15 June 2009
Planning and Environment has produced two leaflets outlining Seabird Protection Zones and the Codes of Conduct that should be followed within these. The number of puffins and terns has declined in recent years and it is hoped these protection zones will provide an environment that will assist the breeding success.
To protect the sensitive seabird populations during the breeding season from March to July, two voluntary Seabird Protection Zones have been designated.
- The North Coast Zone extends from Plémont headland to Le Douet de la Mer and is focused on protecting sensitive puffin populations and other seabirds like razor bills and fulmars.
- The Les Écréhous zone is in the vicinity of Les Écréhous reefs and in particular is concerned with tern populations.
Signs will be placed at Grève de Lecq and Plémont showing the Plémont Protection Zone and the Code of Conduct. Signs are already in place at Les Écréhous.
Leaflets are available online and from Howard Davis Farm and other locations that currently have Fisheries and Marine Resources Information Leaflets. They will also be distributed by Fisheries Officers during normal duties. The Code of Conduct for the zone at Les Écréhous is also in French given the number of French visitors to the reef.
The Assistant Minister for Planning and Environment, Deputy Rob Duhamel, said: “Initiatives such as the Seabird Protection Zones are important as they assist in protecting certain species that are under pressure and give them a better chance of remaining a common sight around our coasts for this and future generations.”
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