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Scrutiny amendments to the Marine Spatial Plan

​The Environment, Housing, and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel (the Panel) has lodged two amendments to the Government's Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) and issued a report, following its review of the proposals. The Panel undertook Hearings and received submissions from representatives of various interests within the fishing industry as well as environmental groups; and sought the advice of an independent expert as part of its review.

A full Review of the MSP was considered essential due to Jersey's rich marine space, and the need to ensure all data and evidence has been taken into consideration to protect this environment for the benefit of future generations.

One element that stood out to the Panel, was the contentious issue of the balance between human activities and the environment, and the proposed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The Panel concluded that the Minister for the Environment's decision to reduce the size of the Marine Protected Areas from the original proposal, was not the right one and goes against the aim of the MSP which is to ensure sustainable use of marine resources and achieve an appropriate balance of use. In particular, the debate has centred on the balance between the protection of our marine habitats and the future sustainability and economic viability of the scallop dredging fleet.

There is no doubt for the Panel that the expansion of the MPAs will have a negative economic impact on certain parts of the fishing fleet. However, the question is whether that impact is balanced by the other aims of the MSP, including the protection of valuable marine habitats. In the current proposals, the Minister reduced the original MPAs from 27% of territorial waters, to 23% following consultation with the scallop dredging fleet. The Panel concluded that on balance this would likely result in the loss of sensitive marine habitats which would impact scallop divers, as well as being detrimental to the environment.

In addition, the Panel calls on the Minister to establish a framework, timeline, and tracker for monitoring the implementation of the Jersey Marine Spatial Plan and has lodged a second amendment to this effect.

Its Report has been published ahead of the MSP debate on 22 October.

Deputy Hilary Jeune, Chair of the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Panel, said: 'We heard from both environmental groups and those who work in the fishing industry, and fully appreciate the delicate balance that needs to be struck to protect our environment and livelihoods. However, we feel that the potential loss of sensitive habitats has to be prioritised. Our view is that a political choice was made by the Minister to find a short-term compromise that recognised the financial impact on certain sectors of the fishing community, but this does not provide long-term clarity and sustainability for all in the industry, and certainly doesn't provide for the long-term sustainability of our marine environment. It is our view that the current Marine Protected Areas compromise by the Minister hasn't satisfied any of the parties involved.'

The Panel are grateful for all the hard work and passion of those involved in developing the MSP, from the Marine Resources Officers who researched and produced the report to the fishers who provided detailed information about the jobs they do and what this plan means for them.  The Panel calls on the Minister for the Environment to reaffirm his commitment to the "30 by 30" initiative agreed at COP15 and to the aims of the OSPAR Convention

You can read the Government's proposition and the two amendments on the States Assembly website, and the Review into the MSP with its terms of reference and public submissions.

The Marine Spatial Plan Review Report can be read here.