Marine protection target 'remains a possibility'

Politicians reviewing plans to protect the seas around Jersey say meeting the island's target to protect about 30% of its waters by 2030 "remains a possibility".

The Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel welcomed the proposal for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), but said more work needed to be done.

The panel reviewed draft rules to restrict trawling, netting and dredging in parts of Jersey waters. The debate is due to take place this week.

Ministers suggested a phased approach, with 21.7% of the sea protected from September 2026, rising to 23.5% by 2030.

It said the key aim of the draft, ahead of the debate in the States Assembly, was to deliver the MPAs committed to in the Jersey Marine Spatial Plan (JMSP) which was reviewed by the panel in 2024.

Following an Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) which looked into the economic impact of MPAs, and seabed surveys to look at the ecological value of certain areas, ministers concluded a phased approach was required in order to balance the effect on fishing fleets with the natural environment, the panel said.

It said: "The panel is concerned that the research that informed the EIA was one-sided, only taking into account one-year of activity data.

"Moreover, the EIA didn't assess the benefits that could arise from enhanced marine protection such as habitat recovery resulting in increased biodiversity and the potential increases in fish and shellfish stock."

Chair of the panel, Deputy Hilary Jeune said while they wanted to see the "incredibly fragile maerl algae beds protected from dredging and intensive fishing activities", it also recognised there had to be a "balance" with livelihoods and the needs of both local and French fishers.

"Following our review into the JMSP and briefings from the government, we understand that achieving 30% by 2030 still remains a possibility.

"We would like to encourage the next government to continue to drive for the 30% MPA coverage by the target date."

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.