Trawling in Jersey waters

​​​Request 731177873

Does Jersey allow Trawling in waters around the Island? 

Is this regulated and how is this monitored or enforced? 

Is the environmental impact of this fishing method considered in decision making?

Response

Trawling is controlled through the Trawling Netting and dredging regulations under the Sea Fisheries (Jersey) Law 1994. This and Sea Fisheries (Trawling, Netting and Dredging) (Jersey) Regulations 2001​, schedule 2, dictate where trawling may and may not take place. 

Additional trawling ground restrictions are set out in Schedule 2: over 10 metres Jersey fishing boat licences and the Harbours (Protection of Cables in Territorial Waters) (Jersey) Regulations 2010​ that covers the Jersey – French electricity cable. 

All mobile gear vessels are fitted with Vessel Monitoring Systems or inshore Vessel Monitoring Systems; Larger vessels also have AIS beacons.

The Scheduled Public Authority (SPA) monitor these trackers and have boundary alerts set up to notify of potential trawling in restricted. 

Enforcement data can be found on pages 23-24 using the link below, therefore Article 23 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 has been applied.

Marine Resources Annual Report 2023​

Information relating to environmental impact of this dredging method can be found using the link below therefore Article 23 of the Freedom of Information (Je​rsey) Law 2011 has been applied. 

Jersey Marine Spatial Plan (MSP)​

Article applied  

Article 23 - Information accessible to applicant by other means 

(1) Information is absolutely exempt information if it is reasonably available to the applicant, otherwise than under this Law, whether or not free of charge.

(2) A scheduled public authority that refuses an application for information on this ground must make reasonable efforts to inform the applicant where the applicant may obtain the information.​​