great Escape’ on the BBC or ‘My Family and the Galapagos’ on Channel 4.

He is the founder of the Big Blue Bag initiative and is now an official Visit Isle of Man ambassador.

Halls says the island holds a special place in his heart, with its extraordinary coastline and deep connection to the sea.

He says: “As the world’s first entire nation with a UNESCO Biosphere, the Island’s commitment to balancing the needs of its communities, economy and environment aligns perfectly with my own values. It is a place where conservation and sustainability are at the forefront, and I’m proud to work alongside such an innovative destination to advance the protection of our natural world.”

The bags will be tested by the Manx Wildlife Trust over the coming months.

Visit Isle of Man CEO Deborah Heather says the Wildlife Trust aims to ensure sampling protocols are applicable to all ages and experiences, using its unique understanding of the environmental challenges facing the Isle of Man and the world. generally face to shape the system. ‘

The ‘Big Blue Bag’ will officially launch in spring 2025.

You can watch Visit Isle of Man’s explanatory video below: