REVISED plans to enhance protections for Jersey’s marine environment have been lodged by the Environment Minister.
Deputy Steve Luce’s proposals for over 23% of the Island’s territorial waters to become marine-protected areas were published on Friday.
The area set to be protected has shrunk from the 27% originally proposed, following consultation with local and French fishermen.
Deputy Luce said this iteration of the plans struck a “balance” with the different uses of the marine environment.
More than 150 comments from a raft of local businesses, charities, organisations and individuals were taken into account when putting together the latest draft of the plan, which is set to be debated by the States Assembly this autumn.
The Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel will also scrutinise the document ahead of the debate.
If adopted, the proposals will inform the next version of the Island Plan.
Deputy Luce said: “I am grateful to everyone who took the time to give their views on the plan during the consultation period. We received over 150 comments which have all been taken into consideration when publishing this draft.
“I’d like to think that there is something positive for everyone in this revised plan, and especially for those who responded to the consultation.”
He added: “The plan helps us understand how people value and interact with our marine environment.
“It’s important we find a balance between the different uses we have for our marine environment, and to make sure we interact with our local ecosystems in a sustainable manner.
“I am looking forward to the debate later in the year.”
