Draft Sea Fisheries (Minimum Size Limits) (Jersey) Amendment Regulations 202- (P.61/2026): comments
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2026 P.61 Com.
COMMENTS
The Sea Fisheries (Jersey) Law 1994 provides for the regulation of sea fishing and the conservation of fish stocks in Jersey waters. The Sea Fisheries (Minimum Size Li mits) (Jersey) Regulations 2001 prescribe the minimum size of fish and shellfish that may be retained, landed or offered for sale. The draft Regulations (P.61/2026) would amend the minimum landing size for lobster from 89mm to 90mm carapace length. This represents the final stage of a three-phase programme to increase the minimum landing size from 87mm to 90mm. The Minister for the Environment has advised that the programme was developed following recommendations of the Lobster Working Group and forms part of wider efforts to support the long-term sustainability of the local lobster fishery1.
In considering the proposition, the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Panel noted that the proposed amendment does not introduce a new policy direction but implements the final phase of an approach that has been developed and introduced incrementally over a number of years. The Panel also notes that the Minister has stated that the measures were developed in consultation with the Lobster Working Group, which includes industry representation, and that the phased implementation was intended to provide the sector with time to adapt to the changes.
During the Assembly's consideration of the previous amendment to the minimum landing size provisions in September 2025, the current Chair of the Panel referred during the debate to engagement between the Panel and Marine Resources officers on fisheries management and enforcement matters. This engagement has contributed to the Panel's understanding of the wider management framework within which the current amendment sits. The Panel notes the importance of effective monitoring and enforcement in supporting the operation of minimum size limits and wider stock management measures.
Having reviewed the proposition and supporting information, the Panel is satisfied that the draft Regulations give effect to the final stage of an established programme of stock management measures. The Panel therefore brings these observations to the attention of Members ahead of the debate.
1 Sea Fisheries (Minimum Size Li mits) (Jersey) Amendment Regulations 202- Page - 2
P.61/2026 Com.