Minister promises fishermen he will listen to fears

The environment minister says he will listen to the fishing community before introducing any laws

The environment minister has promised fishermen he will not enforce new laws on how Jersey seas are used without hearing their opinions first.

A draft Marine Spatial Plan was published in October to recommend ways of protecting the island's marine environment - but the fishing community said it was worried by certain factors.

At the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure scrutiny panel meeting, concerns were raised that there had not been enough consultation.

Deputy Jonathan Renouf said he would listen to any concerns.

He said: "I don't think it's rushed, but I do think that we are in a process of consultation now, it's still ongoing and, if there's a feeling that everything hasn't surfaced, then we'll reflect on that and respond appropriately.

"There's no intention to railroad, but there is an intention to make progress."