The idea, developed with the support of La Societe Sercquaise and the Blue Marine Foundation, has now been formally put forward to Chief Pleas as a proposal from the island’s Agriculture, Environment & Sea Fisheries Committee.
‘Sark’s seas are a treasure trove of life, from eelgrass meadows to seabird colonies, and they deserve lasting protection,’ said La Societe Sercquaise Marine Biology spokeswoman Sue Daly.
‘A Marine Protected Area would ensure these fragile habitats continue to thrive, safeguarding both our wildlife and the island’s way of life for generations to come.’
The committee said that backing the move would help to distinguish Sark as a leader in environmental justice, and protect the local fishing economy.
‘Establishing an MPA would help mitigate threats such as climate change, pollution, and potential external fishing pressures, while securing Sark’s marine heritage, boosting ecotourism, and reinforcing the island’s identity as a global leader in sustainable marine stewardship, in much the same way as the Dark Skies designation,’ said chairwoman Conseiller Helen Plummer.
‘This proposal recognises the importance of our marine environment not only for biodiversity and fisheries, but also for Sark’s cultural heritage and future prosperity.’
Sark’s waters are already strictly regulated with rules that variously ban dredging, limit trawling, and restrict the harvesting of crabs, lobsters and ormers to closed seasons.
Instituting the proposed Protected Area would likely head to the marine area being classified as ‘highly protected’, and would account for current sustainable practices while promoting low-impact fishing, recreation, and tourism.
‘Sark has already demonstrated strong leadership in sustainable fisheries management,’ said Freddie Watson, Channel Islands project manager for the Blue Marine Foundation.
‘A formal Marine Protected Area would place Sark firmly on the global marine protection map, ensuring its waters are safeguarded in the long term, benefitting nature, climate and generations to come.’
The committee has prepared supporting documents for the proposal, including a vision document entitled ‘Celebrating Sark’s Sea: A Proposal to Secure our Marine Life and a Unique Way of Life at Sea’, which was made to provide a foundational roadmap for the proposal’s success.
It will be discussed by Chief Pleas at its meeting on 21 January.
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