Over 95 per cent of Jersey’s territory is ocean. The unique character and ecology of Jersey’s marine estate supports an astoundingly diverse range of wildlife, with over 3,000 known animal and plant species. Jersey’s waters are also rich with sites of cultural, archaeological and historical significance. Jersey’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) currently cover 6.5 per cent of Jersey’s territorial waters. These areas prohibit only trawling and dredging. In addition, one small area, Portelet Bay, was designated as a fully No-Take Zone (NTZ) in 2022. Research clearly demonstrates that the existing small network of MPAs are having a positive influence on diversity with a greater number of species compared to open areas.
Scotland’s Seas: An Environmental and Economic Opportunity
Scotland’s seas are six times larger than our land area and among the most ecologically important in the world. They support internationally important marine wildlife, globally significant ecosystems and the coastal economies that depend upon them.
16 September 2026
