Jersey marine protected areas to expand by further 15%

Jersey will expand its marine protected areas covering sea off the island against damaging fishing practices by more than 15%. The government said the network—territorial waters off limits to trawling and dredging—will increase from 6.5% to 21.7%. The new measures take effect on September 1 and are aimed at safeguarding important habitats, including sensitive, biodiverse shallow reefs. Officials said the protected zones also support sustainable fish stocks for the fishing industry by providing nurseries and feeding areas and reducing disturbances to improve habitat resilience. Environment Minister Mary Le Hegerat described Jersey’s seas as a key natural asset requiring continuous protection.