Jersey considers expanding Les Écréhous fishing restrictions to protect lobster stocks

Jersey is considering expanding a protected fishing area around Les Écréhous in an effort to halt a long-term decline in lobster catches.

Environment Minister Mary Le Hegarat has put forward proposals to enlarge the existing zone, located around six miles (10km) north-east of Jersey. The area currently prohibits the use of parlour pots, which are considered particularly effective at catching shellfish.

Parlour pots differ from traditional “inkwell” pots by containing two or more compartments rather than a single chamber.

The proposed expansion comes as Jersey’s commercial lobster fishery faces increasing pressure. Official figures show lobster landings have fallen steadily since 2015, prompting renewed efforts to protect stocks.

A similar restriction has been in place at Les Minquiers, around nine miles (15km) south of Jersey, since 1997. A recent report said there was broad agreement that banning the highly efficient pots had benefited stocks of targeted shellfish, particularly lobster.

The no-parlour-pot zone at Les Écréhous was established in 2018 following discussions between Jersey and French fishing representatives.

Although the scheme has been described as successful, the report concluded that its relatively small size had limited its impact.

Proposals to extend the protected area were previously considered by a lobster working group. They were revived this year after receiving support from fishing interests on both sides of the Channel.

The proposed changes are intended to give lobster stocks greater protection while supporting the long-term sustainability of the fishery.