Views sought on plan to help manage Jersey waters

The draft Marine Spatial Plan aims to manage the different uses of local waters

People are being asked for their views on a draft plan detailing how Jersey's territorial waters should be managed.

The Government of Jersey said its draft Marine Spatial Plan would help manage the "inevitable conflicts" arising from different uses of local waters.

It has proposed increasing marine protected areas (MPAs) to about 30% of island territorial waters, up from 6.4%, by 2030.

MPAs do not permit towed fishing gear and "destructive extractive" processes.

The proposed MPAs, in dark blue, do not permit towed fishing gear and "destructive extractive process"

The proposed MPAs include all the inshore area and offshore reefs of Les Ecrehous, Les Minquiers, the Paternosters and Les Anquettes.

Deputy Jonathan Renouf, Minister for the Environment, encouraged people to have their say.

He said the aim of of the plan was to set policies to help manage the "inevitable conflicts that arise around different uses of the island’s marine estate".

“I’m particularly pleased that we are bringing forward proposals to increase the area covered by MPAs, but I recognise that we need to consult fully with those who are likely to be most affected by this move," he added.

“We need islanders help to ensure our priorities and policies are well considered."

The consultation is open until 2 January 2024 via the government's website.

There will also be a series of drop-in sessions between 18:00 and 20:00 on the following dates and locations:

• 9 November at St Martin’s Public Hall

• 16 November at St Helier’s Town Hall

• 23 November at St Brelade’s Parish Hall

• 30 November at St Helier Yacht Club