Experts put case for protecting parts of the sea

MARINE protected areas should be implemented around Guernsey, according to experts.

The areas protect marine habitats and are thought to increase healthy fish stocks.

Marine Conservation Society biodiversity policy officer Dr Jean-Luc Solandt said they were important because the seas had been in decline for 100 years.

'There is an opportunity for wildlife in marine areas to recover. The benefits of marine protected areas are massive,' he said.

Finding Sanctuary project manager Tom Hooper said as well as fish stocks recovering if such areas were implemented, many other species, from worms to basking sharks, would also thrive.

'You don't have to eat it to value it.

'A marine protected area means a healthy habitat and healthy fish. They are often much more resilient and productive,' he said.

'And fishermen fish around them because they get the best stock.'