01 September 2026
The Government of Jersey has today significantly expanded its Marine Protected Area (MPA) network, increasing the proportion of territorial waters protected from dredging and trawling to 21.7% from 6.5%.
This represents a major milestone in the delivery of Jersey's Marine Spatial Plan and establishes protection for sensitive and biodiverse shallow reefs, as well as OSPAR-listed marine habitats identified within the Island's territorial waters, including maerl beds, seagrass meadows, kelp habitats.
The new measures will protect some of Jersey's most ecologically important marine habitats while supporting the long-term sustainability of the Island's marine environment and fishing industry.
Minister for the Environment, Senator Mary Le Hegerat, said:
"Jersey's seas are one of the Island's greatest natural assets. Expanding our Marine Protected Area network is a significant step towards protecting the habitats that support marine life, biodiversity and sustainable fisheries.
"These measures are evidence-led, have been developed through extensive consultation and form an important part of our long-term vision for the management of Jersey's marine environment."
The protected habitats provide important structurally complex zones that act as nursery and feeding areas for commercially and ecologically important marine life. By reducing disturbance of these sensitive areas, the Government aims to improve habitat resilience and support healthy marine ecosystems.
The expansion of the MPA network has been delivered through the Marine Spatial Plan process, which included extensive engagement and consultation with Jersey and French fishing representatives, environmental organisations, and other marine users over the past three years.
Full details of the consultation process and scientific and economic evidence underpinning the network are available at Jersey Marine Spatial Plan (MSP).
A Future Fisheries Economic Study was also recently commissioned by the Government of Jersey, working with industry representatives throughout its development and delivery. The findings are now helping to shape commercial fisheries policy which is being developed jointly by Marine Resources and Marine Economy, with input from industry.
Head of Marine Resources, Francis Binney, said:
"A healthy marine environment and a successful fishing industry go hand in hand.
"Protecting important habitats today helps ensure that Jersey's waters remain productive and biologically rich in the future. At the same time, we recognise the challenges facing the fishing industry and are committed to working with fishers to build a resilient and economically sustainable sector."
"This is not about choosing between conservation and fishing. It is about ensuring that Jersey continues to have both healthy seas and a successful fishing industry for decades to come."
The impacts of the new measures will continue to be monitored, as well as work with the fishing industry to support adaptation to the new fishing areas.
The expanded MPA network also contributes to Jersey's commitments under the OSPAR Convention and supports international ambitions to protect and restore marine biodiversity and to the Global Ocean Alliance’s Convention on Biological Diversity objective to protect 30% of the sea by 2030.
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