More sea protection causing 'sleepless nights' for Jersey fishers

Jersey fishermen say the expansion of marine protected areas is putting “sleepless nights” into the industry’s future, even as regulators granted five additional bluefin tuna licences. New rules more than triple the sea area protected from trawling and dredging, a move conservationists say will safeguard key habitats and support long-term fish stock health. While fishers including Stephen Viney of the Jersey Fishermen’s Association called the protections a “slow car crash,” Environment Minister Mary Le Hegarat said the measures were evidence-led and part of a long-term marine vision. Additional tuna fishing is described as seasonal, not a full offset for lost grounds.