Island projects to protect oceans receive £300,000

Freddie Watson has conducted local crab and lobster surveys to measure the difference in populations between different locations

A £300,000 donation has been made to the Blue Marine Foundation (BMF) to help with work to protect Guernsey and Jersey's underwater habitats.

The money, which was donated by HSBC, will be split over three years and support the charity's education and sustainable fishing programmes.

This includes the snorkel trail initiatives in both Jersey and Guernsey and tje expansion of the hand dived mark.

Freddie Watson, Blue Marine's Channel Islands project manager, hopes the donation will enable both islands to improve marine protection.

'Crucial research'

Mr Watson said the support "enables us to deliver a wide range of initiatives, such as education and outreach, crucial research and championing sustainable fisheries".

The BMF is an international marine conservation charity established to protect and restore life in the oceans around the world.

The charity has been involved in 21 projects across the world, including the Channel Islands.

Its mission is to secure effective protection of at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.

Warwick Long, CEO of HSBC, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, said: "We are proud to help the Blue Marine Foundation deliver a range of initiatives designed to drive positive change that will benefit the marine environment for future generations."