STATES OF JERSEY

MARINE SPATIAL PLAN

Lodged au Greffe on 19th July 2024

by the Minister for the Environment Earliest date for debate: 10th September 2024

STATES GREFFE

2024  P.44

PROPOSITION

THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion

to agree the proposed Jersey Marine Spatial Plan as the roadmap to managing Jersey's  marine  environment,  as  set  out  in  Appendix  1  to  the  report accompanying this proposition.

MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

REPORT

Open sea and offshore reefs cover 95% of Jersey's territory, and are fundamental to the island's identity, economy, and connectivity. The coast and sea are used for both work and leisure, forming an ever-changing backdrop to islanders' lives. Below the surface is a hidden world of underwater habitats supporting a wealth of marine life, and a rich archaeological  legacy.  Examples  of  the  benefits  provided  by  Jersey's  marine environment include fish to eat, storage of carbon in plants and sediments, absorption of wave energy, cycling of water and pollution capture. The vitality of Jersey is therefore intrinsically linked to the health of its seas. However, despite its importance, Jersey's marine environment is under pressure, from climate change and human activities.

Marine spatial planning provides a means of managing Jersey's coasts and seas in a coordinated manner which enables them to thrive, and takes account of the many different ways in which they are used. It covers all parts of the marine environment: the sea bed, the water column, the sea surface and the air above. Many coastal nations have already prepared marine spatial plans, or are in the process of doing so, so the JMSP brings Jersey into line with international best practice.

The  vision  of  the  Jersey  Marine  Spatial  Plan  (JMSP)  is  for  a  thriving  marine environment providing environmental, economic, cultural and social benefits. It was proposed in the 2022 Bridging Island Plan (BIP), and has four key purposes:

1. To provide a framework for organising human and marine resources and activities in Jersey's territorial waters.
2. To develop a network of Marine Protected Areas.
3. To inform the policies of the next iteration of the Island Plan.
4. To support co-ordinated development and decision-making on all aspects affecting the marine environment.

The JMSP forms an overarching strategic framework setting the approach for a range of  tools,  including  land  use  planning,  marine  resource  management  and  fishing regulation. The JMSP is not a statutory document but, if adopted, will give direction to other legislative and policy tools, which will be used to deliver the actions set out in the JMSP. Implementing the JMSP will involve different government departments and organisations working together.

The JMSP will help Jersey to fulfil its international obligations, such as the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which requires 30% of the marine environment to be protected by 2030. It will also contribute to efforts to address the climate and biodiversity crises; help to promote sustainable fishing practices; reduce conflicts between different users of the marine environment, and increase the resilience of services and infrastructure.

The Government of Jersey Marine Resources team has worked in partnership with external specialists and many local stakeholders to produce the JMSP. The result is a document which reflects the wide-ranging concerns and aspirations of Jersey's residents with regard to the marine environment. Everyone involved shares a desire to see Jersey's seas thriving, and delivering benefits to people and to nature.

From sweeping sands to jagged rocks, and from busy harbours to empty wildernesses, Jersey's spectacular and diverse seascapes encompass many natural and human-made features. The JMSP contains priorities to maintain this diversity of seascapes, and the offshore landmarks which form focal points in views from the coast and sea.

Jersey's waters contain an extra-ordinary range of habitats within a relatively small area. Each habitat plays a different role within the overall ecosystem of Jersey's marine environment. There are some  existing nature  conservation  designations,  including Ramsar sites, Marine Protected Areas, Sites of Special Interest, Areas of Special Protection and a No-Take-Zone. Some of the most valuable habitats (kelp forests, maerl beds and seagrass meadows) are listed for protection under international convention. The JMSP contains priorities for the protection of the natural environment through existing and new designations, including the expansion of the Marine Protected Area network.

People have been fishing in Jersey's waters since prehistoric times, and it continues to contribute to the island's economy and identity. Today, potting for lobster and crab dominates, with other metiers including dredging, diving, trawling, netting and angling for species such as scallops and various finfish. Intertidal aquaculture of oysters and mussels also contributes to the island's economy. The JMSP proposes a three-tier framework with different levels of protection in each tier: Regulated Fishing Zone, Seabed Protection Zone, and highly-protected No Take Zones.

Centuries of habitation and use have left their mark on Jersey's coastal and marine environment, from early prehistoric sites through to 20th Century fortifications. On the seabed are wreck sites, some of which are known to divers, but many of which are not yet recorded. The JMSP contains priorities to increase understanding and protection of maritime cultural heritage sites, particularly within intertidal and marine environments.

Recreation and tourism are a vital part of Jersey's economy, and also very important for the health, wellbeing and enjoyment of local people. Activities involve powered and non-powered  craft,  as  well  as  those  without  craft.  Coastal  and  marine recreation supports many coastal businesses, and is concentrated in the most popular beaches and bays. The JMSP contains priorities to promote coastal and marine recreation in ways which are safe, accessible, enjoyable, and minimise impacts on wildlife.

The sea forms an integral part of Jersey's transport network. Around Jersey's coast, beaches, harbours, slipways and piers allow connectivity between land and sea, and coastal defences help to manage the risks of coastal flooding. Larger vessels access the port at St Helier and travel through Jersey's waters using shipping lanes. On the seabed, cables provide power and communication to the island, and it is likely that in the future the marine environment will become a source of renewable energy. The JMSP contains priorities to increase the resilience of infrastructure and promote sustainable use of marine resources.

Supporting  documentation  for  the  Jersey  Marine  Spatial  Plan  can  be  found  on gov.je/marinespatialplan.

Financial and staffing implications

The development of the Marine Spatial plan had a budget of £150,000 allocated to it under the Carbon Neutral Roadmap. Project spend is close to £140,000. Developing the MSP has required 25% of the time of two Marine Resources officers over the last 18 months.

Children's Rights Impact Assessment

A Children's Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) has been prepared in relation to this proposition and is available to read on the States Assembly website.

PFUINBALLI CD RC AO FNTSULTATION DRAFT

Jersey Marine Spatial Plan

Priorities and Actions Plan

Government of Jersey

Boat at Les Écrehous.  Paul Chambers

Acknowledgements

The production of the JMSP would not have been possible without the contributions of many people. Sincere thanks are expressed to all the Jersey residents who attended workshops and shared their concerns and ideas for Jersey s marine environment, and who took part in the public consultation process. A number of individuals and organisations have kindly provided photographs, and we are particularly grateful to Jersey Marine Conservation for their underwater images. We are also grateful to the Government of Jersey staff, the Jersey fishing community, and members of other organisations, who participated in the review process. The input and support of the Government of Jersey Marine Resources team has been appreciated throughout the project.

Prepared by Fiona Fyfe Associates, Countryscape and Karin Taylor

for Government of Jersey Marine Resources

Contents

JMSP Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06

PART A: INTRODUCING THE JERSEY

MARINE SPATIAL PLAN

0. About the Jersey  

Marine Spatial Plan (JMSP) . . . . . . . . . . 10

1.1  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

1.2  Purposes of the JMSP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

1.3  Vision and aims of the JMSP  . . . . . . . . . 11

1.4  Why the JMSP is needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

1.5  Structure of the JMSP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

1.6  Guiding principles  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

1.7  Legislative background  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

1. 8  Authorship and consultation  . . . . . . . . . 20

PART B: BACKGROUND

0. Introduction to  

Marine Spatial Planning  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

2. 1  What is a Marine Spatial Plan? . . . . . . . . 22

2.2  What a Marine Spatial Plan covers . . . . 23

2. 3  History of Marine Spatial Planning . . . . 23

0. Methodology and Consultation  . . . . . . 25

3. 1  General approach  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

3.2  Stages of work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

3. 3  Consultation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

0. Marine and terrestrial  

planning context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

4. 1  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

4.2  International legislative and policy

context of Jersey s marine waters  . . . . 34

4.3  Jersey legislative and policy context  . . 39

4. 4  Key related planning documents . . . . . . 39

0. Introduction to Jersey s

seas and coasts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

5. 1  Geographical context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

5.2  Geology  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

5.3  Bathymetry and sediments . . . . . . . . . . . 51

5.4  Tides, currents and wave patterns  . . . . 53

5.5  Wind strength and direction . . . . . . . . . . 54

5.6  The diversity of Jersey s

marine environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

5. 7  Human influences on Jersey s

marine environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

0. Benefits from Nature (Ecosystem

Services) and Blue Carbon . . . . . . . . . . . 58

6. 1  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

6.2  Types of benefits from nature  . . . . . . . . 59

6. 3  Blue Carbon  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

PART C: Priority Topics

0. Seascapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

7. 1  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

7.2  The diversity and special

character of Jersey s seascapes  . . . . . . 68

7.3  Views and marine landmarks  . . . . . . . . . 77

0. Natural Environment   11.0  Recreation and Tourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 and Biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

11.1  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

8.1  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

11.2  Types of coastal and

8.2  No Take Zones  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 offshore recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

8.3  Ramsar sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 11.3  Safety of recreational water users  . . . . 190

8.4  Sites of Scientific Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 11.4  Enhancing access to the

marine environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194

8.5  Marine mammals and birds, and

Areas of Special Protection . . . . . . . . . . . 93 11.5  Respecting wildlife and habitats . . . . . . 196

8.6  Marine habitats and 11.6  Recreation at the offshore reefs . . . . . . 198

Marine Protected Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

8.7  Seagrass  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

0. Energy, Infrastructure  

8.8  Marine environment visitor centre . . . . 128 and Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

12.1  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

0. Commercial Fishing   12.2  Sea defences and

and Aquaculture  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 associated development  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 9.1  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 12.3  Submarine cables  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 9.2  A short history of fishing in Jersey  . . . . 133 12.4  Seawater quality monitoring sites  . . . . 211 9.3  Current fishing trends  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 12.5  Renewable energy: wind power . . . . . . . 215 9.4  Proposed fishing zones  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 12.6  Renewable energy: tidal power  . . . . . . . 218 9.5  Potting and netting equipment . . . . . . . 146 12.7  FEPA offshore deposition site  . . . . . . . . 219 9.6  Aquaculture  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 12.8  Harbours and moorings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221

9.7  Encouragement and promotion 12.9  Boat passages  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 of sustainable fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150

12.10  Anchorages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

12.11  Research and logistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

0. Cultural Heritage  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

10.1  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Appendix A:  Implementation table . . . . . . . . . . 228

10.2  Coastal structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157

Appendix B:  List of evidence base

10.3  Coastal military heritage  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 documents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

10.4  Coastal prehistoric occupation sites  . . 163 Appendix C:  Legislative and policy

background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256

10.5  Intertidal areas and offshore reefs  . . . . 164

Appendix D:  Map showing changes to

10.6  Submerged landscapes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 Marine Protected Area

10.7  Navigation markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 boundaries following

public consultation  . . . . . . . . . . . . 264

10.8  Wreck sites  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

Appendix E:  Further information on

10.9  Intangible cultural heritage  . . . . . . . . . . . 176 seawater quality monitoring  . . . . 265 Appendix F:  List of acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271

JMSP Executive Summary

Open sea and offshore reefs cover 95% of Jersey's territory, and are fundamental to the island's identity, economy and connectivity. The coast and sea are used for both work and leisure, forming

an ever-changing backdrop to islanders' lives. Below the surface is a hidden world of underwater habitats supporting a wealth of marine life, and a rich archaeological legacy. Examples of the benefits provided by Jersey's marine environment include fish to eat, storage of carbon in plants and sediments, absorption of wave energy, cycling of water and pollution capture. The vitality of Jersey is therefore intrinsically link ed to th e h ealth of its s eas. However, despite its importance, Jersey's marine environment is under pressure, from climate

change and human activities.

Marine spatial planning provides a means of managing Jersey's coasts and seas in a coordinated manner which enables them to thrive, and takes account of the many different ways in which they are used. It covers all parts of the marine environment: the sea bed, the water column, the sea surface and the air above. Many coastal nations have already prepared marine spatial plans, or are in the process of doing so, so the JMSP brings Jersey into line with international best practice.

The vision of the Jersey Marine Spatial Plan

(JMSP) is for a thriving marine environment providing environmental, economic, cultural

and social benefits. It was proposed in the 2022 Bridging Island Plan (BIP), and has four key purposes:

1. To provide a framework for organising human and marine resources and activities in Jersey's territorial waters.
2. To develop a network of Marine Protected Areas.
3. To inform the policies of the next iteration of the Island Plan.
4. To support co-ordinated development and decision-making on all aspects affecting the marine environment.

The JMSP forms an overarching strategic framework setting the approach for a range of tools, including land use planning, marine resource management

and fishing r egulation. Th e JMSP is not a statutory document, but will give direction to other legislative and policy tools, which will be used to deliver the actions set out in the JMSP. Implementing the JMSP will involve different government departments and organisations working tog eth er.

The JMSP will help Jersey to fulfil its international obligations, such as th e 2022 Kunming-Montr eal Global Biodiversity Framework, which requires 30% of the marine environment to be protected by 2030. It will also contribute to efforts to address the climate and biodiversity crises; help to promote sustainable fishing practices; reduce conflicts between different users of the marine environment, and increase the resilience of services and infrastructure.

The Government of Jersey Marine Resources team has worked in partnership with external specialist consultants and many local stakeholders to produce the JMSP. The result is a document which reflects the wide-ranging concerns and aspirations of Jersey's residents with regard to the marine environment. Everyone involved shares a desire to see Jersey's seas thriving, and delivering benefits to people and to nature.

From sweeping sands to jagged rocks, and from busy harbours to empty wildernesses, Jersey's spectacular and diverse seascapes encompass many natural

and human-made features. The JMSP contains priorities to maintain this diversity of seascapes, and the offshore landmarks which form focal

points in vi ews from th e coast and s ea.

Jersey Marine Spatial Plan | Priorities and Action Plan FINAL DRAFT May 2024 BACK TO 6 CONTENTS

Jersey's waters contain an extra-ordinary range of habitats within a relatively small area. Each habitat plays a different role within the overall ecosystem of Jersey's marine environment. There are some existing nature conservation designations, including Ramsar sites, Marine Protected Areas, Sites of Special Interest, Areas of Special Protection and a No-Take-Zone. Some of the most valuable habitats (kelp forests, maerl beds and seagrass meadows) are listed for protection under international convention. The JMSP contains priorities for the protection of the natural environment through existing and new designations, including the expansion of the Marine Protected Area network.

People have been fishing in Jersey's waters since prehistoric times, and it continues to contribute to the island's economy and identity. Today, potting for lobster and crab dominates, with other metiers including dr edging, diving, trawling, n etting and angling for species such as scallops and various finfish. Intertidal aquaculture of oysters and mussels also contributes to the island's economy. The JMSP proposes a three-tier framework with different levels of protection in each tier: Regulated Fishing Zone, Seabed Protection Zone, and highly-protected

No Take Zones.

Centuries of habitation and use have left their mark on Jersey's coastal and marine environment, from early prehistoric sites through to 20th Century fortifications. On the seabed are wreck sites, some of which are known to divers, but many of which are not yet recorded. The JMSP contains priorities to increase understanding and protection of maritime cultural heritage sites, particularly within intertidal and marine environments.

Recreation and tourism are a vital part of

Jersey's economy, and also very important for the health, wellbeing and enjoyment of local people. Activities involve powered and non-powered craft, as well as those without craft. Coastal and marine recreation supports many coastal businesses, and is concentrated in the most popular beaches and bays. The JMSP contains priorities to promote coastal and marine recreation in ways which are safe, accessible, enjoyable, and minimise impacts on wildlife.

The sea forms an integral part of Jersey's transport network. Around Jersey's coast, beaches, harbours, slipways and piers allow connectivity between land and sea, and coastal defences help to manage the risks of coastal flooding. Larger vessels access the port at St Helier and travel through Jersey's waters using shipping lanes. On the seabed, cables provide power and communication to the island, and it is likely that in the future the marine environment will become a source of renewable energy. The JMSP contains priorities to increase the resilience of infrastructure and promote sustainable use of marine resources.

BACK TO Executive Summary CONTENTS 7

Seymour Tower.  Paul Chambers

A PART A: IMntarroindeu cSipnagttiahle P Jlae nrsey  

1 AMbaoruintet hSep aJteirasl ePyla  n

1. Introduction

The coast and surrounding seas are fundamental to the identity, economy and connectivity of Jersey. They are

used for both work and leisure, and form an ever-changing backdrop to islanders lives. Below the surface is a hidden world of underwater habitats supporting a wealth of marine life, and the vitality of Jersey is intrinsically linked to the health of its marine environment. However, Jersey s marine environment is under pressure, including from climate change and human activities. There is a need to manage Jersey s coasts and seas in a coordinated manner which enables them to thrive, and takes account of the many different ways in which they are used.

