As we recognise this next World Ocean Day, we reflect on the important strides made in marine conservation through Affinity's partnership with Blue Marine Foundation on the Jersey Hand Dived Scallop Initiative. Last month, our Marketing Manager, Cara, embarked on Blue Marine's final research trip for the initiative, marking the culmination of a nearly two-year effort funded by Affinity.
Cara's journey took her aboard Toby Greatbatch’s boat to both a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and a non-protected area in Jersey’s waters. The goal was to gather crucial data comparing scallop populations within these different environments.
Jersey, the southernmost part of the British Isles, is home to one of Northern Europe’s most diverse marine ecosystems. Its habitats, from seagrass beds and maerl to kelp forests and complex reef structures, support over 3,000 known species, including extensive scallop beds.
Collecting and Analysing Data;
The hand-dived scallop diver, Toby, collected samples from both locations. Cara and the Blue Marine team measured the size and quality of the scallop shells, providing vital data which has been passed onto the Government of Jersey. Although the data is yet to be analysed, we noticed that not only were there far more scallops in protected areas, but these areas also had a larger proportion of scallops which are of legal size, highlighting the benefits of MPAs.
The Importance of MPAs;
Unlike the UK’s MPAs, where the large majority allow bottom-towed fishing, Jersey’s MPAs provide comprehensive protection, covering 6.5% of its territorial waters. Since 2018, Blue Marine has been working to extend Jersey’s MPA network to cover at least 30% of its waters, aiming to establish a Marine Park. This initiative is crucial, especially given the recent changes in Jersey’s political and environmental landscape.
A Pivotal Moment for Marine Protection;
In 2022, the project secured a commitment from the Jersey government to develop a network of MPAs within its 2023 Marine Spatial Plan (MSP). An island-wide poll found that 85% of islanders support the creation of a Marine Park, underscoring strong public backing for increased marine protection. Now, with the MSP reaching its final stages, Jersey’s seas are on the cusp of seeing greater and better protection.
Supporting Sustainable Fisheries;
The Jersey Hand Dived (JHD) initiative promotes sustainable fishing practices by highlighting local scallops harvested sustainably by divers. This initiative has successfully engaged the local community, with many divers, merchants, and restaurants participating in the program. Additionally, the Jersea Fish of the Month initiative educates the public about the seasonality and sustainability of local seafood.
Looking Ahead
The data collected from Cara’s trip, alongside the other trips Blue Marine has undertaken, is crucial for advocating more marine protection in Jersey. This evidence has been submitted to the Jersey government, demonstrating the positive impact of MPAs on scallop populations. Moving forward, Blue Marine will continue to develop the Jersey Hand Dived initiative, integrating it into a broader Marine Park brand that promotes sustainable fishing and marine conservation.
In recognition of this year's World Ocean Day, we acknowledge the progress made through this project and the promising future it holds for Jersey’s marine environment. The collaborative efforts of Affinity and Blue Marine highlight the importance of research and community engagement in fostering a sustainable ocean.
Happy World Ocean Day! Let’s continue to protect and value our marine ecosystems for future generations.
If you're interested in learning more, please refer to Blue Marine’s dedicated report outlining the impact of Affinity's sponsorship, available here.
