Jersey trawling area limited from September 2026

The changes are being made to protect marine environment's in Jersey waters

More than one fifth of the island's territorial waters will be designated as marine protected areas and off limits to trawling and dredging from September 2026, the government has confirmed.

Jersey politicians voted unanimously for the Marine Spatial Plan in October, which included a pledge to increase the area of protected waters from 6.5% to 23%.

Marine protected areas prohibit mobile gear fishing, which includes trawling and dredging, to stop damage to habitats and species.

Jersey's government said it will work with licensed fishermen in Jersey and France to support adjustment to the new rules.

A timeline for implementing the plan released by the infrastructure and environment committee also shows part of Les Sauvages reef will be off limits to all fishing.

Only commercially licensed vessels will be prohibited from fishing in the protected areas.

Potting, netting, rod and line fishing and all recreational activities are unaffected by the changes.

An additional 4% of territorial waters are being researched and could be added to the protected marine areas by 2030, the committee said.

"This will be a seismic shift for marine management in Jersey waters, significantly changing the face of fishing," it said.

"The Economic Impact Assessment will assist in understanding the livelihood impact of these changes and government will work with licensed fishermen in Jersey and France to support adjustment to the new rules."