Scrutiny welcomes Marine Protected Areas but urges continued work
Scrutiny
6 March 2026
The Environment, Housing, and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel (the ‘Panel’) has reviewed the Draft Sea Fisheries (Trawling, Netting and Dredging) (Jersey) Amendment Regulations and has published its comments ahead of the debate in the States Assembly next week*.The key aim of the draft Regulations is to deliver the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), committed to in the Jersey Marine Spatial Plan (JMSP) which was reviewed by the Panel in 2024. One of the Panel’s recommendations from that review was that the Minister reaffirms his commitment to the “30 by 30” initiative agreed at COP15, which would see 30% of the fragile marine environment protected by 2030. The Recommendation was accepted by the Minister.
Following an Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) which looked into the economic impact of the MPAs, and seabed surveys to look at the ecological value of certain areas, the Minister concluded that a phased approach is required in order to balance the effect on fishing fleets with the natural environment. 21.7% of MPA coverage will take effect from 1st September 2026, with a further 1.8% phased in to reach 23.5% by 2030.
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.
Deputy Hilary Jeune, Chair of the Panel, said: ‘While we want to see the incredibly fragile Maerl algae beds protected from dredging and intensive fishing activities, we also recognise that there has to be a balance with livelihoods and the needs of both local and French fishers. However, we are still disappointed that the Minister didn’t immediately protect the 23% of our waters as agreed by the States Assembly.
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.’
View the Comments in full.
*Debate will take place next week if the States agree to a reduced lodging period.
