16 September 2009
The Chief Minister, Senator Terry Le Sueur, discussed a proposal for a maritime protection area with representatives of the Conseil Général of Ile-et-Vilaine in meetings held in Brittany on Tuesday 15 September 2009.
The proposed ‘marine park’ would be established to promote a greater understanding of the marine environment and protection of the plant and animal life. This will be an important step towards promoting continued enjoyment of this unique area for future generations. Jersey will be invited to send a representative officer to future meetings so that neighbouring Jersey territorial waters and its fishing industry would be considered in any proposals.
Senator Le Sueur was joined at the meetings by political and officer representatives from several States departments and colleagues from the Bureau de Jersey, the Chamber of Commerce and the JEC.
The annual meetings are split into 4 main areas:
- Strategy
- Economy and Tourism
- Education, Sport and Culture
- Environment and Public Services
The meetings also provided an opportunity for the exchange of information and development of joint initiatives, including:
- responses to the global economic position
- Jersey finance industry – the G20 Summit and latest report by the International Monetary Fund
- joint tourism promotion in Brittany and Jersey
- Tour de Bretagne 2010
- customs clearance for Jersey fishermen at St Malo
- student exchanges with the Rennes Business School
- response plans for swine flu
- planned wind farm developments south of Les Minquiers
- oyster mortality and veterinary contacts between Jersey and Ile-et-Vilaine
Senator Le Sueur was pleased with the outcome of the day: "We had a fruitful discussion on a number of matters which concern all the parties represented at the meetings. We will continue the good work being done with Ile-et-Vilaine and I look forward to further developing our excellent relationship."
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