2. Purposes of the JMSP

The Jersey Marine Spatial Plan (JMSP) was proposed in the 2022 Bridging Island Plan, and has four key purposes:

1. To provide a framework for organising human and marine resources and activities in Jersey's territorial waters.
2. To develop a network of Marine Protected Areas.
3. To inform the policies of the next iteration of the Island Plan.
4. To support co-ordinated development and decision-making on all aspects affecting the marine environment.

Jewel Anemones.

Samantha Blampied

The JMSP forms an overarching strategic framework setting the approach for a range

of tools, including land use planning, marine resource management and fishing regulation. The JMSP is not a statutory document, but will give direction to other legislative and policy tools, which will be used to deliver the priorities and actions set  out in the JMSP. In this way the JMSP will contribute to the strategic direction of future  iterations of the Island Plan and other related documents, and will inform decision- making across all topics relating to the marine environment. Government of Jersey  Ministers, their departments and agencies that hold relevant powers will, therefore, be expected to make decisions in line with the priorities and actions set out in the JMSP,

in order to help achieve its purposes. The breadth and the integrated nature of the

JMSP enables complex issues to be addressed efficiently and effectively. The priorities and actions set out within it will require direct resourcing from the responsible bodies (rfrnc  Appendix A).

3. Vision and aims of the JMSP

The vision of the Jersey Marine Spatial Plan (JMSP) is for a thriving marine environment providing environmental, economic, cultural and social benefits. This vision is supported through six aims, as shown in Fig. 1a.

Fig. 1a: Vision and aims of the JMSP

Each of these aims is the subject of a topic-based chapter in Part C. These chapters provide more detail on each topic, and present priorities and actions to achieve the relevant aim.

Because the JMSP is a strategy without a formal statutory basis, its implementation will rely on other legislation, regulatory processes and mechanisms. Therefore, whilst the JMSP sets the direction of travel', the process of delivering change will be made through established mechanisms and procedures for implementing legislation and policy. These will bring all the established protocols and procedures for engagement and consultation

on the detail of the proposed change.

Implementing the JMSP will involve a number

of different Government Ministers and their departments, as well as other organisations. Appendix A contains an implementation table which sets out who will be responsible for delivering each action. In many cases, different departments/ organisations will need to work together to deliver actions. Appendix A also sets out the current status of each action, for example whether it is something which is already happening and should be continued, or whether it is an entirely new idea.

The JMSP covers the entire Bailiwick of Jersey, as shown in Fig. 1b.

The hidden underwater world of Jersey's seas.  Samantha Blampied

4. Why the JMSP is needed

Addressing the climate  and biodiversity crises

The climate and biodiversity crises are already beginning to have consequences on the marine environment, including sea level rise, increased storm intensity, warming of sea water temperature, and a decline in abundance and diversity of marine species. These consequences are likely to become more severe in the future. It is therefore important that the most valuable and vulnerable habitats (and the species which depend on them) are protected from damaging actions. The JMSP will also help to address global warming (for example through supporting measures to enhance carbon storage

in the marine environment) and make habitats more resilient. Sustainable use of marine resources is essential when addressing such profound environmental challenges.

Enabling Jersey to fulfil its international obligations

Jersey is a signatory to a number of international conventions which oblige it to protect its marine environment. Examples include the '30 by 30' target (i.e. 30% of the marine environment protected by 2030) agreed at the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and the OSPAR Convention, which identifies a series of threatened habitats and species which should be protected.

Promoting sustainable  fishing practices

Jersey's fishing industry has a long history, constantly adapting in response to changing markets and availability of fish. Recent years have seen declines in the sizes, numbers and diversity of some commercial species, particularly lobster and brown crab. The JMSP aims to promote sustainable fishing practices, where habitats which provide nursery and spawning grounds

are protected, and stocks are able to recover.

Minimizing conflicts between different users of the marine environment

The JMSP provides an opportunity to help to resolve existing and potential conflicts between different uses of the marine environment which are not compatible. Examples include recreational activities which disturb wildlife, and potentially dangerous combinations of water uses such as swimming and net fishing.

Applying international best practice within Jersey s waters

Marine spatial planning is a fairly recent approach, but it is widely seen internationally as a positive tool to create and establish co-ordinated use of marine space. MSPs have been/are being prepared by coastal nations around the world, including in Europe, where Directive 2014/89/EU requires coastal member states to participate in a European framework for maritime spatial planning. Although Jersey is not within the EU, French and UK waters are covered by marine spatial plans, and it is, therefore, in Jersey's interest to have its own.

Jersey Marine Spatial Plan | Priorities and Action Plan FINAL DRAFT May 2024 BACK TO 14 CONTENTS

5. Structure of the Jersey Marine Spatial Plan

Fig. 1c shows the elements which constitute the JMSP,  and how th ey fit tog eth er.

Fig. 1c: Elements of the JMSP

JMSP Map JMSP Priorities and Actions Plan

JMSP Digital Atlas

Workshops and Evidence Base

Consultation

The base layer comprises the Evidence Base and the findings of stakeholder workshops and public consultation. Together, these provide a wide- ranging resource to support the JMSP. The full

list of items within the Evidence Base is included in Appendix B. They are available on the JMSP website. The Evidence Base includes technical reports, academic papers, examples of good practice from elsewhere, workshop outputs, consultation submissions, and digital datasets. Wherever possible (i.e. where there is no infringement of copyright or commercial sensitivity) items within the Evidence Base will be hyperlinked, or be available through the JMSP Digital Atlas.

Some knowledge gaps were already identified prior to commencement of the JMSP process,

and specific research was commissioned for the Evidence Base to fill these gaps and inform the JMSP. Where a further review of the Evidence Base at the start of the JMSP process showed baseline information to be lacking, information was

sought through the public consultation process. There remain a small number of topics where additional information is required to confirm future priorities and actions (for example on recreational fishing, and on the extent of some seabed habitats). In these cases, obtaining this information has been added to the actions

in the JMSP.

The JMSP Digital Atlas is an online mapping tool containing numerous datasets which provide information on a wide range of marine environment topics. It will be accessed through the JMSP website, although datasets which directly support priorities are also included as maps within this Priorities and Actions Plan.

This Priorities and Actions Plan is in three parts as described below,

and can be downloaded as an accessible pdf from the JMSP website. Alongside the Priorities and Actions Plan is the JMSP Map. This shows the areas covered by the recommendations within the Priorities and Actions Plan, as well as the key features within Jersey's marine environment.

The JMSP Map can be downloaded as a pdf from the Jersey MSP website, but is also available as a printed sheet for display.

This JMSP Priorities and Actions Plan has three parts:

PART A  introduces the JMSP: its purposes, vision and aims, why it is

needed, what it covers, the guiding principles which it follows, and its relationship to statutory documents.

PART B  provides background information on marine spatial planning,

the JMSP's methodology and consultation process, its marine and terrestrial planning context, Jersey's seas and coasts, and the benefits from nature which the marine environment can provide.

PART C   contains a series of topic-based chapters one for each of the

aims shown above. Each provides background information, highlights issues, and presents priorities and actions to help achieve the relevant aim.

6. Guiding principles

The following principles have guided development of the JMSP. They have been informed by international best practice in  preparing MSPs, and also by local consultation.

 The JMSP will provide a spatial framework for the sustainable use of marine resources.

 The JMSP will take a holistic ecosystem-based approach, identifying environmental,

cultural, social and economic benefits from the marine environment.

 The JMSP will consider benefits for people, and for marine life in its own right.

 The JMSP will have a clear link from evidence to policy, and a robust methodology for

drawing boundaries of designation zones. Some designations may be temporal.

 The JMSP will ensure that there is no loss of protection from existing protected areas,

and that habitats, species and cultural heritage covered by international conventions are appropriately protected.

 The JMSP will allow for the fact that some parts of the marine environment are currently

in a degraded state, and that the current damaged condition of some habitats should not be assumed to be their future condition if they are allowed to recover.

 The JMSP will consider the full lifecycle of commercially valuable wild species to support

their sustainable use.

 The JMSP will contain actions for accompanying regulatory and management frameworks

and a linked education programme. This will enable key issues which are beyond the scope of marine spatial planning to be addressed.

 The JMSP will be subject to review and monitoring, and will be updated as required.

It is important to note that this is the first iteration of the JMSP, and through its purpos es as s et out in section 2.2 has a particular emphasis on the conservation of the marine environment and its resources.

Future iterations of the JMSP may have different emphases. Some matters (such as defence and border control) are outside the remit of the JMSP.

The JMSP is in accordance with current Governmental policy objectives, and directly contributes to the long-term vision for Jersey in 2037, produced by the Future Jersey consultation and captured by the following vision statement in the Proposed Common Strategic Policy 2024–2026.

"An Island loved for its beautiful coast and countryside, rich heritage, diverse wildlife and clean air, land and water. An island where a sense of community really matters a safe place to grow up and enjoy life. An island that offers everyone the opportunity to contribute to, and share in, the success of a strong, sustainable economy."1

The Proposed Common Strategic Policy 2024–2026 contains three Sustainable Wellbeing Themes and ten Island Outcomes arising from them. The following table shows how the JMSP contributes to these themes and outcomes. NOTE: the Common Strategic Policy 2024–2026 is currently a draft which is still subject to amendment and approval

by the States Assembly

1  Proposed Common Strategic Policy 2024–2026 p.11

7. Legislative background

The need for a Jersey Marine Spatial Plan has been recognised for a number of years. In March 2022

the States of Jersey approved the Bridging Island Plan (BIP), in which Strat egic Proposal 3 propos es the creation of a Marine Spatial Plan for Jersey,

to be delivered by 2025. The JMSP would be the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment and should organise human and marine resources in Jersey's territorial waters, and, in particular,

to develop a network of marine protected areas

which will be consistent with overall environmental, economic and social objectives. The work will inform the policies of the next iteration of the

Island Plan and support co-ordinated development and decision making on all aspects affecting

the marine environment'2.

Ministerial Delivery Plans are a key part of the Government programme, and set out Ministers' key priorities on an annual basis. The Minister for the Environment's Plan (2023) states that protecting and enhancing Jersey's natural environment and heritage by:... Developing a Marine Spatial Plan to ensure the sustainable management of the Island's marine environment'3 is a priority.

Preparing a Marine Spatial Plan for Jersey is also a policy within Jersey's Economic Framework for the Marine Environment (2022) and the

Carbon Neutral Roadmap (2022).

8. Authorship and consultation

In Autumn 2022 the Government of Jersey commissioned a consultant team (led by Fiona Fyfe Associates, with Countryscape and Karin Taylor )

to prepare the JMSP, working in partnership with members of the Jersey Marine Resources team (Paul Chambers, Francis Binney, Samantha Blampied and Katie Bacquet). Through the extensive engagement process, the consultants have worked collaboratively with a very wide range of Jersey-based stakeholders who have in-depth local knowledge of many different aspects of the marine environment and the services which it supports. These stakeholders have included Governmental officials (Place and Spatial Planning and Natural Environment Teams), Ports of Jersey, fishers, owners of marine-dependent recreation businesses, Channel Islands utility companies, conservation organisations and heritage bodies.

The result is a document which reflects the wide-ranging concerns and aspirations of many people with regard to the marine environment. Everyone involved shares the collective desire to see Jersey's seas thriving, and delivering benefits to people and to nature.

2  Jersey Bridging Island Plan (March 2022) Strategic Proposal 3, p.31

3  Government of Jersey Delivery Plan: Minister for Energy and Environment, January 2023 p.6

B PART B: Background

2 IMntarroindeu cStpioanti atol P  lanning

1. What is a Marine Spatial Plan?

Put simply, a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) sets out

 what goes where in the marine environment. It is a spatial framework which aims to ensure sustainable use of marine resources and to achieve an appropriate balance between environmental, commercial, economic, cultural and social needs.

A public process of analysing and allocating the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities in marine areas to achieve ecological, economic and social objectives that have been specified through a political process.

Marine spatial planning is not an end in itself, but a practical way to create and establish a more co-ordinated use of marine space. It considers the interactions between different users, balances demands for development with the need to protect the environment, and supports social and economic outcomes in an open and planned way.

 Cover image, Samantha Blampied

1  International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning MSP Global/UNESCO p.11

2. What a Marine  2.3   History of Marine  Spatial Plan covers Spatial Planning

All parts of the marine environment are covered by marine spatial planning: the seabed (the benthic environment), the water column (the pelagic environment), the water surface, and the air above.

It is important to note that a MSP does not have a regulatory, management or educational function, although it can s et out th e ar eas in which specific regulations or management regimes could occur. It can also provide an opportunity for public engagement, and through this, raise awareness and appreciation of the marine environment. Therefore, within this Priorities and Actions Document, actions include both spatial recommendations, and regulatory, management and educational measures.

Fig. 2a: The marine environment

Marine spatial planning is a relatively recent concept, but has quickly caught on at local, r egional and national levels. Most coastal countries have now gone through (or are going through) the process.

The first UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) marine spatial planning workshop was held in 2006. Since then, the IOC has promoted the concept and published a number of documents

to aid the process, including Marine Spatial Planning: A Step-by-Step Approach Towards Ecosystem-Based Management (2009) and the International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning (2021). Jersey's marine spatial planning process began in 2017, and so has been shaped

by both of these documents.

BACK TO PART B | 2 Introduction to Marine Spatial Planning 23

Fig. 2b: JMSP timeline in context of wider Marine Spatial Planning

  Key dates:  Jersey Actions

2006 UNESCO workshops designed and formalised principles and methodologies

which administrations can use to design a marine spatial plan.

2009 Marine Spatial Planning: a Step-by-Step Approach Towards Ecosystem-Based Management published by UNESCO IOC.

2011 Public participation process for English Marine Plans begins.

2014 EU adopted Directive 2014/89/EU which required coastal member states to participate

in a European framework for maritime spatial planning. Coastal member states were tasked with designing and creating their own MSPs with administrative and technical support from the EU.

  20142023 UK develops Marine Plans for Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, North-east England,

North-west England, South-east England and South-west England.

2016 UK and France started work on their MSPs.

2017 Jersey begins its MSP project, with a joint meeting between Jersey, UK and France.

Gathering of information for Evidence Base begins.

2020 France notified the adoption of four sea-basin strategies (East Channel

North Sea, North Atlantic West Channel, South Atlantic, Mediterranean) to the European Commission. Sea-basin strategy documents are the legal solution chosen by France to address the requirements of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and MSP Directive, and specify the conditions for implementing the National Strategy for the Seas and Coast according to local specificities.2

2020 Jersey Integrated Landscape and Seascape Character Assessment published

2021 International Guide on Marine/Maritime Spatial Planning published by UNESCO IOC.

2022 (March) Jersey Bridging Island Plan (BIP) adopted, requiring the MSP process to

develop a network of marine protected areas which will be consistent

with overall environmental, economic and social objectives'.

2022 (Autumn) Consultants appointed to work with the Marine Resources section of the

Government of Jersey to prepare the Jersey Marine Spatial Plan (JMSP).

2023 JMSP consultation and writing (see Methodology section 3.0). 2024  Adopting of the JMSP by the States Assembly.

2024 Implementation of the JMSP begins.

2  https://www.mspglobal2030.org/msp-roadmap/msp-around-the-world/europe/france/

3 Methodology and Consultation

1. General approach

MSP core principles require that any MSP is  transparent, inclusive, and considers the views and  needs of stakeholders. It must also integrate with  

all applicable laws, regulations, policies and agreements.

The JMSP seeks to find an appropriate balance

between ecological, economic, social and cultural requirements, and to deliver outputs which are practical, sustainable, and can be implemented. To do this, it follows accepted best practice for MSPs, and is informed by extensive stakeholder and public consultation (see MSP Global International Guide on Marine Spatial Planning, UNESCO 2021  Evidence Base document EB/G/8).

Local consultation has been a vital part of the evidence-gathering process which underpins the JMSP. It is particularly important in helping to understand

how the marine environment is valued by local people. This qualitative information often supplements quantitative surveys and data. The outputs from the consultation workshops and submissions through the public consultation portal have contributed to the vision, principles, aims, priorities and actions of the JMSP.

As explained in Chapter 1.0, the JMSP is supported

by an evidence base, and demonstrates a logical and transparent process between evidence and the priorities being recommended. It will be accompanied by an Economic Impact Assessment which is being prepared to quantify the economic impact of the proposed Marine Protected Areas.

BACK TO PART B | 3 Methodology and Consultation 25

2. Stages of work

The timescale for producing the JMSP runs from December 2022 to spring 2024, although early r es earch and compilation of th e Evidence Base began several years before this. Fig. 3a shows

the stages of work involved in the production of the JMSP.

JMSP Workshop, St Helier Town Hall , February 2023.

JMSP Workshop with the Jersey Youth Parliament, February 2023.

