Draft Sea Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Portelet Bay) (Jersey) Regulations 202- [P.29/2022]

​The Draft Sea Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (Portelet Bay) (Jersey) Regulations 202- [P.29/2022] was lodged on 15th February 2022 and approved, in principle, during the States debate held on 31st March 2022. 

However, owing to concerns regarding the ability to police the proposed ‘No Take Zone’ (NTZ), as well as how to avoid any child being criminalised for fishing or using a shrimping net; the draft Regulations were referred to Scrutiny under Standing Order 72. A revised date was set for the debate on the draft Regulations to resume at the States sitting the week of the 25th of April.

The draft Regulations, if approved, will define the area to be known as the “Portelet no-take zone”. This will make it an offence under the Sea Fisheries (Jersey) Law 1994 for a person to remove any fish or shellfish from the Portelet no-take zone, or to use a fishing boat. The Regulations further provide that it is an offence under the Aquatic Resources (Jersey) Law 2014 to remove any marine aquatic species other than fish or shellfish from the Portelet no-take zone. However, the restriction does not apply to fishing for sea fish which is conducted, under the authority of the Minister, for scientific research, or for transplanting fish from one fishing ground to another.

A No Take Zone (NTZ) is a Marine Protected Area (MPA) where all methods of fishing and extraction of natural materials, dumping, dredging or construction activities are prohibited. The removal of any resources, living or dead is prohibited. NTZs can be used alongside conventional fisheries and wildlife conservation management measures to protect marine wildlife and heritage and safeguard or improve local fish stocks.

The Panel has presented its comments paper to the States Assembly on 20th April 2022.

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