Marine Protection Target Still Considered Possible

Politicians examining proposals to safeguard waters around Jersey say the island could still meet its goal of protecting roughly 30% of its seas by 2030, despite concerns about aspects of the current plan.

The Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel said it broadly supported the creation of new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), but warned that further work was required before the proposals could be fully implemented.

The panel reviewed draft regulations that would limit trawling, netting and dredging in certain parts of the island’s waters. The measures are expected to be debated in the States Assembly later this week.

Under plans put forward by ministers, marine protection would be introduced gradually. About 21.7% of Jersey’s waters would fall under protection from September 2026, rising to 23.5% by 2030.

Ministers said the proposals were intended to deliver the network of MPAs set out in the Jersey Marine Spatial Plan, which was previously examined by the scrutiny panel in 2024.

According to the panel, ministers opted for a phased approach after considering an Economic Impact Assessment and seabed surveys assessing the ecological value of different areas. The government concluded that gradual changes would help balance environmental protection with the potential impact on fishing fleets.

However, the panel raised concerns about the evidence used in the economic study.

“The panel is concerned that the research informing the EIA was limited, relying on just one year of activity data,” it said.

It also noted the assessment did not examine potential benefits from stronger marine protection, such as habitat recovery, increased biodiversity and possible growth in fish and shellfish stocks.

Panel chair Hilary Jeune said members wanted to ensure that vulnerable habitats - including fragile maerl algae beds — were protected from dredging and intensive fishing.

At the same time, she said any measures would need to consider the livelihoods of fishers operating in the area, including both local crews and those from France.

“Following our review of the marine spatial plan and briefings from the government, we understand that reaching 30% protection by 2030 still remains a possibility,” she said.

She added the panel hoped the next government would continue working toward achieving the 30% marine protection target by the end of the decade.