Guernsey: Marine protection in the Channel Islands

The Bailiwick of Guernsey in the English Channel consists of three independent states: Guernsey, Alderney and Sark. These islands are home to striking coastal landscapes and is rich in biodiversity. To safeguard their waters for future generations, Blue Marine is proposing a comprehensive vision for protection and sustainable use.  

The Guernsey marine environment faces challenges from increasing human activity and climate change. With lower levels of baseline data compared to neighbouring Jersey, Guernsey has an opportunity to achieve tangible conservation gain. By implementing robust policies, legislation, and conservation measures, Guernsey can safeguard its ecosystem, while promoting economic development and responsible use of its resources.   

Through collaborative action, Blue Marine can help the island nation contribute to the global 30×30 initiative, ensuring a resilient marine ecosystem that thrives for years to come. We aim to take our experience from Jersey, and replicate our work for the Bailiwick of Guernsey. While research and monitoring will remain integral for developing MPA plans, our initial focus will be on community and stakeholder engagement, showcasing the benefits of MPAs, and what they could bring to the table in this specific region. 

Blue Marine is exploring a strategic approach to support conservation and sustainable use around Guernsey’s coastline. Our aim is to safeguard habitats such as seagrass meadows, kelp forests, maerl beds, and shallow reefs through the development of marine protected areas (MPAs).  

We are scoping opportunities to enhance biodiversity and support fisheries resilience. We are also looking at ways to strengthen sustainable fisheries management.  

We are particularly interested in how climate adaptation could be supported through blue carbon ecosystems, nature-based coastal defences, and renewable energy infrastructure. Education, outreach, and community involvement will be central to our work, as will innovative finance models, which align with Guernsey’s position as a Financial Centre for Sustainability (FC4S).