Initiated in 2010, The Economic Affairs Scrutiny Sub-Panel report on the Rural Economy Strategy recommended that Jersey's marine and fisheries industry 'warrants its own comprehensive strategy.' Consequently, the Department of the Environment (DoE) (now titled Natural Environment) and the then named Economic Development Department (EDD) (now titled the Department for Economy (ED) published a 2013 Marine Strategy Consultation to put forward a series of marine resource management and economy recommendations.

Since the publication of the consultation in 2013 the marine industry has experienced further challenges, reaffirming the need for a marine economy strategy. In March 2021, in response to the economic shocks caused to Jersey's fishing and aquaculture sectors by the UK's departure from the EU, Marine Economy established a Marine Economy Advisory Group (MEAG) to bring together Jersey's commercial fishermen, aquaculture producers and merchants, to work together on an overarching marine economy strategy.

The vision articulated by the MEAG is for Jersey to have a vibrant and sustainable marine sector, providing employment and economic opportunity, and maintaining fisheries and aquaculture as an integral part of the island's cultural identity.

The Marine Economic Framework will deliver:

• a policy framework that clearly sets out political and governmental accountability for delivery on integrated policies for the management of the marine economy
• structure to provide financial support for the marine sector in the form of a Fishing Vessel Safety Scheme and Marine Economy Development Fund
• incentives for all stakeholders to adopt the best environmental working practices and ensure sustainable management of the marine resource

Within the framework are 5 strategic component groups with distinct areas of focus:

Marine Governance

Management of the marine economy by Government, in both a local and international context

Marine Support

A structure to provide direct financial support to the marine sector in a manner compliant with international trade obligations

Resources Management

Ways in which to maintain and enhance the marine environment and ensure sustainable uses of resources

Communication and Marketing

Greater promotion of the sector locally and internationally

Marine Development

Policies designed to enable sustainable development of the sector, some requiring further research to be delivered throughout the life of the framework.

Initial focus in the delivery of framework components will be placed on how Marine Economy officers can work with industry to enhance Jersey's fisheries and aquaculture sectors in line with the vision stated by the MEAG.

A dynamic policy framework will enable ongoing strategy development with projects to gather evidence and enable ongoing monitoring and reporting on outcomes, thereby providing evidence for future policy making.