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Jersey's offshore reefs will now be protected from dredging or trawling following a unanimous decision by the island's politicians this week.
The Environment Minister proposed the ban to protect two large areas - totalling 62km2 - around Les Minquiers and Les Écréhous.
Les Écréhous and Minquiers are home to extensive areas of seagrass, maerl and kelp. The move could help secure the long-term future of those species.
Minister, Deputy Steve Luce said: "This is a significant decision and a crucial step forward in protecting our precious marine environment. It’s come about thanks to the hard work and tenaciousness of people in public and non-governmental bodies, who have worked together for Jersey.
"Our offshore reefs are rightly regarded as environmental treasures and the ban on dredging and trawling will provide a measure of protection needed to safeguard the ecological and economic welfare of our seas."
The ban on dredgers and trawlers around the Écréhous and Minquiers brings the total area of seabed protected from the use of what’s known as ‘mobile fishing gear’ to 150 km2. or 6.5% of the Island’s territorial waters.
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