Marine protected areas to expand by further 15%

The area of sea around Jersey protected against damaging fishing practices is to be expanded by more than 15%.

The government said the marine protected area network, which is territorial waters off limits to trawling and dredging, would be increasing from 6.5% to 21.7%.

It said the measures, coming into force on September 1, would protect some of the island's most important marine habitats, including its sensitive and biodiverse shallow reefs, and would help keep fish stocks sustainable for the fishing industry.

Minister for the Environment Mary Le Hegerat said Jersey's seas were "one of the island's greatest natural assets" and needed continuous protection.

"These measures are evidence-led, have been developed through extensive consultation and form an important part of our long-term vision for the management of Jersey's marine environment," she said.

The government said the protected habitats provided "important structurally complex zones" that acted as nursery and feeding areas for commercially and ecologically important marine life.

It said reducing disturbances in those areas would help build habitat resilience and support healthy marine ecosystems.

Jersey's decision comes as Sark makes a bid to protect 30% of its waters with a proposal submitted to governing body Chief Pleas for approval.

The government said it had delivered the network through the Marine Spatial Plan process with engagement and consultation with Jersey and French fishing representatives, environmental organisations and other marine users since 2023.

It added the impacts of the new measures would be monitored and support would be given to the fishing industry to support it with 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: "Protecting important habitats today helps ensure Jersey's waters remain productive and biologically rich in the future.

"At the same time, we recognise the challenges facing the fishing industry and are committed to working with fishers to build a resilient and economically sustainable sector."

"This is not about choosing between conservation and fishing - it is about ensuring that Jersey continues to have both healthy seas and a successful fishing industry for decades to come."

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