Fig. 3a: JMSP stages of work

Preliminary data gathering

Commissioning specialist reports  Reading MSPs from elsewhere Compiling GIS data

for Evidence Base to identify best practice

Desk Study ( December 2022 February 2023 )

Compiling and reviewing evidence base Project planning

Consultation Phase I ( March April 2023 )

Specialist stakeholder consultation workshops  

Public consltation through JMSP online portal (in person and online)

Consultation review ( April May 2023 )

R evi ew of consultation findings Writing Direction of Travel Report

Internal review ( September 2023 )

Review and comment from relevant

Edits to reflect comments and create public consultation draft GoJ departments and other bodies

Consultation Phase 2 ( October 2023 January 2024 )

Public consultation on draft JMSP JMSP Digital Atlas prepared

Publication of final JMSP ( 2024 )

JMSP Digital Atlas and Evidence Base Final JMSP available online JMSP poster maps printed

available online

BACK TO PART B | 3 Methodology and Consultation 27

3. Consultation

3.3.1  Consultation Phase 1: Stakeholder workshops and public consultation portal

A series of themed in-person and online workshops took place in February/March 2023, near the start of the JMSP process. These workshops enabled a wide range of stakeholders and experts in

Jersey's marine environment to find out more about the JMSP, and to contribute to its direction. Following the workshops, an online public consultation portal was open for several weeks where workshop attendees and members of the public could submit th eir thoughts and id eas.

It was also possible to submit longer documents through the online portal, and several organisations and individuals did this.

The following organisations attended the workshops and/or submitted material through the online public consultation portal. Private individuals who contributed are not listed.

Absolute Adventures

Aquamar

Blue Marine Foundation

Bouley Bay Dive Centre

Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce tourism

Channel Island Group Professional Engineers Condor Ferries

Earth Project Jersey

Écréhous Residents Association

Flotation Energy

Genuine Jersey

Geomarine

GoJ Engineering

GoJ Marine Resources

GoJ Natural Environment

GoJ Place and spatial planning

GoJ Retail and visitor lead

GoJ Revenue Office audit team

GoJ Rural Economy Staff

Gorey Boat Owners Association

Guernsey Electricity Company

Hart igan

IE Technical Team

Island Rib Voyages

Jersey Biodiversity Centre

Jersey Canoe Club

Jersey Dive Team

Jersey Electricity Plc

Jersey Fishermen's Association

Jersey Heritage

Jersey Hospitality Association

Jersey Inshore Fishermen's Association Jersey Kayak Adventures

Jersey Lifeboat Association

Jersey Marine Conservation

Jersey Met Office  Jersey National Park Jersey Oil

Jersey Seafaris

Jersey Specimen Hunters Group

Jersey Telecoms

Jersey Walk Adventures

Jersey Youth Parliament

MIRA

Kayak Nomad

Jenna Dee Scallops

La Rocque Boat Owners Association

Le Mourier

National Trust for Jersey Independent recreational fisher Local artist

Ocean Culture Life

Jersey Aquaculture Association

PJ News and Publishing

Ports of Guernsey

Ports of Jersey

PwC

Rozel Shipping company

Sangan Conservation

Save Our Shoreline Jersey Commercial seaweed harvesters Seymour Hotels

Sinkers Sea Fishing Club

Société Marine Biology

SOS Jersey

Splash Surf Centre

St Aubin's Boat Owners Association St Helier RNLI

St Helier Yacht Club

Terra Mare

Jersey Tour Guides Association UPL Ltd

Visit Jersey

Each workshop b egan with an introduction to the JMSP. Attendees then formed groups around tables and were asked to complete feedback cards answering the following questions:

• What do you value about Jersey's marine environment?
• What are your concerns regarding Jersey's marine environment?

The process was made as spatial as possible,

with attendees marking up locations on maps and using numbered stickers to cross-reference them

to their feedback forms. This enabled the values

and issues to be tied to places and features in the marine environment. Maps showing background information (for example locations of existing marine designations, coastal facilities and habitats) were provided to each table.

• What should be the future priorities in the  The following table shows the number of attendees  management of Jersey's marine environment? and responses at each of the workshops. The number  
• What ideas do you have to improve  of attendees and responses reflect the high level of  Jersey's marine environment? importance which local people attach to Jersey's  marine environment, and the strength of local feeling  

 Are you aware of any sources of information/

r egarding th e JMSP.

evidence which should feed in to the JMSP?

BACK TO PART B | 3 Methodology and Consultation 29

Some organisations and individuals requested in-person meetings, so whilst the consultants were in Jersey for the workshops, fact-finding meetings were also held.

Summaries of the workshops and the key themes which emerged from each are provided below. As would be expected given the wide range of opinions amongst those consulted, there is not always a cl ear cons ensus.

Youth Parliament

It is important to protect and maintain marine resources for future generations, and so it is necessary to understand and take account of the opinions of younger members of Jersey's population. While this session had a relatively small number of attendees, the values and issues raised were helpful. Key themes to emerge included:

• Enjoying beaches and watersports is relatively difficult for many younger islanders, with most watersports requiring hire or purchase of equipment, and transport being expensive or complicated.
• Beaches are highly valued for swimming and watersports such as surfing and scuba diving.
• Pollution (such as plastic waste) and the disturbance of marine life is a concern.

Natural environment and biodiversity

This was a particularly well-attended workshop, with comments relating to concerns for sustainable use of marine resources and appropriate protection for seabed habitats to maintain biodiversity.

Key themes from this workshop included:

• The importance of reaching the '30 by 30' target, whereby 30% of Jersey's waters are protected by 2030.
• Concerns over disturbance of marine wildlife such as s eals and birds.

• Water quality in relation to the impact on marine life.
• A need for more protection for key habitats such as seagrass, maerl and kelp, primarily in relation to reducing dredging or anchoring pressure on these habitats.
• Concerns over increasing footfall at the offshore reefs having a negative impact on wildlife.
• A need to improve fisheries sustainability and to reduce pollution from lost fishing gear.
• Conflict between dogs and coastal wildlife, in particular birds.

Cultural heritage

For logistical r easons this workshop was combin ed with the Natural Environment and Biodiversity workshop, but a clear set of themes emerged relating to cultural heritage, including:

• Concerns over lack of protection for shipwreck sites.
• The diversity of cultural heritage within the intertidal reef areas.
• A need to identify and appropriately manage marine archaeology sites, given that there has been very little underwater survey to date.
• A need to capture the voices of different generations.
• The importance of the connection to the sea as part of islanders' identity.

Commercial fishing and aquaculture

This workshop was well attended and served to highlight the needs of the fishing community. Originally this workshop included recreational fishers but it was later decided that this sector was better included in the recreational chapter.

Key themes from this workshop included:

• Importance of maintaining access to fishing grounds or access to financial support if fishing grounds are reduced in size.

• Concerns over the impact of renewable energy development such as wind farms.
• A need to better regulate inshore netting to  reduce conflict with other marine users and to reduce bycatch.
• The importance of including the voice of young fishers.
• A need to improve the sustainability of fishing, and recognition for fishing sustainably.
• Some attendees suggested that more seabed needs to be protected, particularly around nursery areas. However, the overall consensus was that fishers do not want additional protected areas.
• A need for better infrastructure, in particular a way of disposing of old fishing g ear appropriat ely.

Recreation and tourism

As this sector is relatively unmonitored, this session was vital in order to document the areas most used by recreational users, and to understand their concerns and ideas. Some of the key themes from this workshop included:

• Inshore water safety between watercraft and swimmers.
• Inshore water safety with regard to entanglement of swimmers and divers in fishing nets.
• Concerns over water quality in St. Aubin's Bay.
• A need for more infrastructure to help improve accessibility of watersports.
• The importance of maintaining ports and associated facilities; impacts of anchoring and fishing on sensitive habitats.
• Conflicts with dogs in terms of fouling and bird disturbance.
• Increasing use of the offshore reefs leading to d egradation of th eir natural b eauty and disturbance of wildlife.

• A need for better access to beaches and the sea, with more parking, more bike racks and better bus routes.
• Concerns over the impacts that some recreational activities have on wildlife, in particular wading and over-wintering birds.
• Concerns over conflict between recreational fishers and commercial fishers, particularly in r elation to n ets.

Energy and infrastructure

The island relies on its connections to other  jurisdictions for energy and communications, and  routes to and from the island require appropriate infrastructure. This was therefore a critical workshop to engage local organisations that deal with

Jersey's energy and communications needs

and shipping logistics. Some of the key themes from this workshop included:

• The importance of maintaining ports infrastructure and navigation markers.
• A need to develop renewable energy infrastructure, both offshore and inshore.
• The importance of maintaining and protecting subsea cables that supply Jersey's electricity and telecommunications.
• A need to consider flood mitigation in low lying ar eas.
• Maintaining coastal ar eas in a good condition by managing the activities that occur there.
• Development of eco-moorings in areas with sensitive seabed (particularly seagrass).

BACK TO PART B | 3 Methodology and Consultation

CONTENTS 31

3.3.2 Review of Consultation Phase 1, and writing Direction of Travel report

Following a review of the consultation responses and the Evidence Base, a Direction of Travel Report for the JMSP was published in May 2023. This work in progress' document set out the guiding principles

for the JMSP and summarised its likely content. Feedback on the Direction of Travel Report informed the preparation of the Consultation Draft version of the JMSP.

3.3.3  Consultation Phase 2:  Review of Consultation Draft

The Consultation Draft was open for public consultation between October 2023 and January 2024. During the public consultation phase there was a campaign to raise awareness of the JMSP and to explain how the public could comment on its content. The campaign involved a series of social media posts, posters and banners put up in areas of high footfall and flyers distributed amongst stakeholder groups

to give to their associated communities. There were also opportunities to drop into sessions at parish

halls where members of the Marine Resources team were present to answer any questions. Those wishing to comment were directed to a dedicated webpage where comments could be submitted in relation to specific chapters or as general comments on the JMSP.

Over 300 responses were received through the public consultation process, the vast majority of which were supportive of the MSP and the actions being proposed. The greatest number of concerns raised related to the Marine Protected Area proposals, although these were supported by a large number of other respondents. The feedback received through the public consultation process informed the final version of the JMSP, lodged and debated by the States Assembly in Spring/summer 2024.

More detailed analysis of the comments received can be found in the Jersey Marine Spatial Plan Public Consultation Response Summary [Evidence Base document EB/G/25].

Following incorporation of comments from the public consultation process, the JMSP was given further editorial review by internal governmental officers and related organisations. This resulted in a small number of additional changes to ensure compatibility with current government policy.

3. 3.4 Future Consultation

Following publication of the final version of the JMSP, dialogue will continue - particularly with the fishing community (including the French fishing community) and other commercial users of the marine

environment - in order to inform how the priorities and actions are implemented.

4 PMlaanrinnien gan CdoTnetrerxetstrial

1. Introduction

The JMSP sits within a framework of international and Jersey- based legislation and policy, which forms its planning context  and is summarised in this chapter. The legislative and policy  framework is likely to evolve during the lifespan of the JMSP.

Section 4.2.1 introduces the relevant international obligations to which Jersey is a signatory, and which the JMSP helps to fulfil. These include a number of treaties relating to nature conservation, such as the 2023 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which committed governments to protect 30% of their coastal areas and ocean by 2030. Section 4.2.2 describes the marine spatial planning context of Jersey s waters, including the ecological units identified within the French waters which surround Jersey.

Jersey has unique arrangements relating to its territorial waters

and the cross-boundary agreements which are in place within them, which are described in Sections 4.2.3 and 4.2.4.

The second half of this chapter covers the existing Jersey legislative and policy framework in which the JMSP sits.

The JMSP is not a statutory document, so these legislative and policy tools will be used to deliver the actions set out in the JMSP. There are summaries of relevant policies within key statutory planning documents including the Bridging Island Plan (2022)  and the Shoreline Management Plan (2020).

2. International legislative and policy context of Jersey s marine waters

4. 2.1  Treaties and conventions

Jersey's marine waters are covered by international treaties and conventions, relating to various aspects of the marine environment and its uses. These are

s et out in full in th e Legislation and Policy Review for JMSP [Evidence Base document EB/G/21]. Those which are particularly relevant to the JMSP are listed below, and summarised in Appendix C.

Oceans:

• United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

Biodiversity:

• Kunming-Montr eal Global Biodiv ersity Fram ework (COP 15)
• Paris Agreement on Climate Change
• Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (RAMSAR)
• Agreement on the Conservation of Africa-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds
• Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of th e Baltic and North S eas

• (ASCOBANS)
• Bern Convention on the Conservation of Europ ean Wildlif e and Natural Habitats
• International Convention on Biological Diversity
• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
• Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR Convention)

Cultural heritage

• Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage of Europe
• European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (The Valletta Convention') (Revised)

Trade:

• EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement

4.2.2 Marine Spatial Plans Surrounding Jersey s Waters

The waters adjacent to Jersey's territorial seas are within the jurisdictions of Guernsey and France. Guernsey is in the process of developing a Marine Spatial Plan. However, French waters surrounding Jersey's territorial waters are already covered by Marine Spatial Plans1 which were adopted in April/ May 2022. The sectors within the French Marine Spatial Plans correspond to the ecological units identified along the French coast and within the channel waters (shown on Fig. 4a).

As explained in the Sea Basin Strategy Document for East Channel North Sea2, the territorial waters of France have been divided into vocational zones. These zones were established as ecological units' in 2017 by the French Agency for Biodiversity (AFB) predecessor to the current French Office for Biodiversity (OFB). They were marginally modified following public consultation and are used in the French Marine Spatial Plans (Document Strategique de la Façade). The aim of these zones is to create an agreed, unified approach to dividing the geographical space which works from both an ecological and environmental perspective.

In February 2017, France published a National

Strat egy for th e S ea and Coast (Stratégie Nationale pour la Mer et le Littoral, (SNML)), s etting out

its long-term goals in this area. This document forms the baseline for environmental protection, optimisation of marine resources and the integrated, consensus-based management of activities relating to the sea and coast. The SNML sets out four long- term objectives: achieving the essential ecological transition; developing a sustainable blue economy; restoring good environmental status, and upholding France's influence as a maritime nation.

France has developed its maritime and coastal  strategy to meet the obligation to implement  

two European framework directives: EU Directive  2008/56/EC of 17 June 2008, known as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, which aims to achieve or maintain good marine environmental status by 2020. EU Directive 2014/89/EU of 23 July 2014 established a Framework for Maritime Spatial Planning, which calls upon Member States to coordinate their activities at sea.

Both Guernsey and France are in the process

of developing or updating their MSPs, and the next iteration of the JMSP will, therefore, need to take into account cumulative marine management measures across the Normano-Breton Gulf.

1  Marine Spatial Plans covering North Atlantic West Channel and East Channel North Sea

2  https://www.dirm.memn.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/en_dsfsynthetique_memnor_v1-4_vu_dirm.pdf

Jersey Marine Spatial Plan | Priorities and Action Plan FINAL DRAFT May 2024 BACK TO 36 CONTENTS

The principal characteristics of the adjacent French territorial waters are described in the following ecological units:

Secteur 6  Golfe Normand-Breton

(Ouest Cotentin)

This sector experiences an exceptional tidal regime with strong currents swirling around the islands, archipelagos and rocky shoals and accelerating near headlands. There is a great variety of landscapes including cliffs, hydraulic dunes, and subtidal and intertidal reefs. Heterogenous subtidal sediment dominates two thirds of the seabed and bivalves, such as oysters, clams, scallops as well as gastropods (whelks) are found here. Crustaceans such as lobster and spider crabs can be found on the rocky seabed and reef areas. Honeycomb worm reefs and seagrass beds can be found in the sedimentary foreshore. There are also estuaries in this sector which are an essential interface zone for fish which live in fresh and salt water, such as salmon. Coastal nurseries

for seabass, plaice and sole exist here, as well

as spawning grounds for sole along the coast. Spawning ar eas for cuttl efish attract a population

of resident bottlenose dolphins. These foreshores

are home to particularly rich and diversified birdlife, particularly during wintering. The Bay of Mont Saint Michel has a colony of harbour seals at the edge of it.

Secteur 7  Mer Celtique et Manche

Ouest

There is a dominant thermal front in this sector which forms in the spring until the end of the summer. This front (Ushant) forms between the cold turbulent waters on the coast and the warmer sea waters offshore. This sector is a site of primary and secondary production which can be at very high levels north of the front in late summer.

The seabed is characterised by coarse sediments forming large hydraulic dunes. In the northeast is the central plateau of Roches Douvres'. A rich trophic network exists due to the front and the sector is an important summer feeding area for megafauna:

birds (gann et, fulmar and s ea gull), small c etac eans (porpoise and common dolphin) and elasmobranch fish including sharks (Blue and basking) and skates. This sector is an important spawning area for several species of fish and concentrations of leatherback turtles are seen in the west in the summer.

