Isle of Jersey Expands Marine Protections to Cover 21% of Territorial Waters.
The Government of Jersey said it would expand the island's marine protected area network, waters closed to trawling and dredging, from 6.5% to 21.7% of territorial waters from September 1.
The Government of Jersey said the part of its territorial waters protected from damaging fishing practices would grow from 6.5% to 21.7%. The marine protected area network covers waters that are off limits to trawling and dredging. According to the government, the new measures come into force on September 1.
The government said the expansion would protect some of the island's most important marine habitats, including sensitive and biodiverse shallow reefs. It described these habitats as structurally complex zones that serve as nursery and feeding areas for commercially and ecologically important marine life. Reducing disturbance there, it said, would help build habitat resilience and support healthy marine ecosystems. It also said the step would help keep fish stocks sustainable for the fishing industry.
Minister for the Environment Mary Le Hegerat described Jersey's seas as "one of the island's greatest natural assets" that needed continuous protection. She said the measures were evidence-led and had been developed through extensive consultation, as part of a long-term vision for managing the marine environment.
The government said it delivered the network through the Marine Spatial Plan process. Since 2023 it has consulted Jersey and French fishing representatives, environmental organizations and other marine users. It said it would monitor the impact of the new measures and support the fishing industry, including by providing new fishing areas.
Francis Binney, head of marine resources, said a healthy marine environment and a successful fishing industry "go hand in hand". He said the government recognized the challenges facing fishers and was committed to working with them to build a resilient and economically sustainable sector.
The BBC also reported that Sark could consider protecting 30% of its waters. A proposal was being worked up for submission to the island's governing body, Chief Pleas, for approval.
Note: The headline says 21%; the page gives 21.7%, up from 6.5%. The protection applies specifically to trawling and dredging, not to all fishing or activity.
At a Glance
- Protected waters in Jersey's network rise from 6.5% to 21.7% of territorial waters, according to the island's government.
- The new measures come into force on September 1 and bar trawling and dredging in the added areas.
- The Marine Spatial Plan consultation with fishing representatives, environmental groups and other users has run since 2023.
- Sark is working on a proposal to protect 30% of its waters, which would need approval from Chief Pleas.
Sources
This brief was written by Brightside Report from the reporting linked above. Spot an error? Request a correction.