Following a boost in sales of vessels throughout the pandemic, Jersey’s waters could see a rise in boating activity this summer – particularly as international travel options are likely to remain limited.
Kevin McIlwee, chairman of Jersey Marine Conservation, is reminding Islanders that marine wildlife can be seriously affected by continuous disturbances. He is asking boat owners to remain cautious and be respectful of the natural environment when visiting popular reefs such as the Ecréhous.
‘Last year we came across an injured seal that was right in the middle of a very busy lane for boats,’ he said.
‘The speed of the boats concerned me because potentially the injury had been caused by a boat strike.
‘Boat owners have got to accept that if they are moving at speed they probably will hit a creature before they realise that it is in the water.’
He added that Jersey’s waters and reefs were filled with marine creatures such as seals and dolphins, and that during the quiet periods of the year they congregate around areas such as the Ecréhous and would not be used to the busy boating season.
‘If boats do go in close to them it will disturb them. It’s great to see these creatures in their natural habitats but going too close to them is harmful for them,’ he added.
Donna de Gruchy, British Divers Marine Life Rescue Jersey co-ordinator, said that the group – which helped to rescue multiple seals last year – was in the process of designing and distributing signage Islandwide about marine mammals and what to do if you come across one.
‘Disturbance issues for the grey seals and the bottlenose dolphins at the reefs and around our waters is most definitely something that is prevalent in the spring, summer and autumn months,’ she said.
‘As the keen interest in the sea has heightened, so has the disturbance levels on our wildlife.’
She added: ‘We are so very lucky to have the grey seals using our reefs especially with our huge tidal movements and more should be done to educate people who come across them to – yes, enjoy them – but from a really safe distance using binoculars and telescopic zooms.’
BRIG Ribs representative Andy Lewis said that the marine leisure industry was ‘expecting a busy season’, and reminded Islanders to enjoy day trips at sites like the Ecréhous responsibly.
‘Some travel will be restricted, obviously, so more people will be going out to the reefs – the charter boats will have a good season I’m sure,’ he said.
‘We’ve already pre-sold more boats than we did last year and people will use them to visit the outer reefs.’
He added that the majority of Islanders visiting places such as the Ecréhous respected the natural environment and ‘peace and quiet’, and that those who would seek to have a party and disturb the reef were the ‘absolute exception’.
‘It would be a shame if somebody that did that would then spoil it for those who are generally going out there to experience that natural environment, which is remarkable,’ he said. ‘People don’t generally go out there to have a party.’
*The reef is about six miles north-east of Jersey and is administered by the parish of St Martin.
* All but three of the islets which make up the reef are submerged at high tide. Maître Ile is the largest island, at about 300 metres long.
* In 2005, it was designated an area under the Ramsar Convention, signifying it was a wetland of international importance.
* The reef has a number of huts but no permanent residents.
* It is used as a nesting site for many different bird species, including common terns.