Secteur 8 Nord Cotentin

This is the location in the Channel of the strongest  tidal currents. The result of this mixing and swirling  of water is threefold: significant microbial activity, the  availability of nutrients and the strong oxygenation  

of the water. This allows an intense regeneration

of phytoplankton which is distributed fairly evenly from the surface to the bottom, despite relatively

low chlorophyll-a production. Near the coast the coarse sediment alternates with rocky sea floors, which, at shallow depths provide rich environments and spawning nurseries for many species of fish and crustaceans. The kelp in the north of this sector is

the only location where they have been assessed as being in a very good' state. The Pointe du Contentin forms a bottleneck for migrating or hunting marine mammals. The passage area between the Eastern Channel and the Western Channel is also regularly frequented by bottlenose dolphins.

Secteur 9  Golfe Normand-Breton  

(c te d Emeraude et baie de St-Brieuc)

This sector is subject to a macrotidal regime, the waters of the bay are mixed by powerful currents which accelerate near the headlands. The coast alternates wide sandy bays and coast with cliffs, hydraulic dunes of shell sands and subtidal reefs. The underwater landscape is equally varied.

Species living on the seabed are organised according to the size of the sediment and their ability to adapt to the mobility of the seabed. Two thirds of this zone is covered by coarse sediment which is a favourable environment for bivalves such as scallops. A few localised sites of maerl have been found in nearshore areas. Seagrass can be found in the bottom of some sandy bays. This sector has a very high production potential and the generation of a significant biomass of invertebrates feeds aquatic fauna (crabs and fish) at high tide and birds at low tide. There are nurseries here too and a large population of sedentary bottlenose dolphins. This is an important feeding ground for birds, notably th e Bal earic Sh earwat er, common guillemot, and the razorbill.

Secteur 10 Sept Iles TrØgor Goelo

This coastal area is dotted with more than 280 islands and islets. The seabed is made up of a mixture of coarse sediment, reefs and boulders and is home to

a large population of crustaceans. Maerl beds exist in nearshore areas but have been reduced due to both industrial exploitation (until 2013) and the invasive slipper limpet species. Seagrass exists in certain bays.

The islets and rocky coastline are favourite locations for many bird species: northern gannets, torda penguins, English shearwaters, Atlantic puffins, common guillemot and roseate terns. This sector

is home to one of the main grey seal colonies

in Brittany. The Trieux and Jaudy estuaries are important for migratory fish (Atlantic salmon). Between 10–15% of the French population of common ringed plover nest in the Sillon de Talbert and Bréhat archipelago.

4.2.3 Jersey s territorial waters

The Territorial Sea Act 1987 (Jersey) Order 1997 established Jersey's territorial waters to the internationally-agreed 12 nautical mile limit or

the median point between Jersey and France.

Its boundary with Guernsey is also defined using the equidistance methodology to define the midpoint between the islands. Jersey's rights and responsibilities in its territorial waters are those set out in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). These include the right of innocent passage, and responsibilities regarding the protection and preservation of the marine environment.

Jersey's territorial waters cover 2,455km2, which

is over 95% of the Bailiwick's total area. They are bordered by France to the east, south and south-west, and by Guernsey to the north-west. The maritime borders with France were not fixed until 1997.

Prior to this Jersey possessed an exclusive fishing area that stretched from low water to three nautical miles offshore, and the sovereignty of three offshore reefs (internationally recognised in 1953), but not the seas around them which were designated as

mer commune between Jersey and France.

The Crown gifted the foreshore and seabed to the public of Jersey in 2015. These areas (which include all of Jersey's beaches and the seabed beneath

its territorial waters) are now managed by the Government of Jersey on behalf of the public of Jersey. The only exception is the reefs of Les Écréhous and Les Minquiers above the highest spring tides which remain in Crown ownership.

4.2.4 Cross-boundary agreements  4.3 Jersey legislative and rJeelrasteinyg s tmo atrhine emeannvaigroenmmeennt tof  policy context

The Government of Jersey's management of

its marine area is overseen by the States of Jersey using legislation relating to fisheries, planning and development, extraction, pollution and other activities.

From 2001 a portion of Jersey's seas were managed through the Bay of Granville Agreement (GBA) which provisioned cross-border access for a list

of Jersey and French vessels. From 2004 the GBA oversaw a joint management framework which included a committee-based decision-making process that, whilst primarily concerned with fisheries management, impacted on wider

aspects of marine governance.

In 2021 the UK exited the European Union (EU) following a 2016 referendum to which the Channel Islands were not party. Under Protocol 3 of the UK's 1972 Accession Treaty, Jersey had been part of the EU for the purposes of free trade in goods. The UK's departure terminated Protocol 3, and on 1st February 2021 the relationship between Jersey and the EU was managed via a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) negotiated during 2020.

The TCA terminated the GBA, and in its place ceded vessel licencing and fisheries management to the States of Jersey. The TCA management framework includes processes, objectives and principles that did not exist under the GBA, but are taken into account in the JMSP.

Under the TCA, Jersey has full control over its marine management within the three nautical mile limit from the island's coast. Outside of this limit, any measure that may impinge on commercial fishing is subject to the terms of the TCA.

4.3.1  Existing legislation and  policy framework

The JMSP sits within an existing framework of Jersey legislation and policy. These legislative and policy tools can be used to give effect to the strategic direction set by the JMSP.

Relevant legislative and policy tools are listed in Appendix C, and cover a range of topics including administration, infrastructure, harbours and  transport, climate change, biodiversity and natural  environment, environmental management, history  and culture, tourism and leisure, fisheries and  aquaculture. Many of these laws and documents have a much wider scope than marine spatial planning. They are described in more detail in

the Legislation and Policy Review [Evidence Base document EB/G/21].

4.4 Key related planning documents

4.4.1  Jersey Bridging Island Plan (BIP) 2022

This document is the primary consideration in

any planning-related decision-making during the

plan p eriod (2022–2025). It s ets out a planning framework to create homes, strengthen the economy, protect and improve the environment, provide for

a good quality of life, and enhance what is special about Jersey. It aims to achieve the sustainable development of Jersey, with a balance between social, environmental and economic considerations. As mentioned above, Strategic Proposal 3 of the

BIP requires the creation of a JMSP. The JMSP shares the same aspiration for a holistic approach

to sustainable development.

BACK TO PART B | 4 Marine and Terrestrial Planning Context

CONTENTS 39

The coverage of the BIP extends out to Jersey's territorial limits, but contains relatively little detail within the offshore parts of the Bailiwick compared to Jersey itself.

With regard to development in the marine environment, the BIP states (pp 78–79):

The long-term, prudent use of marine resources is essential in the management of Jersey's unique, fragile and environmentally and economically important shores and waters.

Development proposals located in the marine environment will not generally by supported except where a marine location is demonstrated to be essential and generally accords with other policies of the plan. This Island Plan provides a more focused policy regime for activities in the marine environment by providing some spatial definition of areas or sites where different marine-related land uses may be supported such as offshore utility scale renewable energy development, aquaculture and shoreline management. Other essential uses here could provide for navigation; access to water; and power and communications supplies. There is a need to ensure that the impact of development on areas of high marine biodiversity and seascape value is given sufficient weight in the decision-making process.

The Protected Coastal Area embraces parts of the marine environment below the high-water mark including the unique intertidal zones and offshore reefs, together with their surrounding shallow waters, where development opportunity will be limited. Development proposals will need to protect or improve the essential and sensitive landscape and seascape character and rich biodiversity of these places.

The following BIP Policies and Planning Zones (shown on Figs. 4b and 4c) relate to the intertidal and marine parts of the Bailiwick and, therefore, also have direct relevance to the JMSP:

Jersey Marine Spatial Plan | Priorities and Action Plan FINAL DRAFT May 2024 BACK TO 42 CONTENTS

Figs. 4b and 4c: BIP Policies and Planning Zones in the

intertidal and marine environment

In addition, the shoreline zone (as detailed within policy GD9 Skyline, views and vistas) represents the area where the built environment meets the sea. It covers that part of the built-up area which

lies seaward of the coast road in St Brelade's Bay; St Aubin's Bay; La Collette to Le Hurel and

Longb each to Gor ey Harbour.

Other policies such as NE3 (Landscape and Seascape Character) and HE1 (Protecting listed buildings

and places, and their settings) are not limited to a particular spatial location, but are still relevant

to the marine and coastal environment.

Policy NE1 (Protection and improvement of biodiversity and geodiversity) gives particular emphasis to the protection of marine biodiversity, and presents a spatial dimension related to marine defined areas such as Ramsar sites

and Marine Protected Areas.

Looking ahead, there is an aspiration to have more detailed and refined marine policy elements in forthcoming iterations of the Island Plan.

The JMSP will help in this process through informing future policies.

4.4.2 Shoreline Management Plan (2020)

In order to remain resilient to the impacts of climate change (especially the risk of coastal flooding as a result of rising sea levels and increasing frequency and severity of storm events) the Island Plan and the JMSP need to enable the implementation of

the Shoreline Management Plan. The Shoreline Management Plan sets out policy options for Jersey's entire coastline, over three epochs covering a 100–year period, and essentially seeks to protect the existing developed parts of

the island's coastline at risk of coastal flooding.

Along some parts of the coastline it is proposed that new coastal defences are developed in front of the existing coastal structures (known as the advance-the- line option). More information on coastal defences is provided in the Energy and Infrastructure' chapter (chapter 12) below. Where this option is pursued along the St Helier coastline, land reclamation may also present development opportunities.

4.4.3 Economic Framework for the Marine Environment (2022)

This document sets out a strategy for Jersey's marine economy. It has been prepared by Jersey's Marine Economy Advisory Group (MEAG) which brings together Jersey's commercial fishers, aquaculture producers and merchants. The vision articulated

by the MEAG is for Jersey to have a vibrant and sustainable marine sector, providing employment and economic opportunity, and maintaining fisheries and aquaculture as an integral part of

the island's cultural identity.

Policy 9 relates directly to marine spatial planning, and states: GoJ will develop a Marine Spatial Planning Strategy, using standardised methodologies and principles, to enable a co- ordinated plan to manage the marine environment.

Other policies which are relevant to the JMSP include:

• Policy 8: Blue Ecosystem Services
• Policy 15: Marine Built Infrastructure
• Policy 16: Marine Leisure
• Policy 17: Carbon Neutral Agenda

4.4.4 Carbon Neutral Roadmap (2022)

The Carbon Neutral Roadmap was approved by the States Assembly on 29 April 2022. It builds on the progress made through the Pathway 2050: An Energy Plan for Jersey and supersedes the Carbon Neutral Strategy 2019. It describes Jersey's carbon neutral pathway to n et-z ero by 2050.

The Carbon Neutral Roadmap includes both the mandate to establish Jersey's Citizen's Assembly on Climate Change and set out a plan for delivery of both short term and long-term goals, broken down into five strategic policies:

1. N et z ero transition pathway
2. Island energy market
3. Financing strat egy
4. Policy programme and development
5. Becoming carbon neutral

Policy EN5:  Blue Carbon, Biodiversity

and sequestration

Promote Jersey as a centre of excellence for blue carbon sequestration, with an ambition to double the extent of seagrass beds and recognise that tackling the climate emergency by using nature-based solutions that also address the biodiversity crises provides multiple benefits for our land, air and s ea.

SMART objectives include:

Develop a Carbon Sequestration Framework

and Marine Spatial Plan by the end of 2023.  Protect Jersey's carbon sinks to prevent stored  greenhouse gasses from being emitted back into  the atmosphere and safeguard the estimated  6,000 tonnes of CO2 being sequestered annually.  Maximise co-benefits for biodiversity where possible.

NOTE: Th e ar ea of s eagrass around J ers ey's coast The Roadmap sets out the first delivery plan for the  has roughly doubled over the past 10 years.

period 2022–2025 and milestones for future key  Monitoring has shown that during this time, the decisions and future policies that will need to be  extent of intertidal seagrass has fluctuated, whilst updated at the start of each new term of Government. sub-tidal seagrass has consistently expanded.

Looking ahead, the most effective way of increasing Two policies within the Carbon Neutral Roadmap are  the extent of seagrass beds is through management particularly relevant to the marine environment: allowing natural regeneration to occur, rather than

through direct seeding/planting. Such management

includes preventing mobile fishing gear from

Policy TR11:  Emissions from aviation

damaging the seabed, and installing seagrass-friendly and maritime transport boat moorings. It is not possible to put a precise

Work with Ports of Jersey to reduce emissions from  figur e on how quickly, or how far, s eagrass will spr ead. aviation and marine transport, in line with... It is important that seagrass extent continues to obligations under the MARPOL treaty. be monitored. This monitoring also provides a

useful picture of the health of the marine

environment in terms of wider environmental

factors such as water quality.

BACK TO PART B | 4 Marine and Terrestrial Planning Context

5 Isnetarso dauncdtcioona stots Jersey s

1. Geographical context

5.1.1  The Normano-Breton Gulf

The Bailiwick of Jersey is an enclave of the English Channel formed by the coastlines of western Normandy and northern Brittany

(See Fig. 5a). This L-shaped area is known as the Normano-Breton Gulf, and, as well as Jersey, hosts the other British Channel Islands (Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm), the French archipelago of Chausey, and several large uninhabited offshore reefs. Four of these offshore reefs (Les Minquiers, Les crØhous, Les Dirouilles and Paternosters) are within the Bailiwick of Jersey.

2. Geology

5.2.1  Introduction to Jersey s marine geology

Jersey's offshore and intertidal areas contain outstandingly varied and complex geology. This ranges from some of the oldest rocks visible in

the British Isles (approx. 640 million years old) through to deposits laid down since the end of the last ice age, approx. 10,000 years ago. There are examples of all the three rock types: igneous (rocks which have formed from volcanic magma); sedimentary (rocks formed by deposition or as a chemical precipitate), and metamorphic (rocks formed by changes in the earth's crust due to heat and/or pressure). Each rock type has different qualities in terms of its resistance to erosion, and the seabed, sediments and habitats associated with it. Geology is therefore closely linked to bathymetry, sediments and habitats. A simplified geology map of Jersey's intertidal and offshore areas is shown in Fig. 5b.

BACK TO PART B | 5 Introduction to Jersey s seas and coasts

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The reefs (both those offshore and surrounding Jersey) are generally associated with harder

igneous rocks. The oldest rocks within the Bailiwick are found on the offshore reefs and date from the Neoproterozoic period (over 540 million years ago). At Les Maisons on Les Minquiers, some of the oldest rocks in the British Isles can be seen, in layers which have been bent and twisted by extreme pressure. The rocks of the offshore reefs create excellent building stone, and Les Minquiers was quarried

to construct Fort R eg ent.

The basins between the reefs generally contain

softer sedimentary rocks. The youngest of these is limestone, which is located under the sea on the western side of the Bailiwick and extends around to the north-east, between Jersey and Les Écréhous. The limestone was laid down in the Eocene period (approx. 55 million y ears ago) wh en th e ar ea was a warm, tropical, shallow s ea.

Neoproterozoic rocks (layers of granodiorite and pegmatite) at Les Maisons on Les Minquiers.

 Fiona Fyfe

A large rock pool at Grève d'Azette. It is in landscape hollows such as this that the Pleistocene clays and gravels are preserved. Often they are only visible after storms have shifted the modern beach sediments

 Paul Chambers

BACK TO PART B | 5 Introduction to Jersey s seas and coasts

5.2.2 Buried land surfaces

The Pleistocene period (approx. 2 million 10,000 y ears ago) saw many climatic fluctuations which affected sea levels. During times of low sea level,

the Channel Islands would have been elevated land within a broad open plain which connected them with what is now France. The Ruau channel (between Jersey and Les Écréhous) would have been a river valley. Sediments from the Pleistocene period are found across Jersey, and also occur on the seashore, where they take the form of clays and gravels buried below more recent beach sediments. The middle- shore intertidal deposits are likely to have been

laid down in what would have been hollows in the landscape, and are now rock pools. Other buried

land surfaces include sub-surface peat deposits in

St Ouen's Bay, which contain evidence of the plants growing in Jersey when the peat beds were formed.

The latter part of the Pleistocene period overlaps with the Palaeolithic archaeological period. The caves on today's coastline at La Cotte de St Brelade and

La Cotte à La Chèvre are two of Europe's most important Palaeolithic sites. At the start of their occupation, the caves would have been on a hillside, looking out over a broad plain of land crossed by sediment-rich rivers, and occupied by roaming herds of animals such as rhinoceros and woolly mammoth. The former land surface now forms the bed of the shallow seas around Jersey, and it is therefore highly likely that the seabed contains palaeo-environmental and prehistoric anthropological evidence.

Sea levels gradually rose and fell during the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, with the land corridor to France being most recently flooded approx. 8000 years ago. Early Neolithic material has been found on both Les Minquiers and Les Écréhous reefs, and more is presumed to exist below today's sea level. More information on marine and intertidal prehistoric archaeology is provided in Chapter 10 Cultural Heritage.

Prehistoric hand-axe found at Les Écréhous Photo  Paul Chambers

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CONTENTS

3. Bathymetry and sediments

Vertical scale exaggerated

5.3.1  Shallow sea areas

As explained above, the regional undersea topography of the Normano-Breton Gulf reflects

an ancient drainage network which was drowned

by the rising sea at the end of the last Ice Age.

