30 March 2010
Following the success of last year and the agreement of the Seabird Working Group, 2 seabird protection zones have been re-established for the coming breeding season.
The Department has produced 2 information leaflets outlining Seabird Protection Zones and the Codes of Conduct that should be followed within these. The protection zones have been designated in order to protect the sensitive seabird populations during the breeding season from March to July.
The north coast zone extends from Plemont headland to Le Douet de la Mer and is focussed on protecting sensitive puffin populations and other seabirds like razor bills and fulmars.
The second zone is in the vicinity of Les Ecréhous reefs and in particular is concerned with tern populations. Signs will also be placed at Grève de Lecq and Plémont showing the Plémont protection zone and the Code of Conduct. Signs are already in situ at Les Ecréhous.
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.
The leaflets will be available from the States website as well as 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 Ecréhous 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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