STATES OF JERSEY

Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy

 

Lodged au Greffe on 23rd May 2008
by the Minister for Planning and Environment

 

 

 

STATES GREFFE

PROPOSITION

 

THE STATES are asked to decide whether they are of opinion -

 

            to refer to their Act dated 26th June 2006 in which they approved the States Strategic Plan 2006 to 2011 and approved, inter alia, Objective 4.7.5 “To bring forward for consultation and debate in 2006 a Coastal Zone Management Plan”; Commitment 1.1 “Show the world that economic and environmental success can work together, indicated by Conservation and enhancement of biological diversity locally and contribution towards the conservation of global biodiversity where appropriate”; Commitment 4.4 “Clean air, clean water and uncontaminated land”; Commitment 4.5 “Jersey’s natural and built heritage is sympathetically managed” and Objective 5.2.8 “Over the period 2007 – 2010, meet, where possible, international standards set through the extension of international treaties and conventions”, and –

 

                        to receive the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy entitled ‘Making the Most of Jersey’s Coast’ to secure better management and informed decision-making on coastal issues so that Jersey’s vital coastal and marine resources are managed sustainably, as set out in the report of the Minister for Planning and Environment dated March 2008, and in order to give effect to the recommendations made in the Strategy –

 

                        (a)        to request the Minister for Planning and Environment to take the necessary steps to protect and conserve coastal and marine wildlife, habitats, geodiversity and cultural heritage by taking actions including –

 

                                    (i)         developing a marine Biodiversity Action Plan with targets for marine and coastal habitats and species;

 

                                    (ii)        identifying the potential threats to Jersey’s coastal zone posed by climate change and consider appropriate actions for safety, well-being and economic interests of coastal communities;

 

                                    (iii)       reducing inputs of nutrients and hazardous chemicals and materials from both land-based and boat-based sources to improve marine and coastal water quality;

 

                                    (iv)       introducing fishing management techniques and technical measures that are less damaging to non-target species in consultation with the local fishing industry and France, Guernsey and the United Kingdom;

 

                                    (v)        developing fully representative networks of ecological, geological and heritage marine and coastal protected areas in full consultation with all stakeholders;

 

                        (b)        to request the Minister for Planning and Environment to take steps to increase understanding of the marine and coastal environment by –

 

                                    (i)         drawing together a marine and coastal database to make better use of existing information;

 

                                    (ii)        developing a marine habitats classification system;

 

                                    (iii)       developing a marine and coastal atlas for Jersey to assist spatial planning;

 

                                    (iv)       investigating the possibility of setting up a marine research laboratory for use by visiting schools and universities;

 

                        (c)        to request the Minister for Planning and Environment to promote and encourage sensitive use of natural resources to ensure long-term environmental, social and economic benefits by –

 

                                    (i)         ensuring policies within the Island Plan Review reflect the principles of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy;

 

                                    (ii)        developing Management Plans for all Ramsar sites and future protected areas in consultation with all stakeholders;

 

                                    (iii)       encouraging better returns for Jersey-caught marine species by investigating the possibility of supporting the adoption of an internationally recognised certification programme, which promotes well-managed fisheries;

 

                        (d)        to request the Minister for Planning and Environment to work with stakeholders to promote awareness, understanding and appreciation of the value of marine and coastal environments and seek involvement in adapting to change and developing new policies by –

 

                                    (i)         ensuring that effective co-ordination arrangements are in place across the States of Jersey and other interests with a role in the coastal zone to facilitate Integrated Coastal Zone Management;

 

                                    (ii)        through ECO-ACTIVE promote greater community involvement in, and understanding of, marine and coastal issues;

 

                                    (iii)       ensure growth in marine leisure is sustainable;

 

                                    (iv)       work with schools to generate greater understanding of the value of the marine and coastal environment;

 

                                    (v)        develop closer links with France and the other Channel Islands to improve knowledge and sustainable use of the marine and coastal environment;

 

                                    (vi)       continue to participate in the British-Irish Council (BIC) Environment Sub-Group on Integrated Coastal Zone Management.

 

 

 

MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT

REPORT

 

The importance of our coasts and seas

 

In recognition of the importance of the issues raised within the ICZM Strategy the Minister has elected to lodge the Strategy for approval by the States rather than just approve it under his own powers.

 

The coast and seas around Jersey are an integral part of Island life. It is therefore essential that the coast is protected and managed so that it can continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

 

We know far more about the terrestrial parts of Jersey than we do the sea. Consequently, the system for protecting land is far more advanced. However, our coasts and seas are under increasing pressures such as calls for more reclamation, the likely advent of offshore wind-farms, the impacts of climate change and an unprecedented growth in marine and coastal leisure activities. If we are to manage these pressures with any confidence, we need to redress this imbalance and improve our knowledge of the underwater world that surrounds us.

 

Integrated Coastal Zone Management

 

Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) is about securing better management and informed decision-making on coastal issues so that our vital coastal and marine resources are managed sustainably. This Strategy aims to bring together all parties that develop, manage or use the coast to ensure that this is achieved.

 

In short we need to protect our coasts and seas, we need to know more about them, we need to use our marine and coastal environment sensitively and everyone with an interest or responsibility needs to be involved to make it happen.

 

Financial and manpower implications

 

In its current form, the Strategy does not impose any new duties on States Departments, public bodies, organisations or individuals. Instead it intends that all relevant bodies will use their existing powers better, in order to implement the actions listed in the Strategy and to which the various government departments have agreed.

 

A lot can be achieved by reallocating existing resources, but there are areas where Jersey has obligations under international conventions, which may require additional resources to be able to meet these responsibilities. Approaches will be made to external funding sources as appropriate.

 

The benefit for Jersey in the long term will be a well-managed, healthy coastal and marine environment that supports a thriving economy and which is a source of pride for the community.

 

 

 

Note:    The Strategy document accompanying this report and proposition is published separately and is available on the States of Jersey website:

            www.gov.je/Environment