This episode of marine flooding created three distinct basins lying wholly or partially within Jersey's territorial borders (Les Écréhous Basin, between Jersey and Les Écréhous reef; Canger Basin, between Les Anquettes Reef and Les Minquiers reef; and Sauvages Basin, east of Les Minquiers reef).

These basins are accumulating sediment, with geotechnical surveys reporting seabed thicknesses of 40+ metres between the east coast of Jersey and Normandy (see Fig. 5d). The basins (and the reefs which separate them) are shallow, productive and fragile, but their importance to regional biodiversity and ecology, and their contribution to the storage of carbon, has only recently been recognised.

5.3.2 Deeper sea areas

The seabed area to the west of Jersey (dominated by limestone geology)

is flatter and less complex, with a greater exposure to high energy weather, waves and currents. Water depths are greater but remain relatively shallow (<50m) with a westward-sloping seabed that is flatter and dominated by bedrock and cobble which, in places, is covered by patches of mobile sand and gravel. In these areas a predominance of rocky seabed and mobile course sediments creates a different ecology to Jersey's sedimentary basins, with a different role in the regional ecological framework.

The sediment types found across the Bailiwick are shown in Fig. 5e.

Fig. 5d: Sediment thickness. CREDIT: UK Renewables Atlas

Fig 5e: Sediment type. CREDIT: UK Renewables Atlas

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4. Tides, currents and wave patterns
   5. 4.1  Water circulation patterns

Additional to Jersey's subsea topography is an unusual oceanographic regime controlled by the island's location in relation to the Normandy and Brittany coastlines. The L-shape formed by the Normandy and Brittany coasts creates a dead end for tidal waters entering from the English Channel. This causes the incoming tidal wave to push up against the French coastline, producing some of the largest tidal ranges in the world (12.2m in St Helier, but up to 13m at Les Minquiers and St Malo on the French coast). The squeeze of sea water towards the Bay of Mont St Michel and the presence of so many islands and reefs create strong tidal currents (>5knots) and a complicated circulation pattern around the reefs and islands.

Fig. 5f: Gyre currents as seen on satellite images (NASA Worldview).

For sea water to navigate its way into, across and then out of th e Normano-Br eton Gulf it must pass through a network of gyres and eddies generated around topographic features such as the offshore reefs and islands. Computer modelling and water surveys suggest that sea water entering the Jersey area from the English Channel may circulate around the island for several weeks to a year before being pushed

back out into the Channel. This long residency time has practical impacts on the ecology. For example, scallops (including their larvae) stay within the Normano-Breton Gulf for their entire life-cycle.

The same may be true for other invertebrates

such as lobsters and whelks.

5.4.2 Water characteristics

The combination of long residency times, complex currents, high tidal range and lack of fresh water from rivers all serve to homogenise the salinity and temperature of the marine waters around Jersey. They form a distinct and largely separate body of water which is demarcated by a sharp tidal divide (sometimes called the Guernsey Front) which almost exactly follows the sea border between Jersey and Guernsey. This division of sea waters is well defined by differences in temperature, productivity and turbidity, and the two water bodies are clearly visible on satellite images (Fig. 5f).

The northern water body around Guernsey is deeper, clearer, colder and more stratified, whilst the southern water body around Jersey and the Bay of Granville is warmer, more turbid and without stratification. This division and its associat ed oc eanographic properties influence regional sedimentary, productivity and biodiversity patterns.

5.4.3 Wave patterns

As shown on Figs. 5g and 5h, the highest and most powerful waves are found in the north-west of the Bailiwick. The sheltered waters to the east of Jersey have notably lower wave heights and wave power than elsewhere. The variation in wave height and power is reflected in Jersey's coastal exposure index (Fig. 5i), which shows the highest levels of coastal exposure in the north-west (from the middle of St Ouen's bay round to Ronez Point), followed by the south coast, then the north-east from Ronez round to Fauvic. The lowest levels of coastal exposure

are found around La Rocque, due to the relatively sheltered water, and the absorption of wave energy by the extensive intertidal reefs.

5. Wind strength  and direction

5.5.5  Wind data

Meteorological data shows that the greatest wind speeds and wind power densities are found in the west and south-west of the Bailiwick, reflecting the prevailing south-westerly winds. (see Fig. 5j). As would be expected, the area to the north-east of Jersey, which is sheltered by the landmass from the prevailing winds, has the lowest wind speeds and wind power densities.

Fig. 5g wave height (annual average). CREDIT: UK Renewables Atlas

Fig. 5h wave power (annual average). CREDIT: UK Renewables Atlas

Fig. 5i Coastal exposure index.

Fig. 5j Wind speed (annual average). CREDIT: Global Wind Atlas

6. The diversity of  Jersey s marine  environment

5.6.1  Seascapes and views

From sweeping sands to jagged rocks, and from busy harbours to empty wildernesses, Jersey's spectacular and diverse seascapes encompass

many natural and human-made features. They are constantly changing in response to tides, weather, season and the movements of a wide variety of craft. The diversity of coastal and offshore areas is expressed through the various seascape character areas found across the Bailiwick. These together with the offshore landmarks which form focal points in views from the coast and sea are described

in Chapter 7: Seascapes.

5.6.2 Marine and intertidal habitats  and species

The diversity of geology, bathymetry, sediments, tidal conditions, wind energy and exposure across Jersey's waters results in an extra-ordinary range of habitats within a relatively small area. Each habitat plays a different role within the overall ecosystem of Jersey's marine environment. As well as supporting different marine species, they also contribute

to marine functions such as carbon storage and pollution entrapment. More detail on the habitats found in Jersey's waters, and the functions which they perform, is found in Chapter 8: The Natural Environment and Biodiversity. There are some existing nature conservation designations, including Ramsar sites, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Sites of Special Interest, Areas of Special Protection and a No-Take-Zone. Some of the most valuable habitats (kelp forests, maerl beds and seagrass meadows) are covered by the OSPAR convention.

A number of OSPAR protected species also live in Jersey's waters, including dog whelk, flat oyster, Balearic shearwater, Roseate tern, European eel, spotted ray, long and short-snouted seahorses, porbeagle shark, bluefin tuna and harbour porpoise.

7. Human influences on Jersey s marine environment

5.7.1  Making a living from the  coast and sea

People have been fishing in Jersey's waters since prehistoric times, and fishing continues to contribute to the island's economy and identity. The last few centuries have seen various phases of fishing, including for mackerel, conger eels and oysters.

The 19th Century oyster fishery in particular contributed to development of harbours and

piers which are still in use. Today, there are several fishing metiers (types) covering shellfish and wetfish. Today, potting for lobster and crab dominates, with other metiers including dredging, diving, trawling, netting, and angling for species such as scallops and various finfish. Often boats will contain different types of fishing gear. Intertidal aquaculture of oysters and mussels also contributes to the island's economy. Further information about fishing is provided in Chapter 9: Commercial fishing and aquaculture.

5.7.2  Cultural Heritage 5.7.4  Practical uses of the sea

Centuries of coastal habitation and use have left their mark on Jersey's coastal and marine environment. The earliest traces are found on the prehistoric

land surfaces now flooded by the sea or buried by sand. The intertidal reefs contain a rich collection of fish traps, vraicing (seaweed gathering) tracks and other features. There is a legacy of coastal defence sites ranging from prehistoric coastal forts, through medieval castles and Napoleonic fortifications, to structures built by the occupying German forces

in the Second World War. Marine navigation features such as lighthouses and beacons are an important cultural layer of Jersey's maritime heritage.

On the seabed are wreck sites, some of which

are known to divers, but many of which are not

yet recorded. Some of these cultural heritage sites are protected through designation as Listed Buildings or Listed Places. More detail is provided in Chapter 10: Cultural Heritage.

Because Jersey is an island, the sea forms an

int egral part of its transport n etwork. All around th e coast are harbours, slipways and piers which allow connectivity between land and sea. Commercial shipping lanes allow larger vessels to access the port at St Helier and to travel through Jersey's waters. On the seabed, a network of cables provides power and communication to the island, and it is likely

that in the future, the marine environment will

also become a source of renewable energy.

See Chapter 12: Infrastructure, Energy

and Transport for more information.

5.7.3  Enjoying the coast and sea

Recreation and tourism are a vital part of Jersey's economy, and very important for the health, wellbeing and enjoyment of local people. Coastal

and marine recreation takes many forms. It includes activities without craft such as swimming, snorkelling, diving, dog walking, coasteering and low-water fishing. It may include non-powered craft such as surf boards, stand-up paddleboards and sailing dinghies, or powered craft such as rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), j et-skis and yachts. Coastal and marin e recreation supports many coastal businesses, and

is concentrated in the most popular beaches of

St Ouen's Bay, St Brelade's Bay, St Aubin's Bay,

the Royal Bay of Grouville , St Catherine's Bay and Bouley Bay. Recreation also takes place offshore, with Les Écréhous reef a particularly popular destination for sailors, kayakers and RIB trips. Various races and events also take place within Jersey's waters. More information is provided

in Chapter 11: Recreation and Tourism.

6 Bseernveicfietss)faronmd Bnlauteu Crea  r(ebcoonsystem

1. Introduction

This section introduces the concept of benefits from nature (also known as ecosystem services ) delivered by the marine environment.

Benefits from nature can be described as the goods and services provided by ecosystems .

Protecting and enhancing benefits from nature is a principle of the JMSP, and is a fundamental consideration with regard to the identification of areas to be designated

as Marine Protected Areas.

This chapter provides a short general introduction to benefits from nature. The specific benefits from nature provided by different habitats within Jersey s waters are described in Chapter 8. The benefits are environmental, cultural, social and economic, and considering them all enables a holistic approach to marine spatial planning. The JMSP takes into account the benefits from nature felt by people, and by marine life in its own right.

2. Types of benefits from nature

Benefits from nature may be divided into four categories, as shown in Fig. 6a below. Provisioning benefits are products obtained from ecosystems, such as food. Regulating benefits are processes such as pollution capture which keep the environment stable. Cultural benefits are non-material things such as education

and well-being. These three categories are underpinned by supporting benefits

(such as photosynthesis) which enable the other benefits to happen.

Fig. 6a: Types of benefits from nature provided by the marine environment

BACK TO PART B | 6 Benefits from nature (ecosystem services) and Blue Carbon 59

3. Blue Carbon

Blue carbon is a recent term which collectively describes the processes associated with the

capture and storage of carbon within the marine environment. Blue carbon is of particular relevance

to small coastal states and island nations such as

Jersey that may have a small land area in relation

to that of their territorial seas. Jersey's marine

area includes habitats of potential blue carbon significanc e such as s eagrass m eadows (Zost era spp.), maerl beds, kelp forests and species-rich accreting sedimentary habitats. The island therefore has

potential for carbon offsetting using Blue Carbon

held in its surrounding territorial seas.

Carbon may be organic (stored within living plants and animals) or inorganic (held in the carbonate which forms shells, tests and other organically- derived debris).

The Blue Carbon potential of different habitats

is a consideration in the designation of Marine Protected Areas within the JMSP, and is described in mor e d etail in Section 8.6.6.

Fig. 6b: A simplifi ed diagram showing th e principal sourc es, sinks and int eractions associated with the natural carbon cycle. The green arrows represent uptake of carbon through photosynthesis (plants) and growth. The blue arrows represent release of carbon dioxide and oxygen through respiration and decomposition. Brown arrows show the burial (sequestration) of carbon. Yellow labels show where carbon is stored in living organisms. The orange arrows show the transport of carbon in the form of particulate or dissolved debris/detritus. Taken from "Blue Carbon Resources:

An assessment of Jersey's territorial seas" p. 9

7 Seascapes

Aim: Seascapes are valued and their character

is retained and enhanced

7 Seascapes

Aim: Seascapes are valued and their character

is retained and enhanced

1. Introduction

7.1.1  Background

This section covers the character and special qualities associated with Jersey s coasts and marine environment, as well as coastal landmarks and viewpoints.

As a relatively small island, the sea is integral to Jersey s identity. It is never far away, appearing on the horizon in many views from all around the island. It is literally the backdrop to life in Jersey, in terms of views, but also in terms of everyday life, with people, goods and services needing

to cross the sea to get to and from the island. Coastal landmarks such as Corbire lighthouse, Mont Orgueil and round towers frequently appear in illustrative and marketing materials and form part of Jersey s visual identity.

The sense of proximity to the sea, the spectacular and varied seascapes, and the opportunities to enjoy and experience coastal and marine environments are key reasons why people choose to live in or visit Jersey. The seas and coast are extremely important to people s wellbeing, and to the Island s economy. Therefore, there are close ties between seascapes and recreation and tourism (enjoyment of the coast), and with cultural heritage (particularly historic coastal landmarks). Coastal views can

be appreciated from the sea, and from numerous viewpoints around

the island which can be accessed from the coastal footpath.

Many viewpoints also have road access and carparks.

Cover image, Fiona Fyfe

Figure 7a shows the visibility of sea in views from land. The darker the shading, the more sea can be seen. The darkest shading, from where the largest amount of sea is visible, is on the highest land in the north of Jersey, followed by the headlands and escarpment. It is interesting to note that visibility of the sea is not at its greatest by the coast. This is because the lower ground level at the seashore limits the amount of sea which can be seen. In reality, the presence of trees and buildings means that views of the

sea are considerably more restricted than shown on this theoretical map.

BACK TO 7 | Seascapes 63 CONTENTS

7.1.2  Key Evidence Base documents for this topic:

• Bridging Island Plan (BIP)
• Jersey Integrated Landscape and Seascape Character Assessment (ILSCA) (Fiona Fyfe Associates for Government of Jersey, 2020)

7.1.3  Legislative and policy context

In recognition of their value to local people and visitors, the BIP introduces specific zones of Protected Coastal Area and Coastal National Park and seeks to protect seascapes and their settings primarily through the provisions of policies PL5 (Countryside, coast and marine environment) and NE3 (Landscape and seascape character).

The Protected Coastal Area covers the parts of the Bailiwick which are of outstanding landscape/ seascape quality. It covers 35km2 of the coast, its inland setting, the intertidal zone, and the shallow waters around the offshore reefs (the latter defined using the boundaries of the Ramsar designation). The inclusion of the Protected Coastal Area in the BIP recognises the importance of Jersey's coastline and seascapes, and the critical need to protect their special character and setting.

The Coastal National Park sits within the Protected Coastal Area, as a sub-set. It does not include intertidal waters around Jersey's coast, but it does include them at the offshore reefs and, therefore, has some overlap with the JMSP. The Coastal National Park enjoys the same high level of protection for landscape and seascape character as the Protected Coastal Area, but development within the Coastal National Park is also required to be compatible with the purposes of the park, without undermining its special qualities. The purposes of the park include:

1. the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the park, and
2. the public understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities.

BIP Policy PL5 Countryside, coast and marine environment states:

Development proposals in the countryside, around the coast and in the marine environment should protect or improve its character and distinctiveness. They should also protect or improve the special landscape and seascape character of the

Prot ect ed Coastal Ar ea.

In the Coastal National Park, they should similarly protect or improve its special landscape and seascape character and special qualities of the Coastal National Park and its setting, and be compatible with the purposes of the park...

The development of sites and infrastructure that

help meet the island's strategic needs for minerals, waste management, energy and water will be supported... around the coast and in the marine environment, where it is demonstrated to be in the island's strategic interest, and where its impact can

b e avoid ed, minimis ed, mitigat ed or comp ensat ed.

Development proposals located in the marine environment will not be supported except where a marine location is demonstrated to be essential.

Further information on the Protected Coastal Area and Coastal National Park can be found in pages 74–79 of the BIP. They are shown in Fig. 7b.

As explained in Section 1.2, the JMSP forms an

ov erarching strat egic fram ework s etting th e approach for a range of tools, including land use planning, marine resource management and fishing regulation. The JMSP is not a statutory document, but will give direction to other legislative and policy tools, which will be used to deliver the priorities and actions set

out in the JMSP.

BACK TO 7 | Seascapes CONTENTS 65

7.1.4  Pen portraits

Young people resident in Jersey

1st Jersey (St Ouen) Sea Scout Group:

Mark: "The sea around Jersey is beautiful, the coastline is very well taken care of and pretty. The sea makes me happy because it's usually a nice environment, sometimes you find litter, but people are working on that. Being near the sea makes me feel calmer, I love St Ouens; it's really close to home and there are loads of water activities.

It's always different down there so it's really interesting."

Renzo: "The sea is really linked to our identity because we're surround ed by it. My favourit e b each is probably St Br elad e's, it's just down the hill from home. I love it when it's really quiet there, it's just such a nice place. Last week we anchored in the bay and there were so many boats there. I went out on my paddleboard, and I felt uncomfortabl e, it was too crowd ed, it m eant it wasn't much fun. We sometimes go surfing at St Ouens and that's a completely different mood to St Brelade. We've all got different sides to us,

and the Island has too."

