FAILURE to report an archaeological find to Jersey Heritage within 14 days could become a criminal offence if States Members approve updates to Jersey’s treasure law.
The Draft Heritage (Jersey) Law has been lodged by Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel and is scheduled for debate on 24 February 2026.
The law, if approved, would introduce mandatory reporting of historic finds and clearer rules on ownership and rewards.
In the proposition, Deputy Morel said that Jersey’s archaeological heritage is described as “a vital part of the Island’s identity, collective memory and a valuable resource for historical and scientific research”.
He added that, without a statutory framework, important objects are “vulnerable to damage, dispersal, or private sale”.
This provision would ensure finds are “properly recorded and assessed, safeguarding Jersey’s heritage”, according to the proposition.
The draft legislation defines an archaeological object as one created or modified by human activity that is at least 300 years old, or younger items of historical interest, including human remains.
Objects deemed to be of “exceptional cultural, archaeological, historical, or scientific significance” would be classified as Jersey National Antiquities and would become the property of the public.
The law would “introduce clear processes for reporting, ownership, and rewards, balancing the interests of finders, landowners, and the public”, according to the proposition.
A reward scheme is proposed for significant finds, to be shared between the finder and the landowner and linked to market value – although no reward would be paid for human remains.
