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Email Submission from Jersey Marine Conservation
The problem as it stands is that Jersey under Brexit agreements cannot revise the Territorial waters restricted zone. Currently overfishing by high tech operations is a big problem. Quantities and catch size need to be tightly controlled to allow a sustainable species population. Far too much investment is being put into sonar etc to give operations the edge. Boats are targeting key habitats and taking too many fish, crustacean and molluscs reducing the breeding population. We need a 12 mile 6 mile limit that prevents destructive fishing methods. As I understand things procedures will be introduced but the process will take time.
Currently economic considerations overshadow the environmental problem. Jersey fishermen need to diversify and reduce reliance on the French market.
More independent detailed studies, that give a true account of what is going on need to be carried out. Operations that employ locals seem to have a market for their catches. Unfortunately much of this does not show up in economic models. The number of pots and equipment owned days more than recorded catches and tax returns. Subsidies should not give operations an unfair or allow destructive methods.
Scrutiny perhaps needs to utilise independent reports and not just Marine Resources.