Poppy: "I love Le Braye beach because loads of people surf and bodyboard there and it's a good place to meet friends and have fun.

I am so lucky having this beach so close to home, but in Jersey you can't not be near a beach. The only thing that bothers me is the littering

and the bins when they aren't secured properly. I've done kayaking

with the sea scouts and it's brilliant, you can explore new places,

like at Noirmont we found a beach you can only get to by the sea. That's really cool. It makes me feel special and I really love my Island."

Emily, Eco Captain, Jersey College for Girls:

"Since my earliest days, the ocean has been my constant companion: riding the waves on a surfboard, paddle boarding and scuba diving. To me, the ocean isn't just water. It's a home to countless forms of life, a source of inspiration, and a reminder of nature's intense power.

In its depths, there are mysteries waiting to be discovered, and in its waves, there are stories of life's natural ebb and flow. Looking out

for it isn't just something we all need to do, it is more than that.

It is about ensuring that we leave this incredible legacy intact for generations to come."

Like the vast majority of people in Jersey, I believe our marine and coastal environment has an immensely positive effect, not only on myself, but on a growing proportion of the wider population. This boost in health and wellbeing comes not only from the recreational opportunities available, but simply from exposure

to all that is on offer.

Jim Hopley,

Honorary Chair  Despite its relatively small size, the Island's coastline can offer views of the Jersey  to match any emotion. On a big scale the dramatic north coast cliffs National Park

or, contrastingly, the romantic long sandy vistas with the ocean as

a backdrop. Then, if you take the time to stop and take in the detail, to smell the heady fragrance of coconut from the gorse, or to sit and examine each grain of sand, you cannot help but reconnect with yourself. Jersey's coast can ground you and inspire you and help you to see where you are in your journey, locals, and visitors alike.

It must be evident to all however, that the health' of our seas is

under mounting strain through growing population, and climate

and environmental changes. Working with the team to establish  Jersey's National Park means it has become obvious to me that we  need to connect with the public. By engaging people and partners, it  increases the willingness of so many to preserve not only our terrestrial  coastline, but the wider marine environment where, if we act in time, we can literally turn the tide'. The potential benefits this will bring

are immeasurable, not only in terms of environmental impact but

on the personal wellbeing of so many Islanders. We need to care.

2. The diversity and special character of Jersey s seascapes

7.2.1  Seascape Character Assessment

Seascape Character Assessment is a means of analysing and describing seascapes to understand their diversity, and what it is which makes them unique and special. This then enables their special qualities to be protected and enhanced through future actions and decision-making.

The process involves careful consideration of natural, cultural and perceptual qualities of the seascapes being studied, as shown in Figs 7c

and 7d. Natural features include bedrock geology, sediment depth, bathymetry, tidal forces, habitats, etc. Cultural features are those added by people, and include buildings, harbours, navigation markers, archaeological sites, shipwrecks, etc.

Perceptual qualities are the intangible, sometimes invisible, things which are so fundamental to how seascapes are experienced. It may be the joy of watching a spectacular sunset from St Ouen's Bay, or the sense of wildness and tranquillity felt amongst the intertidal reefs, or it may be the stimulation of other senses the smell of seaweed or coastal gorse; the sound of s eabirds or tapping halyards; th e soaking from a crashing wave during a storm, or the pleasant coolness of a swim or paddle on a summer's day.

Seascape Character Assessments then identify and map the distinctive patterns of seascape found within th e study ar ea.

Fig. 7c: The Seascape Wheel' summarising  what constitutes seascape 1

1  An Approach to Seascape Character Assessment (Natural England, 2012) p.9

Fig. 7d: Components of seascape

7.2.2  The Jersey Integrated Landscape and Seascape Character Assessment (ILSCA)

The Jersey ILSCA [Evidence Base doc. EB/SC/1] formed part of the Evidence Base for the BIP, and has now been adopted by the Ministers as supplementary planning guidance 2 used in the assessment of planning applications. It describes in detail the character of Jersey's landscapes

and seascapes. It identifies five distinctive coastal and marine character types, shown in Fig. 7e. Summary information for each character type is provided on the following pages, with information on forces for change, strategies and guidelines provided in Appendix B. Readers of the JMSP are encouraged to consult the ILSCA directly if they require information on a specific topic or place.

2  Landscape and seascape character guidance (gov.je)

Character Type F: Rocky Shores and Bays

Description

This Character Type comprises the intertidal area along the north coast of Jersey, and around the south-west headlands at St Brelade and Noirmont.

It occurs at the base of steep cliffs, and therefore the intertidal zone is often very narrow where the steepest cliffs plunge into the sea. Elsewhere, narrow rocky platforms, rocks, islets, sea caves and small bays are exposed at low tide. A key feature of this Character Type is the relatively steep marine-land interface. It is therefore closely associated with the adjacent Cliffs and H eadlands, and Shallow S ea Charact er Typ es.

This is a dramatic interface between land and sea, particularly in stormy weather, when waves crash against the base of the cliffs. At other times, the small bays which are revealed at low tide (including Plémont beach, Bonne Nuit, Bouley, Rozel, Fliquet and B eauport) ar e idyllic, and gr eatly valu ed for th eir b eauty and tranquillity.

Although it is relatively small in area, the Rocky Shores and Bays Character Type is important for biodiversity, and contains a number of intertidal habitats, including rock platforms and small patches of seagrass which support a range of seaweeds, crustaceans and other intertidal species.

Its outstanding and complex geology is reflected in the number of geological SSI sites.

Sensitive Special Qualities

• Remote stretches of dramatic coastline which  retain their natural form and are free from  man-made structures or interference.
• Attractive small bays with an intimate feel, popular for r ecr eation with tourists and locals, and where adjacent tourist infrastructure (where it exists at all) is relatively low key.
• A relatively narrow, high energy intertidal zone with a high tidal range, containing a range of intertidal habitats including seagrass beds

and diverse rock platforms.

Character Type G: Bays with Intertidal Flats and Reefs

Description

This Character Type comprises the extensive and spectacular intertidal seascapes which are revealed at low tide around Jersey's western, southern

and eastern coasts. It includes sweeping sandy beaches and rocky reefs, covering an area of approximately 30km2.

The Bays with Intertidal Flats and Reefs are one

of Jersey's most distinctive and unique features, resulting from the combination of geology, topography, currents and large tidal range.

They are teeming with life and provide habitats

for an exceptional range of birds, fish, seaweeds, saltwater plants, sand-dwellers and shellfish, including ormers. Humans have exploited these intertidal environments for millennia through activities such as low-water fishing, and gathering seaweed for fuel and fertilizer. These actions have left subtle traces within the intertidal seascape,

along with the more prominent cultural heritage

sites of defensive towers. The Bays with Intertidal Flats and Reefs have been described as Jersey's

last wilderness.' They are dramatic, remote and

wild areas where visitors are always acutely aware of changing elements tides, waves, wind and weather. They are elemental and potentially dangerous places, but their raw beauty is scenically stunning.

There are five distinctive Character Areas within the Bays with Intertidal Flats and Reefs, each with a unique sense of place' resulting from its particular combination of seascape elements.

Sensitive Special Qualities

• Reefs form rare, sensitive and important intertidal and shallow water marine habitats.
• An elemental landscape/seascape with a very strong sense of wildness and remoteness.
• Expansive sandy beaches which are popular for r ecr eation.
• Strong visual inter-relationships with the surrounding coast.
• Towers, lighthouses and beacons are prominent structures and form focal points in views.

Character Type H: Offshore Reefs and Islands

Description

The Offshore Reefs and Islands are often described as the Jewel in Jersey's crown'. They comprise a vast, extraordinary and dramatic world of rocks, reefs, islets and sandbanks which emerge from the sea

at low tide. They are unique to Jersey, and include Europe's largest reef system. There are three main reef systems located around Jersey: Les Minquiers

to the south; Les Anquettes to the south-east; and

Les Écréhous (including Les Dirouilles and the Paternosters) to the north.

Les Minquiers is the most southerly extent of UK territory within Europe, and although the Offshore Reefs and Islands have strong cultural connections with Jersey, they are also isolated from it, creating

a sense of a place apart'. People visit the reefs to experience remoteness, tranquillity, and closeness

to nature, as well as to enjoy their raw and ever- changing beauty. There is relatively little human interference, although there is a long history of human engagement with the reefs, resulting in rich archaeology and distinctive built heritage in the form of fishermen's huts. These structures, clinging to the islets which remain uncovered at high tide, are now used for recreation. There are also many beacons, warning shipping of the dangers of submerged rocks.

The submerged rock plateaux contain many different marine habitats, including rocks, sandbanks, maerl beds, rock platforms, flooded gully complexes, kelp forests and seagrass beds. Together, these habitats support a vast range of marine life, with outstanding biodiversity and geodiversity.

Sensitive Special Qualities

• Dramatic, unique and vast-scale seascapes of  reefs, islets, shingle and sandbanks which emerge  at low tide. They include the largest reef systems   in Europe.
• A compl et ely natural, wild and tranquil  environment, much of which is entirely devoid of human interference and enables a deep connection with marine surroundings.
• Elemental and isolated seascapes which offer physical and psychological detachment from the Jersey mainland, and an opportunity to escape into what feels like another world. They are therefore highly valued for the recreation opportunities they offer and their contribution to well-being.
• An array of diverse and valuable marine habitats  of international importance for their bird and marine life.
• Important cultural heritage, including prehistoric archaeology, distinctive beacons, and some of the last surviving traditional Jersey vernacular buildings.

Character Type I: Shallow Sea

Description

This offshore Character Type comprises the marine areas on the eastern side of the Bailiwick. It borders the intertidal Character Types around the coast of Jersey (Character Types F and G), and also the reefs of Les Écréhous, Les Minquiers, and Les Anquettes. The western boundary follows the 30m depth contour (where it meets the Deep Sea Character Type), and the eastern boundary follows the Bailiwick boundary, which adjoins French territorial waters.

This Character Type has a strong physical and visual association with the Offshore Reefs and Islands Character Type. Even at high tide, some of the reefs remain visible, along with the numerous associated navigation f eatur es b eacons, lighthous es and buoys. As would be expected in such shallow and hazardous seas, there are a number of shipwrecks. The proximity of the area to both Jersey and France, and the popular destinations of the Offshore Reefs and Islands, mean that Character Type I is used for recreational sailing (for both Jersey-based and French boats), as well as fishing. Most fishing within the Shallow Sea Character Type is potting, netting or line fishing, rather than trawling. Diving for scallops also takes place within this Character Type.

The seafloor is complex in terms of its geology, and contains a wide range of habitats and energy levels. It also contains a palaeochannel from times of lower sea levels, when much of the area was dry land.

Sensitive Special Qualities

• Contributes to the setting of Jersey through its role in views from the coast, and when approaching by ferry.
• Close visual and physical relationship with the Offshore Reefs and Islands Character Type.
• Coastal waters contributing to wider ocean circulatory system and associated climatic and marine functions.
• Valuable and varied benthic and pelagic

 habitats for fish and marine organisms, including dolphins and many different fish and shellfish species. Key habitats include maerl beds and subtidal s eagrass b eds.

Character Type J: Deep Sea

Description Sensitive Special Qualities

This Character Type is located offshore, and comprises the deeper seas (below the 30m depth contour) on the western side of the Bailiwick of Jersey. The depth of the water means that there is relatively little light penetration, and therefore less growth of seaweed on the sea floor. In addition, this is a relatively high energy environment, so there is less sediment deposition and a rockier seabed.

Fishing boats and ferries are regularly seen within this Character Type, and there are also larger freight vessels as well as occasional sailing boats in these open waters. Sense of place and orientation is enhanced by distant views of land in some directions. However, views south-west are open, with the sea

str etching to th e horizon. NOTE: Since publication of the ILSCA, the construction of the St Brieuc Windfarm to the south of Jersey's waters has

added a new feature to this part of the seascape.

The Character Type is used for fishing (primarily trawling and dredging, but also some netting),

and recreational craft. Ferries connecting Jersey to Guernsey and the UK also regularly pass through this Character Type, and so form part of the seascape.

• Exposed open water. Views of land are generally distant, particularly in the south.
• Deep sea water contributing to a wider circulatory system and associated climatic and marine functions.
• Exposed, high energy circalittoral seabed  substrates (including rock, coarse sediment  and mixed sediment). These, together with the  pelagic environment, provide habitats for a range of fish species.

7.2.3  Issues

The ILSCA raises numerous ways in which seascape character can potentially be undermined through poorly located and/or designed development, and by unsympathetic management or uses. These include (for example) renewable energy development, cable landings, sea defences, recreation and aquaculture.

7.2.4  Proposed Actions

The impact of development on seascape character

is a material consideration in the application of BIP policy and supplementary planning guidance (SPG). The substance of the ILSCA has been adopted as SPG (available through the Government website).

It should therefore continue to inform planning

and management decisions going forward, and landowners should be encouraged to adopt

relevant management guidelines.

Priority SC1:  Seascape Character

To maintain the diversity and special character of coastal and marine areas.

Action SC1a:  The special qualities of coastal and marine character types should

be maintained through application of the strategy and relevant management guidelines for each character type as set out in the Jersey Integrated Landscape and Seascape Character Assessment.

3. Views and marine landmarks

7.3.1  Background

Coastal landmarks and s eamarks form f eatur es within broad er s eascap es. The largest and most prominent coastal landmarks are visible over a wide area and can be seen from land and sea. The ILSCA identified Corbière lighthouse, Elizabeth Castle and Mont Orgueil as key landmarks which form part of Jersey's identity, combining an impressive sense of history with spectacular coastal scenery. Views of these landmarks are protected through policy in the BIP (Policy GD9 Skyline, views and vistas).

Corbière Lighthouse.  Fiona Fyfe

Elizabeth Castle. Mont Orgueil. Fiona Fyfe  Fiona Fyfe

Whilst acknowledging the importance of these key landmarks (and other coastal features) the JMSP also considers offshore features which form focal points in views from the coast and sea. These are shown in Fig. 7f and include the offshore towers (Seymour Tower, Icho Tower, St Aubin's Fort, La Rocco Tower, Portelet Tower and Demie de Pas); Green Island;

St Catherine's Breakwater; the offshore reefs which are visible from the north coast (Les Écréhous,

Les Dirouilles and the Paternosters), and Maîtresse Ile on Les Minquiers, which is visible from ferries to St Malo. All these offshore features make important contributions to th e s eascap e and add gr eatly to Jersey's sense of place.

Les Écréhous from the coast near Rozel.  Fiona Fyfe

Seymour Tower from the coast at La Rocque.  Fiona Fyfe

Les Minquiers at high tide.  Fiona Fyfe

St Aubin's fort, from St Aubin's harbour.  Fiona Fyfe

BACK TO 7 | Seascapes CONTENTS 79

7.3.2  Issues

Marine landmarks (and their settings) are not explicitly identified as landmarks (although they are designated as heritage assets, and would be identified in visual assessment associated with a planning application). There is therefore a risk that new offshore developments or structures may compete with these marine landmarks in views from the coast, drawing the viewer's eye away from the marine landmark and diminishing the quality of the seascape.

7. 3.3  Proposed Actions

The planning system should offer particular protection to marine landmarks. Proposals for new offshore developments/structures should consider their potential impact in views, particularly when the proposal will affect (or be seen in the context of) offshore marine landmarks. It will also be necessary to consider the levels of effect at different stages of the tide.

Key landmarks (including Corbière Lighthouse, Mont Orgueil and Elizabeth Castle) and their settings, where they are visible from the intertidal bays, must also be considered under the provisions of BIP Policy GD9.

Priority SC2:  Marine landmarks

To protect marine landmarks in views from land and sea.

Action SC2a:  Key marine landmarks that form focal points or features in

views from the coastline or within the marine area should be identified, designated and safeguarded and potential impacts on these should be taken into account when proposals for

new developments or activities are considered. Key landmarks should be safeguarded through the application of BIP policies and supplementary planning guidance.

Jersey Marine Spatial Plan | Priorities and Action Plan FINAL DRAFT May 2024 BACK TO 80 CONTENTS

8 Tahned NBiaotduirvael rEsnitvyironment

Aim: The natural environment is restored

and biodiversity is thriving

8 Tahned NBiaotduirvael rEsnitvyironment

Aim: The natural environment is restored

and biodiversity is thriving

1. Introduction

8. 1.1  Background

Jersey s waters contain an extraordinarily rich and diverse range

of habitats, which provide many different benefits. As well as their benefits to people, the habitats also support a wide range of plants, birds, fish, invertebrates and mammals at various stages of their lifecycles, and these creatures are therefore also users of Jersey s marine environment.

