New five-year management plans have been unveiled by the Government as part of a commitment to protect four of Jersey’s “unique” wetland areas.
The initiative for the four Ramsar sites – the south-east coast and three offshore reefs: the Ecréhous, the Minquiers and the Dirouilles – will promote “conservation and wise use” of the areas and their resources, according to the government.
A Ramsar site is a wetland designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
The island’s sites provide a habitat for many smaller marine organisms, which in turn provides food for seabirds and marine mammals, such as dolphins and seals, according to the Jersey Ramsar Management Framework.
Jersey’s Marine Spacial Plan states that although Ramsar sites are internationally recognised for their importance – and are also included in the Bridging Island Plan – they do not have statutory protection.
Strategic aims across all four sites will focus on monitoring and improving the ecological health of the sites, supporting Marine Resources in addressing recommendations set out in the MSP and promoting research, education and data exchange.
Environment Minister Steve Luce, said: “The plans demonstrate our commitment to protecting Jersey’s unique wetland environments.
“Ramsar sites are internationally recognised for their ecological, cultural, and economic significance, and these new management plans outline clear objectives for the sustainable management, monitoring, and protection of these valuable areas.
“I would like to extend a special thanks to the Jersey Ramsar Advisory Group for their contribution to the development of these plans.”