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Marine Spatial Plan Consultation ‘Could Be Extended’ Hears Panel

Marine Spatial Plan consultation 'could be extended' hears Panel

The consultation period over the proposed Marine Spatial Plan (MSP*) could be extended if the fishing community feel it's needed. Minister for the Environment, Deputy Jonathan Renouf, gave the reassurance in answer to questions from the Environment, Housing, and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel (the Panel) during a Public Quarterly Hearing.

The Panel raised the concerns of Jersey's fishing community that the MSP could damage the future of the local industry and asked for reassurances that this would not happen. The Minister said that the MSP had been proposed due to the increasing number of potential conflicts in the marine environment, and in answer to international commitments to see 30% of marine areas protected. He told the Panel that he was keen to hear what the impact of the proposal would be and how they could help with mitigation.

Deputy Steve Luce, Chair of the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Panel, said: 'We have heard clear concerns about the MSP from our fishing fleet who are already under pressure, and were pleased to hear that the Minister will ensure that the community will be fully consulted. I was also encouraged to learn that the Minister recognises the need for a fish processing facility at the quayside, along the model of the Jersey Dairy co-operative operation, which we believe will aid towards the long-term sustainability of the industry.' 

Other issues discussed at the Quarterly Hearing include:

• Which Ministers and Government officials are attending COP28.
• The setting up of an ad hoc group to co-ordinate the environmental recovery following Storm Ciarán and the potential that the Minister's proposition to tighten legislation to protect trees, will be delayed for six months or more, and might never be brought back for debate.
• The Minister answered questions on regulations relating to the production and cultivation of medicinal cannabis. Deputy Renouf said that Environmental Impact Assessments will now be made publicly available and that this had been a 'bug bear' previously. Other amendments to the law are also being considered.
• The Panel requested an update on the Government's Electric Vehicle Subscription Scheme, in partnership with Evie. The Assistant Minister for the Environment, Deputy Hilary Jeune, said the scheme has ended but the full analysis hadn't been carried out, although the number of islanders using the scheme was very much under target with just 71 confirming slots out of a target 500.
• In relation to the new Conservation Areas regulations, the Minister reassured the panel that they would ensure boundaries were not devised which would restrict essential infrastructure work, such as improving sea defences.

You can watch the full hearing recording here