The JMSP takes account of the symbiotic relationship between different marine habitats and species, and the fact that it is a dynamic environment, constantly changing in response to the prevailing environmental conditions. Further important considerations include the need to balance environmental, economic and social needs (explained further in Chapter 1), and the potential of damaged habitats to recover once threats are removed. The connectivity between marine and terrestrial areas is key; many species (notably birds and seals) rely on both marine and terrestrial environments,

and there are numerous examples of habitats within the intertidal areas which support both terrestrial and marine species.

 Cover image, Samantha Blampied

82 Jersey Marine Spatial Plan | Priorities and Action Plan FINAL DRAFT May 2024 BACK TO

CONTENTS

Several of Jersey s marine habitats

are internationally recognised for their importance to global ecosystems. These habitats are recognised as threatened under international agreements such as OSPAR, Ramsar, and Convention on Biological Diversity. They include kelp forests, maerl beds and seagrass meadows. The habitat data for Jersey s waters does not currently distinguish between kelp forest (which is recognised under the OSPAR convention) and other kelp habitats. However, all kelp habitats are of importance for the marine ecosystem and are therefore considered to be a priority for protection.

Jersey s waters also provide habitats for

a range of species that are regarded as internationally significant, including flat oyster, Balearic shearwater, roseate tern, European eel, spotted ray, long and short- snouted seahorses, porbeagle shark, bluefin tuna and several species of marine mammal such as dolphins, porpoises

and seals. These species are covered by

a range of Jersey laws and international environmental agreements including OSPAR, ASCOBANS, and the Bern and Bonn Conventions (See section 4.2).

BACK TO

Existing environmental designations

within Jersey s waters, plus the habitats listed under the OSPAR convention, are shown in Fig. 8a. Existing designations include a No Take Zone (NTZ) (where no fishing or removal of aquatic resources is permitted); Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) (where mobile gear is excluded to protect seabed habitats); Ramsar sites (wetland

sites designated for their international importance); Areas of Special Protection (ASPs) (temporary designations under wildlife law), and Sites of Special Interest (SSIs) (designated for their special ecological or geological interest). The designations are  described in more detail later in this chapter.  A principle of the JMSP is that there will  

be no loss of marine protection, so the existing designations will be retained,

with no diminution. Additionally, the JMSP was established to develop a network of MPAs in Jersey s waters consistent with

the island s environmental, economic and social objectives. Expansion of MPAs is, therefore, proposed where there is strong evidence to support this.

8 | The Natural Environment and Biodiversity 83

8.1.2  Key Evidence Base documents

Key Evidence Base documents for this chapter:

• Ecosystems Service Assessment of Jersey's Marine Habitats (2023)
• Blue Carbon Resources: An Assessment of Jersey's Territorial Seas (2022)
• Information provided to public consultation  by Jersey SeaSearch, Société Jersiaise and Blue Marine
• Ramsar Sites Management Plans
• East Coast No Take Zone Report by Société Jersiaise (2022)
• A valuation of Jersey's Marine Habitats in Providing Ecosystem Services (Blue Marine and N ew Economics Foundation, 2023)
• A baseline description of the benthic assemblages of Les Sauvages reef, Jersey Blue Marine Foundation (2023)
• Marine Protected Areas Assessment Methodology (2023)
• An Outline of the Ecology and Sensitivity of Marine Habitats in Jersey (2023)
• Jersey Geodiversity Audit British Geological Survey (2020)
• Invasive Non-Native Species: Challenges for the water environment Environment Agency, (2021)

8.1.3  Legislation and Policy Context

One of the primary purposes of the JMSP, as set out in the Ministerial Delivery Plan is protecting and enhancing Jersey's natural environment and heritage by: ...Developing a Marine Spatial Plan to ensure the sustainable management of the Island's marine environment. Strat egic Proposal 3 of the Bridging Island Plan states that the JMSP should organise human and marine resources in Jersey's territorial waters, and, in particular,

to develop a network of marine protected areas. This desire for improved environmental protection results from both Jersey's acknowledgement of the climate and biodiversity crises, and from international commitments to provide '30 by 30' protection of marine waters, when 30% of

waters will be protected by 2030.

As explained in Section 1.2, the JMSP forms

an ov erarching strat egic fram ework s etting th e approach for a range of tools, including land use planning, marine resource management and

fishing r egulation. Th e JMSP is not a statutory document, but will give direction to other legislative and policy tools, which will be used to deliver the priorities and actions set out in the JMSP.

8.1.4  Pen Portraits

I have been happiest; sparked alive even, by the sudden breaching of

a sea mammal beside the boat and their fluid intelligence as they ride

the bow wave. I am in love with their silver grey as it spins out of the water as they play. I have watched in awe as a group of garfish form

a glimmering bait ball as a dolphin glides by. I have bubbled in bliss through my snorkel whilst rocking in the clear shallows with sparkling

Marion  sm elt and r etr eat ed t errifi ed and joyous at th e app earanc e of a curious Walton MA

seal. I have tried to be invisible as a huge green and orange wrasse has Anthrozoology,

Société Jersiaise f ed b elow m e.

I have cried as a child trying to untangle crabs from a huge net that

had ghost fished its way into the bay. I remember my first snorkel as a nine year old and the thrill as a cat shark wound through the water.

I remember beautiful fat lipped and enormous goby in our sandpools when we were tiny; they have gone. I have felt huge anger trying to free an eel attached to a weight and broken line under the pier at Grève de Lecq. I bit the line holding it to the weight but there was a huge hook in its mouth and it washed up dead the next day. I have felt anger at the rare ray thrown into the water with its wings cut away. I felt fury when I watch ed a man throw a small living fish into a plastic bag to di e and another who did not know what he had caught.

I feel an increasing sense of loss as the rocks green and the animals disappear. We are losing our life support system and the stunning biodiversity that we and the other animals on this planet need to live. I do not have hope anymore.

In Jersey we are always close to the sea, and we gain so much from it

the sound of the waves, the smell of the ocean, sunsets, dog walks, surfing, diving, snorkelling, beers with friends, BBQs with friends, making new friends, remembering old ones, a place to reflect, to mourn, to celebrate or to just sit in peace. The sea shapes where we live, how we work and is a critical component in our everyday lives here

Andy and  and around the globe. It's imperative that our duty to preserve and Courtney

enhance such a valuable resource is maintained and supported.

Farmer, Littlefeet

Environmental

With Littlefeet Environmental we have over a decade of beach cleaning under our belts. In that time, we've seen a decrease in domestic waste indicating that the Jersey public, and those visiting our island, are generally proud and responsible individuals who appreciate the diversity of our coastal areas. However, we have seen an increase in mismanag ed fishing g ear and oth er aquacultur e r elat ed wast e.

Education is key for us. It is essential that everyone understands the purpose of the work that is being undertaken in Jersey, and on a global scale, to ensure coastal and open water preservation and protection. We need to make certain that data being collected is transmitted through local communities and adapted so that it is understandable and easily implemented into our day-to-day activities, to encourage  stewardship and accountability.

Exploring Jersey's sub-tidal world is a privilege. Few people, even divers, visit our extraordinary sub-tidal reef systems full of unique

and colourful wonders such as Pink Sea Fan coral. Our cameras take only images of artefacts from wreck skeletons, symbolizing our rich

maritime history or capturing what a pristine seabed actually looks like. More isolated places reveal ancient riverbeds, glacial deposits,

Kevin McIlwee,  even molluscs that have changed little in physical appearance since Chair of

early life formed. I peer through the window of my lens at relics of Jersey Marine

Conservation  our past times. Fortunately, these snapshots visualize anthropogenic and Seasearch  impacts on our marine species and habitats, supporting the

Co-ordinator protection of seabed areas that could have been destroyed.

Since starting the Jersey Seasearch project, our data has mounted in testimony to the effects of climate change, the impacts of overfishing, pollution and the diminishing biodiversity. Jersey's waters are shallow and subject to tidal flows, contributing to spikes in temperature, oxygen diminishment, microplastics and toxicity. The surveys provide evidence of bleaching, disease and invasive species domination.

There is a growing volume of plastic accumulating in coves and bays and the intensity of potting that targets specific areas is leading to incr easing ghost fishing d ebris. Dumping of scallop sh ells and chain mooring systems are changing the benthic communities of harbours too. Lastly, the growing boat community and influx of visitors to reef and coast areas, is disturbing mammal and seabird breeding sites and our project now includes the monitoring of

isolat ed outlying communiti es.

2. No Take Zones

8.2.1  Background

A No Take Zone (NTZ) has the highest possible level of protection, where all fishing and the removal of any aquatic resources (defined as any living creature, plant or seaweed) are forbidden. Designation of a NTZ is an extreme measure which must be supported by substantive evidence,

and only happens in exceptional circumstances where there is a compelling reason.

At present, the only NTZ in Jersey's waters is at Portelet Bay. It was established in 2022, following a campaign by the Marine Biology Section of the Société Jersiaise, which states:

The objective of having a NTZ in Portelet is to create a natural laboratory that can be used by universities, schools, community groups, visiting researchers and local organisations. It is hoped that the NTZ will facilitate a measurable change in the environmental and ecological health of the bay.

8.2.1  Issues

Biodiversity information was provided for three areas, with recommendations for additional protection.

These areas were: Les Sauvages (information

provided by Blue Marine, Bouley Bay Dive Centre and Jersey Marine Conservation); Archirondel and Anne Port Bays on the east coast of Jersey (information provided by the Société Jersiaise), and Rigdon Bank, to the west of Jersey (information provided by Jersey Marine Conservation and Bouley Bay Dive Centre). All are rich and diverse environments containing habitats and species protected under Jersey and/or international law. However, they have varying levels of available evidence, and reasons for designation. Proposals for each of these areas - given these variations are set out in the Proposed Actions' section below.

8.2.2 Proposed Actions

There is to date limited evidence from Rigdon Bank The Portelet NTZ is intended to be a natural  in terms of the species found there, although dives laboratory' for local and visiting scientists (amateur  by Jersey Seasearch and Jersey Marine Conservation and professional) but also has a recreation function  have identified diverse algal communities on the

such as its well-publicised and popular snorkel trail.  plateau, and unique habitats created by the geology Recreational craft are still permitted to anchor in  of the steep north side. It has similarities with Les  the bay. Sauvages in that there are crusts of sponges and  

jewel anemones, some pink sea fans, and it provides  It is presently too early to tell how the designation  habitat for spiny lobster. Rigdon Bank it is not  

of a NTZ at Portelet has affected marine life in the  considered to be vulnerable to most types of fishing  vicinity. However, evidence from longer-established  activity but, as a reef feature with sensitive habitats NTZs outside Jersey's waters indicates increased size  and species, it is proposed for inclusion within the

and abundance of species biodiversity within NTZs,  expanded MPA network (see section 8.6).

which spills over into the adjoining seas, helping

to replenish stocks of fish and crustaceans, and  Similarly, it is suggested that while Archirondel and potentially enhancing the ecosystem's resilience  Anne Port bays have sensitive species and habitats,

to climate change. these are not materially threatened by the fishing

activities permitted to occur within these bays.

Th e ar ea is alr eady within (and will stay within) th e MPA n etwork, and th e JMSP is proposing a n ew

S eagrass Habitat Manag em ent Ar ea (see section 8.7) which should result in improved management and protection of the bays' most vulnerable habitat.

Les Sauvages Reef has 10 years' worth of survey evidence collected by divers from Jersey Marine Conservation/Jersey Seasearch. It has an outstanding range of species (described in Evidence

Base document EB/NB/11) including rare and slow-growing species such as sea fans and corals, as well as potential for submerged prehistoric archaeological sites. The steep walls, canyons and overhangs provide habitats for mature pink sea fans, sunset cup corals and suitable breeding

sites for crawfish (European spiny lobsters). The reef is visited by larger shark and ray species. The abundance of marine life on the reef is threatened by potting activity in the vicinity, as the pots and lines snag seabed flora and fauna. This forms a compelling reason for its designation

as a NTZ under this JMSP, without waiting for further analysis of the Portelet NTZ. The location of the proposed NTZ at Les Sauvages is shown on Fig. 8o, at the end of this chapter.

Kelp habitat at the western side of Les Sauvages Reef.  Paul Chambers

Pink sea fan, Les Sauvages Reef.  Samantha Blampied

Detailed bathymetric model of Les Sauvages Reef.

Priority NB1:  No Take Zones

To support current and future No Take Zones for the most important and valuable marine resources.

Action NB1a:  The existing No Take Zone at Portelet Bay will be retained,  

and will continue to be monitored. Monitoring will include assessment of damage to the seabed from current anchoring practices, and recommendations to minimise damage will be made accordingly.

3. Ramsar Sites

8.3.1  Background

Ramsar Sites are wetlands designated for their international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Within Jersey's territorial limits there are Ramsar sites in the south-east reefs, Les Écréhous, Les Pierres de Lecq (Paternosters) and Les Minquiers (shown in Fig. 8a). Each has a Management Plan which is intended to promote conservation and wise use' of the wetlands and their resources.

8.3.2 Issues

Although Ramsar sites are internationally  recognised for their importance, and are also  identified in the Bridging Island Plan (BIP), they  do not have statutory protection. In addition,

the Ramsar Site boundaries were based on the evidence available at the time (the late 1990s) and so do not include all areas since identified as being valuable habitats listed under the OSPAR convention. There is currently a discontinuity of management between the Ramsar sites and

the MPA, and the Ramsar sites are particularly vulnerable to recreational disturbance and

r emoval of v eg etation and soil. Th e south- east reefs may also be affected by shoreline management, specifically coastal defence measures in and around Havre des Pas.

8.3.3 Proposed Actions

The existing Ramsar Sites should be retained, and given legal protection through the encompassing MPA designation. They should also be integrated into the surrounding MPAs in terms of their management.

Priority NB2:  Ramsar Sites

To retain Ramsar Sites and promote their effective management.

Action NB2a:  Existing Ramsar Site designations will be retained and will be

managed in accordance with international obligations. Their management will be integrated with that of the surrounding Marine Protected Areas. Comprehensive management plans will cover habitat management, access and recreation, and shoreline management. Management Plans will be prepared in association with residents' associations where appropriate.

4. Sites of Special Interest (SSIs)

8.4.1  Background

Ecological and geological Sites of Special Interest (SSIs) are legally protected as the best examples of Jersey's natural heritage. As shown in Fig. 8a, some coastal Sites of Special Interest (SSIs) extend into the intertidal zone, as follows.

Le Petit Étacquerel (geology)

Les Landes de l'Est (ecology)

La Cotte à la Chèvre (geology)

Île Agois (geology)

Sorel Point (geology)

Giffard Bay (geology)

Belle Hougue Caves (geology and ecology) Les Rouaux (geology)

Bouley Bay and Les Hurets (geology) L'Isl et (g eology)

La Tête des Hougues (geology)

Anne Port Bay (geology)

Mont Orgueil (ecology)

La Motte (Green Island)

Le Croc and Le Nez (geology) Portelet Bay (geology)

A recent Geodiversity

Audit for Jersey (2020) undertaken by the British Geological Survey identified additional sites that qualify for listing as geological SSIs. Intertidal/Coastal

sites proposed for listing

in 2025 include:

St Ouen's Bay Peat Beds Fliquet Bay

Noirmont Point

Bonne Nuit Bay

The main concern at present is the lack of consistent monitoring of SSI condition, particularly for ecological and archaeological SSIs, including those which

extend into the intertidal area. This is an especial concern in SSIs which are in private ownership. Without this monitoring it is not possible to know whether additional management is required. Nor

is there currently any co-ordination of ecological, geological or archaeological expertise within the management of the SSIs.

8.4.3 Proposed Actions

A programme of co-ordinated monitoring should be put in place for SSIs within the intertidal area, with input from geologists, ecologists and archaeologists. Management should reflect

the findings of this monitoring.

Note Priority CH3 (Coastline adjacent to prehistoric coastal sites) also relates to coastal SSIs.

Priority NB3:  Intertidal Sites of Special Interest

To promote sound and sustainable management of intertidal Sites of Special Interest (SSIs), and consider expansion of the SSI network.

Action NB3a:  Existing SSI designations will be retained and protected through

the appropriate management and regulation of potentially damaging activities.

5. Marine mammals and birds, and Areas of Special Protection (ASPs)

8.5.1  Marine Mammals

Cetaceans (whales, porpoises and dolphins) including harbour porpoises, and seals, are found within Jersey's waters. All are protected species under the Jersey Wildlife Law and covered by several international agreements including the ASCOBANS and OSPAR Conventions. Recorded dolphin and porpoise activity, and seal haul sites,

are shown on Fig. 8b.

Jersey has the largest pod of bottlenose dolphins in Europe which lives permanently in the region and this is a selling point for tourist companies offering Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) trips. Recent hydrophone research suggests that the Paternosters and Les Minquiers are areas where dolphins seasonally aggregate, probably to breed.

