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Jersey’s 2,455 sq km of territorial sea support more than 3,000 animal and plant species, in habitats ranging from kelp forests, seagrass and maerl beds to gravel and sand beds. At each low ebb its huge 12-metre tides create 30 sq km of rocks and reefs containing flooded gully and waterfall habitats found nowhere else in the region. Jersey’s waters are also rich in sites of cultural, archaeological, and historical significance.  

In October 2024 Jersey’s States Assembly approved the Marine Spatial Plan that we have been advocating since 2018. Its proposed network of marine protected areas (MPAs) will cover 552 sq km of Jersey’s waters and will be closed to dredging and trawling, allowing small-scale fishing to thrive with the environment.  

More than 93 per cent of Jersey’s seabed is unprotected, with only 6.5 per cent designated as marine protected areas (MPAs).  

1) collaborative research, such as biodiversity assessments and ecosystem service valuations

2) education through a schools snorkeling initiative and classroom lessons

3) support for low-impact fisheries such as developing a brand and eco-label to promote hand-dived scallops.  

From 2021, our local team of two has been based on the island, engaging with the fishing industry, educating local communities and children, partnering with government and local organisations, and leading local research to help inform better management. Our ‘snorkel trail’ and low-impact seafood initiatives have also helped to strengthen the sustainable use of Jersey’s seas.   

To learn more about our Jersey Snorkel Trails, click here.  

From 2021, our local team of two has been based on the island, engaging with the fishing industry, educating local communities and children, partnering with government and local organisations, and leading local research to help inform better management. Our ‘snorkel trail’ and low-impact seafood initiatives have also helped to strengthen the sustainable use of Jersey’s seas.

Fishing is a core part of Jersey’s heritage, and many key commercial species rely on healthy habitats to feed, breed and thrive. The proposed Marine Park will protect habitats, improve biodiversity and help to secure the long-term health of commercial fishery species.

Low-impact fisheries such as potting, rod and line, netting and scallop diving will benefit from having safe spaces to operate. Marine Park status could also draw in tourism while providing branding opportunities for local sustainable seafoods. Perhaps most importantly, the protection of these habitats can also help to mitigate climate change

Promoting appreciation for MPAs, Blue Marine’s snorkelling education programme on Jersey has now reached 840 children in three years, who represent more than 80 per cent of the island’s 31 primary-schools. We delivered a classroom lesson to a further 300 pupils during the academic year, with an art project to help explain the MSP and give them a voice for marine protection. Blue Education also launched ‘Jersey Ocean Observatory’, an online portal to the underwater world that provides resources for teachers and parents to lower barriers to marine science.