Jersey’s marine estate is a vital resource for the Island, supporting diverse marine life and contributing to its economy, culture, and identity. However, threats such as overfishing and climate change endanger this environment. In response, Jersey is committed to protecting 30% of its marine and terrestrial areas by 2030, including the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) covering 6.5% of its waters. One key area, Les Sauvages, a remote reef with high biodiversity, is currently unprotected and vulnerable to fishing pressures. Recent surveys conducted in 2021 and 2022 revealed that Les Sauvages has exceptional marine life, with species that are rare or endangered. Compared to other MPAs in Jersey, its biodiversity is significantly higher. Given the reef’s ecological importance and the threats it faces from fishing, the report recommends further protection and robust fisheries management for the site. It advocates for its inclusion in Jersey’s Marine Spatial Plan and urges quick action to safeguard this ecologically valuable and biodiverse area.
The Four Horsemen of the UK Fisheries Policy Apocalypse
The UK has the responsibility, and the policy frameworks available, to provide meaningful and lasting protection to all its marine areas. This includes the government proceeding with and concluding its plans to remove bottom trawling from MPAs, safeguarding the biodiversity and habitats that they were designed to protect.
28 September 2025