Porpois e activity is highly s easonal with an annual winter influx occurring along the north and west coasts. High recorded frequencies of porpoises

were noted in locations close to the coast in

St Br elad e's Bay, Bonn e Nuit Bay and Fliqu et Bay.

Coastal seal haul sites (where seals haul out of the water to rest) are primarily associated with remote or isolated rocks located in St Ouen's Bay, south-east reefs, and below Mont Orgueil.

Dolphin.

 Paul Chambers

There are also numerous seal haul sites at Les Écréhous, Les Minquiers and the Paternosters.

Seal haul sites within the offshore and south-east reefs are largely within the Ramsar designation areas. The main threat to marine mammals within Jersey's waters is disturbance from recreation (for example noise, physical disturbance and drones), particularly in ar eas which ar e popular with visitors such as Les Écréhous. These activities are, therefore, controlled in some locations through ASPs.

Seals, Les Écréhous.  Paul Chambers

Fig. 8b Marine mammal activity (based on hydrophones and sightings) Note These maps are based on the current available data

8.5.2 Marine Birds

Jersey's waters provide a home to migratory and non-migratory seabirds, including protected species such as brent geese, Balearic shearwater and roseate tern.

Breeding bird species include oystercatcher, common tern, herring gull, great black-backed gull and rock pipit. Fig. 8c shows the recorded locations of bird resting sites and roosting sites, and areas visited by wading birds, within the intertidal and sub-tidal areas. Bird roosting sites include around Elizabeth Castle, parts of the south-east reefs,

Les Écréhous, Les Minquiers, and isolated cliffs. Breeding birds are generally found in locations where they are not disturbed by human activity

or by avian or mammalian predators. Bird resting sites are more common, and occur throughout

the offshore reefs and around Jersey's coast.

Although bird nesting sites on cliffs are above the high tide mark (and, therefore, technically outside the scope of the JMSP), these birds spend much of their time within the adjacent marine environment, and rely on it for food. There is, therefore, a very strong association between the marine and terrestrial environments in this regard. The Birds on the Edge' project focuses on the creation of a Seabird Protection Zone covering the nesting sites of puffin and other key species on the cliffs between Grève de Lecq and Grosnez, involving the proposed construction of a rat-proof fence running along the cliff and down to the sea through the intertidal area.

Wading birds are particularly associated with the shallow sandy bays of St Aubin's Bay, the Royal Bay of Grouville , St Catherine's Bay, Anne Port, Archirondel, Havre des Pas, and sandy patches within the south-

east reefs. Birds found here include oystercatcher, sanderling, turnstone, grey plover and curlew.

Puffins.

 Mick Dryden

Many of these wading birds are migratory, with brent geese, sanderling, turnstone and grey plover all examples of species which over-winter in Jersey, but return to the arctic in the summer to breed. Other migratory species pass through in the autumn, including sooty sh earwat er, Manx sh earwat er, Balearic shearwater, storm petrel, sandwich tern, common tern, kittiwake and little gull. Migratory passerine (perching) birds including goldcrest, firecrest, chiffchaff and willow warbler use patches of tree mallow vegetation on the offshore reefs for cover whilst they rest. They also feed on the many  insects found in and around the flowers and leaves  of the tree mallow.

8.5.3 Areas of Special Protection

Areas of Special Protection (ASPs) are designated by Order under the Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021 in order to provide protection within a given area for named species of wild bird, animal or plant. The effect of designation may be to restrict access to the area and/or to prohibit certain activities likely to cause disturbance. ASPs can be seasonal, rather than permanent, and may be used, for example, as a means to protect the breeding activities and young of protected species.

At present, ASPs are designated to protect wild birds such as common tern, roseate tern, oystercatcher, Europ ean shag and gr eat cormorant. ASPs on

Les Écréhous and Les Minquiers currently apply for the nesting season (from February/April until

the end of August). During this time only authorised people are permitted to enter a designated breeding area. Each breeding area is clearly marked on the ground with signage and information advising of the restrictions on access. A range of recreational

or commercial activities that risk causing disturbance to the nesting birds are restricted within the ASPs. These activities include:

• operating a vessel at a speed of 5 knots or more (except in the case of an emergency)
• bringing a dog onto land (unless authorised in writing by the Minister)
• using or operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (unless authorised in writing by the Minister)
• using or operating a laser
• discharging a firearm or ceremonial gun
• lighting fir eworks
• lighting fires (except barbecues)
• playing any recordings of bird songs and calls or other sounds which may attract, alarm or otherwise disturb a protected wild bird
• playing music at a volume which may alarm or otherwise disturb a protected wild bird

8.5.4 Issues

Localised disturbance of both seabirds and mammals is an ongoing issue, with concerns including disturbance of wading birds by dogs, disturbance of nesting birds by coastal recreation, and disturbance of birds and seals by drones. Nesting birds are also threatened by rats, which increase predation pressures on eggs hence the Birds on the Edge' project.

A furth er ar ea of conc ern is d eath or injury to marine birds following entanglement in nets, particularly when the nets are not used correctly. This issue was raised frequently throughout the public consultation on the MSP, and there have been recent high-profile incidents in which birds have become entangled in nets. There have also been reported issues of seabirds becoming entangled in lost/abandoned fishing gear such as monofilament line.

Marine mammals and birds are likely to be particularly affected by climate change. Warming seas support different species of fish, and this in turn affects the availability of food for cetaceans and seabirds. The changing climate may also impact

on migratory patterns. This is a particular concern given that many of Jersey's marine species are at the northern or southern edge of their ranges. It is likely that some species may leave Jersey's waters, but also that new species may come in. There are, for example, around twenty fish species that have either arrived in Jersey waters in the past 50 years or have gone from seasonally to permanently resident. Whilst addressing these wider issues is beyond the scope of the JMSP, it is important to acknowledge the background stress on many marine populations. This stress makes them more vulnerable, and, therefore, more in need of protection through measures that are in our control. It is also important that birds and mammals which use both land and sea do not fall between the gaps' of terrestrial

and marine planning and understanding.

8.5.5 Proposed Actions

ASPs have only been introduced recently (at

Les Écréhous and Les Minquiers), and so there is no data yet on their effectiveness. There are currently three further areas which are experiencing very localised disturbance of wildlife, and which have been identified as priority areas for ASP designation. These are shown on Fig. 8o

(at the end of the chapter) and comprise:

• Puffin and auk nesting sites on the cliffs west of Grève de Lecq (associated with the Birds on the Edge project) which are being disturbed

 by people using the area for recreation.

• Petit Port, where roosting birds and shelduck are being disturbed by inshore fishing.

• Seal haul sites on Les Écréhous, where seals  are being disturbed by people using the area for r ecr eation.

Enforcement of ASPs largely relies on public co-operation, so a comprehensive programme

of public education is also required regarding appropriate behaviours around wildlife.

Relevant user groups (for example reefs residents' associations and boat trip operators) should be consulted when ASPs are being considered.

Priority NB4:  Priority Areas for designation as Areas of Special

Protection (ASPs)

To identify priority areas for the further protection of wildlife through the designation of additional Areas of Special Protection.

Action NB4a:  Sites at Petit Port, Les Écréhous and at the proposed

Seabird Protection Zone should be considered as priorities for designation as Areas of Special Protection in order to counter the threats to wildlife. Relevant user groups (for example reefs residents' associations and boat trip operators) should be consulted when ASPs are being considered

Action NB4b:  The effectiveness of ASP designation should be  

monitored and reviewed.

See also Priority RT5 in Chapter 11 r egarding r egulations gov erning dogs on b each es, Priority RT6 in Chapter 11 r egarding education of coastal users, and Priority FA2 in Chapter 9 r egarding potting and netting equipment.

6. Marine habitats and  Marine Protected Areas

8.6.1  Background

The variety of conditions (geology, sediment, water depth, tides and currents) means that Jersey's waters contain an extraordinarily rich diversity of habitats. Fig. 8d is a simplified habitats map of Jersey's waters, showing the habitats grouped into 14 categories.

These habitats are described in the following pages. These habitats are described in the following pages. Seagrass beds, maerl beds and kelp forests (found within some parts of the rock-kelp habitats shown on Fig. 8d) are priority habitats under OSPAR and should be protected according to the requirements of Annex V of the Convention. Ross worm habitats are also listed under OSPAR. Historically, ross worm habitats have been

present within Jersey's waters, but their current extent and state is unknown.

Predominantly   Predominantly  Intertidal habitats

shallow sea habitats deep sea habitats

  Rock barnacle communities  Sediment seaweed  Sediment robust fauna  Rock seaweed communities  Sandmason worms  Hard ground unstable  Rock pool communities  Seagrass beds  Hard ground stable

  Sediment sparse fauna

  Sediment rich fauna

  Rock kelp

  Maerl beds

  Slipper limpet beds

As can be seen in Fig. 8d, the habitats form an intricate pattern.

In many cases, their precise boundaries and location fluctuate over time, in response to changing environmental conditions. The habitats are closely interrelated and all play a different role in the overall functioning of the marine ecosystem. Each habitat provides a

unique combination of benefits from nature.

BACK TO 8 | The Natural Environment and Biodiversity

CONTENTS 99

8.6.2 Intertidal habitats Rock barnacle communities

This habitat is primarily intertidal and consists  

of exposed rock surfaces that are dominated by  barnacle communities, typically Semibalanus  balanoides. Limpets, dog whelks and sparse seaweed  communities are also associated with this habitat.

Rock seaweed communities Rock pool communities

This habitat covers large areas of the reefs around  This habitat is found within the reefs around Jersey's coast, as well as the offshore reefs. It is  Jersey's coastline, and the offshore reefs. Rockpools primarily intertidal and occurs where dense seaweed  are seawater filled depressions in the intertidal communities cover rock surfaces. Typically, this  zone and consist of pools in a variety of shapes, habitat is characterised by fucoid seaweeds (wracks)  depths and sizes. These pools support a range of

but there is also a high diversity of red and green  intertidal species and are typically characterised seaweeds. Other species associated with this  by seaweeds such as Corallina officinalis,

habitat are limpets, barnacles, winkles and  encrusting algae, Furcellaria lumbricalis, and beadlet anemones. wracks (Fucus spp.). Some rockpools may have a

layer of sediment at the bottom in which burrowing species, such as the daisy anemone, can be found.

8.6.3 Shallow sea habitats Sediment seaweed

The most extensive areas of this habitat are  

found in Les Minquiers. Smaller areas are found at  Les Écréhous and the coastal reefs. This habitat is  composed of mixed sediments and is typically found  in the shallow subtidal (from the sublittoral fringe  to the 5m below chart datum). Sargassum muticum  is strongly associated with this habitat where, in  areas of shallow standing water over sediment,  

it anchors to small rocks and pebbles in the sandy  sediment. Species such as bootlace weed, sugar  kelp and various red algaes are also associated  

with this habitat.

Sand mason worms

This habitat is mainly found around Jersey's coast, particularly in (or just offshore from) sandy bays, with a small amount also found at the offshore reefs. It comprises coarse, medium and fine sands that

are characterised by the tube building sand mason worm (Lanice conchilega). This habitat can be found in both intertidal and subtidal sediments.

The ecosystem services of sand mason worms

are similar to that of basin sand and gravel (see above) as this is the substrate they are found on.

However, the presence of sandmason worms stabilises sediments and increases the flow of many services, such as primary production, nutrient cycling and biodiversity. Sand mason worms occur in both the lower intertidal and subtidal waters.

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Seagrass beds

Seagrass is found in a small number of sheltered bays around Jersey's coast. The most extensive areas are found in St Catherine's Bay, Archirondel and Anne Port, and off the south-east reefs. There are also smaller patches in St Aubin's Bay and Portelet Bay, and at Les Écréhous and Les Minquiers Reefs. Seagrass is an angiosperm (flowering plant) that has adapted to live in the ocean, growing in intertidal and shallow subtidal areas that are relatively sheltered. Zostera noltii grows in the intertidal and Zostera marina grows in the shallow subtidal area. The

root structures of the seagrass help to stabilise the sediment and the canopy formed by the blades provides shelter for many species.

Sediment sparse fauna

This habitat occurs in relatively small extents over much of Jersey's waters (though less in the south- west and central parts). It is associated with high energy environments. It comprises clean mobile sands (coarse, medium and fine) supporting a limited range of species. This habitat group includes barren, highly mobile sands and shingle at one end of the spectrum and relatively stable, clean sands

at the other that support communities of isopods,

amphipods and some polychaetes.

Sediment rich fauna

This habitat is found in the shallower waters on the eastern side of the Bailiwick. It is primarily associated with sandy coastal bays and und ers ea basins.

It comprises moderately exposed and sheltered subtidal sediments (fine sands and muds with

gravel and pebbles) that are characterised by a diverse assemblage of burrowing polychaetes, bivalves, amphipods. Many of the burrowing

species are tube building filter or deposit feeders.

Section 8.7 provides more information on the

thr eats to s eagrass habitats, and s ets out prioriti es and actions to protect it through the establishment of S eagrass Habitat Manag em ent Ar eas.

Kelp habitats are found around Jersey's north  

and west coasts, off the south-east reefs, and the  shallow seas around Les Écréhous, Les Minquiers,  Les Anquettes and the Paternosters. Rock substrate  is dominated primarily by kelp (Laminaria spp.)  but also associated seaweed species. Kelp is a fast- growing brown algae that creates habitat for other  species. Kelp forest (dense kelp areas) and kelp  park (patchy kelp areas) have been grouped  

for this assessment as they provide similar  ecosystem services. Further work is needed to  groundtruth the habitat map and understand the  variations within kelp habitats. Kelp forest is an  OSPAR priority habitat due to its role in supporting  biodiversity and its role in the carbon cycle.

Maerl beds

Maerl beds occur primarily in shallow waters off the south coast of Jersey, and along the edges of the offshore reefs. The largest known area is associated with Les Anquettes reef. Maerl is a free growing, coralline red alga that forms nodular and branched structures on the sea floor. These nodules create dense accumulations on the seafloor that provide structure and habitat for many other species. This habitat is characterised by diverse burrowing communities, in particular bivalves, including the commercially important king scallop (Pecten maximus). Maerl Beds are an OSPAR priority habitat due to their role in supporting biodiversity.

Slipper limpet beds

The largest area of slipper limpet beds is found in the south-eastern corner of the Bailiwick, east of Les Minquiers. Smaller beds are found to the south of St Aubin's Bay and to the east of Jersey. The American slipper limpet (Crepidula fornicata) is an invasive non-native species which colonises medium and coarse sand or gravels on moderately exposed coasts. The slipper limpets grow in chains on the seabed and can rapidly colonise an area, altering the biotope. Ascidians and anemones may grow on the shells of dead slipper limpets.

8.6.4 Deep sea habitats Sediment robust fauna

This habitat is generally found in Jersey's deeper  waters. It is associated with relatively high energy  sedimentary environments, where it covers quite  large areas of the seabed. It comprises moderately  exposed or tide swept subtidal coarse sand and  gravel that is characterised by robust burrowing  species such as bivalves, polychaetes and mobile  crustacea. Certain species of sea cucumber  

may be prevalent in areas of this habitat.

Hard ground unstable

This habitat is generally found in relatively deep and high energy waters, where the seabed contains little sediment. The greatest extent of this habitat is found between Jersey and Les Minquiers. This habitat is very different in its faunal assemblages compared to stable hard ground (below) as the unstable nature of this habitat limits colonisation to fast growing and robust species. This biotope is typically characterised by a few robust, fas-growing species that are able

to colonise pebbles and cobbles that are regularly moved by tidal currents. The calcareous tube worm, Pomatoceros triqueter, is a dominant species on

this habitat.

 Jersey Marine Conservation

Hard ground stable

This habitat is found in relatively deep, high-energy  waters with a seabed formed of relatively stable  bedrock and boulders. The greatest extents are in  the south-west part of the Bailiwick. It comprises  moderately exposed circalittoral bedrock and  boulders dominated by encrusting sponges,  ascidians, hydroids and bryozoans. This habitat  also supports a diverse number of anemones,  echinoderms, crustaceans and soft corals such as  pink s eafan (Eunicella verrucosa) and d ead man's  fingers (Alcyonium digitatum).

8.6.5 Benefits from Nature

As explained in Chapter 6 above, benefits from nature (also known as ecosystem services') can be classified into three groups (provisioning benefits, regulating benefits and cultural benefits), underpinned by supporting benefits. The following table shows the many different benefits provided by Jersey's marine environment.

Table 8a Benefits from nature provided by Jersey's marine environment.

Each of the habitats described in section 8.6.4 above provides different combinations of benefits to people, and to the marine ecosystem. These are summarised in the following table (ranked in order, with the highest overall score first) and in Figs. 8e–8i. The scoring basis is explained in full in the Ecosystem Services Assessment of Jersey's Marine Habitats [Evidence Base document EB/NB/8]

Table 8b: Benefits from nature scores for Jersey's marine habitats. OSPAR listed habitats are shaded in blue.