A BAN will be placed on removing any marine life from Portelet Bay to enable a scientific research zone to be established in the area, following a States decision.
Members backed Environment Minister John Young’s proposals to introduce a no-take zone – which it is hoped will help protect the Island’s fish stocks, by 45 votes to one.
Under the new regime it will become an offence to remove a fish, shellfish or any other type of marine aquatic species from the bay, which is located on the Island’s south coast in St Brelade.
The idea was proposed by the Fisheries and Marine Resources Panel, which believes establishing a scientific research zone in the bay will help maintain fish stocks and sustainable fisheries.
Outlining the proposals, Assistant Environment Minister Gregory Guida said that the new regulations were ‘an important piece within the complex digital puzzle that is fisheries management’.
He added: ‘My view is that this is another important step in putting together the overall package needed to conserve, protect and enhance precious environmental resources in the waters around the Island.’
Constable Mike Jackson, the only Member to oppose the move, said that there was already limited fishing activity in the area.
He said: ‘Professional fishermen in the form of the Jersey Fishermen’s Association have reluctantly resigned to this proposition.
‘It’s pointed out that they are sceptical as to what might be gained, given that this is described as a high-energy area of our coast and subject to the effects of winter storms and, of course, our normal strong tides.
‘It follows that the small amount of potting activity that does take place there actually makes little measurable difference. I would remind Members to respect the needs of our fishing fleet in these challenging times.’
Former Environment Minister Steve Luce said that he was ‘surprised’ at how long it had taken for the no-take zone to be introduced, with the idea first approved in principle during his tenure more than six years ago.
