A coastal town in northwest Cumbria has been given a new title by the government. 

Allonby bay in Allerdale has been designated as a highly protected marine area (HPMA) with the site to be designated before July 6, 2023. 

According to the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) on February 28, the Rt Hon Dr Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, of her intention to allocate three highly protected marine areas.

One of which is Allonby Bay.

The idea is to allow the marine environment to fully recover from any harmful activity, Allonby was chosen due to the 'ecological significance of nature recovery.' 

Allonby was recommended as part of the Benyon Review.

The bay is an area that contains 'blue carbon' habitats meaning that they will store carbon. 

Parts of the bay can also protect against coastal erosion and protection will be offered for important species like cod, sole and plaice. 

The HMPA boundaries have been reviewed to allow recreational angling and access for disabled anglers. 

Maryport harbour and the port of Silloth will also be taken into account. 

Pam Jones, of Allonby Parish Council, said: "We now have this new status as an HMPA and we are the first and only onshore marine area with this high status because of the marine life we've got on the shore like blue mussels and honeycomb reef, which is a bit like a worm but it forms a more permanent crustacean. 

"But this stuff actually produces blue carbon which in itself is what we need to clean the sea bed. 

"This is why I think we've been chosen as I don't imagine that there are many other places that they've found that do this. 

"But the idea is to clean up the seas offshore which are breeding grounds for cod and skate so it will improve the quality of the food chain.

"It has been recommended in the report that places like ours would become places of scientific interest and great educational asset. 

"So obviously we need to think about how we can capitalise on that, people come to Allonby in their droves but it would be good if school children could come and there was a centre where they could get an idea of what this marine life is like," Ms Jones said.