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Bird lovers oppose lagoon draining

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MUA asking DoI to carry out work

Conservationists have hit out at plans to drain a lagoon in a protected Area of Special Scientific Interest in the north of the Island. 

The natural temporary pond on Smeale beach has sparked complaints over the smell – leading the Manx Utilities Authority to ask permission for the Department of Infrastructure to carry out the work. 

However, the proposals have attracted criticism from Manx Bird Life, which says such lagoons are the reason the area was protected to begin with. 

Dora Querido of Manx Bird Life says draining the water would destroy a valuable feeding area the sea would wash away during winter:

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