Tighter Trawling Limits Set for Jersey Waters in 2026

Major Expansion of Marine Protected Areas in Jersey Waters from 2026

More than 20% of Jersey’s territorial waters will be designated as marine protected areas and closed to trawling and dredging from September 2026, the government has confirmed.

The move follows a unanimous vote by States Members last October in favour of the Marine Spatial Plan, which will increase the protected zone from 6.5% to 23% of Jersey’s waters.

The new marine protected areas (MPAs) will ban mobile fishing gear such as trawling and dredging to help preserve vulnerable marine habitats and species.

The government said it will work closely with licensed fishermen in Jersey and France to help them adjust to the new regulations.

A timeline published by Jersey’s Infrastructure and Environment Committee also reveals that part of the Les Sauvages reef will be entirely off-limits to all forms of fishing.

However, the changes will only apply to commercially licensed vessels. Recreational activities and other types of fishing — including potting, netting, and rod-and-line — will not be affected.

In addition, an extra 4% of Jersey’s waters are under consideration for protection and could be included in the marine reserve network by 2030.

“This marks a seismic shift in marine management in Jersey,” the committee said. “It will significantly change the face of fishing in our waters.”

An economic impact assessment is underway to understand how the changes may affect livelihoods in the local fishing industry.