Jersey marine protected areas to expand by further 15%

Jersey plans to expand marine protected areas closed to damaging trawling and dredging by more than 15%, growing the network from 6.5% of territorial waters to 21.7%. The government says the measures, effective September 1, will safeguard key habitats including sensitive, biodiverse shallow reefs, and help keep fish stocks sustainable for the island’s fishing industry. Environment Minister Mary Le Hegerat called the move “evidence-led,” developed through extensive consultation. The protected zones are described as nursery and feeding areas for commercially and ecologically important species, with reduced disturbances to build ecosystem resilience. The impact will be monitored, and support offered to fishers with new fishing areas, while Sark seeks similar 30% protection.