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WQ.359/2021
WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT BY DEPUTY K.F. MOREL OF ST. LAWRENCE
QUESTION SUBMITTED ON MONDAY 13th SEPTEMBER 2021 ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON MONDAY 20th SEPTEMBER 2021
Question
Will the Minister advise members whether the number of visitors to Les Écréhous is monitored and quantified, and, if so, whether there has been an increase; and, furthermore, will he commit to investigating reports of visitors to Les Écréhous disturbing wildlife and causing damage to the reef's unique natural environment?
Answer
In 2020, Natural Environment installed three time lapse cameras on Les Écréhous Reef to record the number of visiting boats. Unfortunately, this project has experienced several setbacks, not least, with people turning the cameras away from the mooring areas.
Notwithstanding, there are 1,085 images from the reef this year and recording will continue during the autumn. These images are yet to be processed.
The number of visitors has increased, and this seem a consequence of COVID when travel by private boat to France has not always been possible.
The new Wildlife (Jersey) 2021 came into force in June this year. The law provides for a more robust protection of our wildlife. Officers are committed to continue to investigate all reports of potential offences at Les Écréhous. They have worked closely with members of the Écréhous Residents Association, the Société Jersiaise and rib operators so that disturbance to wildlife and damage to the reef's unique natural environment is minimised. The Marine Resources rib is available for fast access by officers to the reef. This work continues to be a priority,