A lagoon at Smeale beach has been causing a stink.
Residents in the area have complained about the smell, caused by rotting seaweed, coming from the lagoon but Manx Bird Life say it is a valuable feeding area for birds.
The Department of Infrastructure (DoI) is willing to agree to a proposal to dig a channel to open up the lagoon and release seaweed and debris.
However, the lagoon is in an ASSI (Area of Special Scientific Interest), so the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) needs to approve any work that takes place.
Dora Querido, from Manx Bird Life, said: ‘Manx Bird Life, along with other environmental charities that are part of the Nature Conservation Forum, has been asked by DEFA to comment on the possibility of this work going ahead. We will be sending our comments and we trust that DEFA will make the right decision.’
Manx Utilities confirmed that it is currently awaiting a decision from DEFA, which is considering the various points of view before reaching their decision.
Manx Bird LIfe has said that rougher weather will move the sand, break open the lagoon and release the seaweed, without any human intervention.
Celtic League director of information Bernard Moffatt said: ‘Bird life supporters have rightly condemned the move.
‘It is to be hoped that Manx Bird Life derails the idea.’