Politicians in Jersey have unanimously backed a marine plan proposed by Environment Minister Deputy Steve Luce, although they rejected an additional proposal aimed at expanding protected areas.
The Marine Spatial Plan put forth by Deputy Luce designates 23% of Jersey’s waters as marine protected areas. However, the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel had advocated for increasing that percentage by an additional 4% to better safeguard habitats around Jersey’s offshore reefs.
Concerns over the potential economic impact led States members to vote against the panel’s recommendations, fearing that such changes could jeopardize the livelihoods of local fishers. The proposed marine protected areas would restrict mobile gear fishing—including trawling and dredging—to prevent damage to marine habitats and species.
Deputy Luce expressed that expanding these protected areas could be detrimental to many fishers in Jersey. While he acknowledges the importance of environmental protection as a “noble goal,” he emphasized the need to also consider the sustainability of the fishing industry.
The Environment Scrutiny Panel identified five regions they believed should be designated as marine protected areas. However, States members voted against each proposal individually, ultimately deciding not to elevate any of them to protected status.
Deputy Hilary Jeune, chair of the scrutiny panel, criticized dredging practices, comparing them to the destruction of an ancient woodland. She highlighted that the damage caused by dredging can be extensive and can take generations to recover from. Jeune specifically noted concerns over the deterioration of maerl beds, which are composed of a rare pink calcified seaweed and serve as vital habitats for marine species. She argued that protecting these beds is essential for ensuring a sustainable future for the fishing industry.
Conversely, other lawmakers believe that Deputy Luce has struck the right balance between environmental protection and safeguarding the long-term interests of the fishing sector. Deputy Sam Mezec, leader of Reform Jersey, pointed out that negatively impacting the fishing industry could lead to significant public backlash, supporting the minister’s cautious approach. His views were echoed by Sustainable Economic Development Minister Deputy Kirsten Morel, who stated, “It is impossible to imagine Jersey without a marine economy.”
For more updates, follow BBC Jersey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, or share your story ideas by contacting [email protected].
