Fisheries and Marine Resources Annual Report 2007 Released

21 April 2008

The Fisheries and Marine Resources Annual Report 2007 has been released and highlights good news for the industry in several areas.  These include an increase in shellfish production; the maintenance of good relations with the UK and the rest of Europe and improved efforts on the conservation front.

However, the report also acknowledges that the industry has experienced some problems throughout the year.  Wet fish catches were down and profitability within the industry dropped.  The total value from the fisheries sector was down 1% on the 2006 figure but it is hoped that an improvement in prices and a reduction in high fuel costs will help reverse this trend.

The Granville Bay Treaty arrangements continue to function well and the industry also welcomed the Privy Council’s decision to allow a restoration of fishing in Guernsey’s 3-12 mile waters.

The industry has expressed its willingness to look into an appropriate conservation scheme and within the last year, seven pieces of legislation have either been amended or created to assist in the conservation effort.  The department also produced three new information leaflets to help inform the public about marine conservation.

Senator Philip Ozouf, Minister for Economic Development, said "The Fishing Industry continues to perform well in challenging trading conditions.  I am encouraged by the improving relations with the UK and the rest of Europe.  What I have asked is that the Jersey Enterprise team work with representatives from the fishing industry to develop a package of measures to increase the profitability and export potential of Jersey’s fishing industry.  This is a further example where  the new approach at Economic Development can hopefully make a real difference to small and medium sized businesses.”

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Notes to Editors:

1.      For further information, please contact the Head of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Dr Simon Bossy on 441611.

2.      Total first hand value of the industry £5.9 m

3.      Tonnage of shellfish landed 1,592t (1,502 in 2006)

4.      Farmed shellfish production 791t (771 in 2006)

5.      Two Granville Bay conservation measures adopted to control Beam trawling and potting in Les Minquiers