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.

Those taking part in the 'Big Blue Bag' initiative will receive a bag containing equipment to allow them to collect data on marine health.

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

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

Monty Halls you may recognise from his 'Great Escape' series on BBC, or 'My Family and the Galapagos' on Channel 4.

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

Mr Halls says the Island holds a special place in his heart with its extraordinary coastlines and deep-rooted connection to the sea.

He says: "As the world’s first entire nation UNESCO Biosphere, the Island’s commitment to balancing the needs of its communities, economy and environment aligns perfectly with my own values. It’s a place where conservation and sustainability are at the forefront, and I’m proud to be working alongside such a forward-thinking destination to promote 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 that the sampling protocols are applicable to all ages and experience, using their unique understanding of the environmental challenges facing the Isle of Man, and the wider world, to shape the system.’

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

You can watch Visit Isle of Man's explainer video below: