The reserve, in Lamlash Bay on the island's east side, will be small in area at only 0.8sq miles. But it is expected to have an effect on protecting local maerl beds, and to boost the recovery of corals and fish species, including scallops.
The reserve is the culmination of some 15 years of campaigning by conservationists. The Clyde Fishermen's Association is reported to have backed the reserve designation, mindful of the success of an Isle of Man dredging ban that led to a rise in scallop stocks.
Scottish Natural Heritage and Fisheries Research Services is to carry out a sonar and video survey of the reserve area, to establish baseline data that will help scientists to evaluate the reserve's effectiveness over time.
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