Seabirds and sewage among Isle of Man Biosphere status challenges

A report assessing the Isle of Man’s UNESCO Biosphere status after a decade warns of ongoing environmental pressures, even as some wildlife rebounds. Since the island became the world’s first whole-nation Biosphere in 2016, it has been recognized for habitats including returning wildlife and new marine reserves. The review arrives ahead of UNESCO’s decision next summer on whether the island will keep the designation. It highlights sewage discharges into the sea at Peel and Garff, while noting work on a new treatment works for Peel began last year. The report also cites long-term declines, including 48 of 166 regularly seen bird species on the red list and falling numbers of young salmon.