A PROPOSAL to help safeguard another of the Island’s “mainstay” shellfisheries has been put forward by the Environment Minister.
Deputy Steve Luce is seeking to change Jersey’s sea fisheries regulations to raise the minimum size of king scallop that can be landed, sold, exposed, offered for sale or retained from 102mm to 105mm.
The proposal comes just a few weeks after States Members approved the second phase of plans to increase the minimum landing size for lobster to 90mm to help “safeguard and rebuild the stock” amid a decline in landings.
It was raised from 87mm to 88mm last year, and now stands at 89mm.
Data published by Marine Resources shows that, unlike lobster, there has been a marked increase in the amount of scallops being landed over the last few years, having risen from around 249 tonnes in 2020 to 1,020 tonnes in 2024.
The report accompanying Deputy Luce’s proposition said that king scallop “has for many decades been one of the mainstays of Jersey’s fisheries”.
“While catches have risen and fallen in the past with changes to the fleet the current upward trend is at odds with other key commercial fisheries in Jersey,” it continued.
“Catches have been in a steady increase since 2020 with a high of 1,020 tonnes in 2024 for Jersey vessels.
“By increasing the size at which king scallops can be legally harvested, it ensures that more individuals will reach sexual maturity and contribute to future generations.”
The report contended that, while increasing the minimum size might result in an initial drop in the number of shellfish being harvested, the change would – in the longer-term – contribute to a “more sustainable and productive” fishery.
It also stated that the proposal “comes at a time when the stock for king scallop is high” and that “all sectors (commercial and recreational) have been consulted with on this management measure and agree unanimously”.
“This amendment also harmonises legislation in the Normano-Breton Gulf between French and Jersey vessels, offering simplicity for enforcement and trade of this species,” it added.
If approved, the change would come into force on 5 December.
