• 21.7% of Jersey’s waters will be protected 
  • Jersey’s waters can host up to 173 species in a single square metre 
  • With this move, Jersey becomes a leader in ocean protection across the British Isles 

NEWS, 12 March 2026, Jersey: Jersey has approved one of the most ambitious marine protection plans in the British Isles, nearly quadrupling the area of its seas protected from damaging fishing practices. Thus, becoming a leader in ocean conservation across the British Isles. The proposed MPA network covers 21.7% of Jersey’s waters and comes into effect on 1 September this year. An additional 1.9% has also been approved to come into effect on January 1, 2030. These areas include vital habitats such as kelp forests, seagrass meadows, biodiverse reefs and fragile maerl beds (one of the rarest and most sensitive habitat types in the region).  

The decision means 21.7% of Jersey’s waters will be protected from mobile gear (dredging and trawling) – far ahead of England, where only 11% of waters are protected. 

Maerl beds found in Jersey’s waters can host up to 173 species in a single square metre, making them some of the most biodiverse habitats in Europe. Jersey’s decision to invest in ocean protection comes at a moment when marine life all around the world is under growing pressure from climate change and overfishing. The new protections will come into effect on 1 September 2026, bringing Jersey much closer to achieving its international commitment to protect 30% of its waters by 2030. 

Freddie Watson, Channel Islands Project Manager for Blue Marine Foundation, said: “This is a pivotal moment for Jersey’s marine environment. This is the result of years of careful work, conversation and collaboration, underpinned by strong scientific evidence. By protecting these places, we’re giving marine life the space it needs to recover, supporting more resilient fisheries and helping our seas adapt to the pressures of climate change. We commend States Members in backing the network and taking this once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure a healthier future for Jersey’s waters.” 

Alan Le Maistre, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Jersey, said: “From vast kelp forests to the intricate maerl beds that take centuries to develop, Jersey’s seas host some of the most valuable habitats in our natural heritage. Their fragility means that once lost, they cannot simply be replaced, underscoring the importance of today’s decision. The marine environment shapes our Island culture, our wellbeing and our future, and it is vital that we protect it. The Trust is pleased to have partnered with Blue Marine over many years in advocating for these MPAs and securing this meaningful step for future generations.” 

Over the past year, the proposed boundaries have been shaped by seabed surveys, ecological data and extensive engagement with fishers, community groups and other sea users. Areas containing sensitive species and slow growing habitats were prioritised for protection, while zones with lower ecological sensitivity were refined to remain open to sustainable fishing. The resulting network strikes a careful balance between conservation needs and the practical realities of those who depend on the sea. 

The MPAs will also bring longt erm benefits to Jersey’s fisheries. While the most significant changes relate to mobile gear, most of Jersey’s fleet, particularly static gear fishers who use pots, rod-and-line or hand diving for scallops, will continue to access large areas of productive grounds. By protecting critical nursery habitats and reducing overall pressure on vulnerable seabeds, MPAs can improve stock abundance, increase catch stability and enhance inshore opportunities for low impact fishing methods. Many of these fisheries already operate sustainably, and the new protections will help strengthen their resilience for the years ahead. 

Jersey’s waters cover 2,455 sq km, dwarfing the Island’s land area, supporting thousands of species. Among the most significant habitats are maerl beds, formed by slow growing, calcified algae that create pink, coral-like structures on the seabed. However, maerl is extremely vulnerable to mobile fishing gears such as trawling and dredging, and sediment disturbance and damage is effectively irreversible on human timescales. 

Currently, only around 6.5% of Jersey’s waters are protected from mobile fishing gear. The network agreed today will increase this nearly fourfold. By safeguarding vulnerable seabed habitats such as maerl beds, the measures give marine life space to recover while supporting the long-term sustainability of Jersey’s fisheries. 

Image credit © Matt Jarvis