THE consultation period for plans to create marine-protected areas in Jersey’s waters could be extended, the Environment Minister has said, after concerns were raised about the effect on local fishermen.
Deputy Jonathan Renouf gave reassurance in the quarterly hearing of the Environment, Housing, and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel that more time would be given for fishermen to have their say on the proposals, should that be necessary.
Deputy Steve Luce, who chairs the panel, said that it had heard “clear concerns” from the local fleet “who are already under pressure”.
Deputy Renouf’s proposed Marine Spatial Plan – currently the subject of a consultation – is attempting to put forward an “evidence-based” case to expand an existing network of Marine Protected Areas.
Currently, only around 6.5% of the Island’s territorial waters are designated as MPAs, which protects against potentially destructive fishing practices such as bottom trawling. However, the proposed areas included within the new plan would increase this figure to just over 27%.
The consultation period was initially expected to run until 2 January, however Deputy Renouf said this could be extended – and he acknowledged the need to consult local fishermen fully.
He said: “In the long term, this will be good for the fishing industry. We need a sustainable fishing industry, and some practices in some areas are damaging. There are plenty of examples where things have got out of hand, where there has been too much destruction of an asset, and we need to manage it.
“The MSP is about managing conflict, understanding what’s valuable, why it’s valuable, and putting in measures to protect that while understanding rights of fishermen.”
Deputy Steve Luce asked for reassurances that the MSP would not damage the future of the local fishing industry, saying: “We have heard clear concerns about the MSP from our fishing fleet who are already under pressure, and were pleased to hear that the minister will ensure that the community will be fully consulted.
“I was also encouraged to learn that the minister recognises the need for a fish processing facility at the quayside, along the model of the Jersey Dairy co-operative operation, which we believe will aid towards the long-term sustainability of the industry.”
Islanders can read the draft Marine Spatial Plan – copies of which are also available in parish halls – and take part in the consultation at: gov.je.
