Government of Jersey

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made 4 April 2014:

Decision Reference: MD-E-2014-0025
Decision Summary Title :	Temporary exclusion zone - Under-sea laying of new electrical cable		Date of Decision Summary:	31 March 2014
Decision Summary Author:	Maritime Compliance Manager		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	n/a
Written Report Title :	Electrical cable laying - Temporary exclusion zone		Date of Written Report:	31 March 2014
Written Report Author:	Harbour Master, Jersey Harbours		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Under-sea laying of new electrical cable - Temporary exclusion zone required
Decision(s): In accordance with his powers under Regulation 1(1)(b) of the Harbours (Jersey) Regulations 1962, the Minister decided to issue a Direction to establish a temporary exclusion zone in Jersey territorial waters in the immediate vicinity of the proposed cable laying operation. Within the zone, all fishing of any type is to be prohibited. The zone is to be effective from 11 April 2014 for a limited period of time and limited in its physical extent as described in the attached draft Notice to Mariners.
Reason(s) for Decision: The Jersey Electricity Company is shortly to commence the process of laying a new electricity supply cable between the coast of Normandy and the Island. Whilst cable-laying is in progress in Jersey waters, fishing in the immediate vicinity of the cable-laying and burying operation will be particularly hazardous and could also interfere with the operation itself. It is therefore necessary to establish this zone, which will only be maintained as long as required for the operation to be completed.
Resource Implications: There are no new financial, property, ICT or human resources issues arising.
Action required: Following the Ministerial Decision, the Harbour Master is directed to publish and promulgate a Notice to Mariners giving the necessary details relating to the exclusion zone.
Signature: Senator A.J.H.Maclean		Position: Minister
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Maritime Exclusion Zone - Temporary: Electricity Cable Laying Operations

Jersey Harbours

Maritime House, La Route du Port Elizabeth,

St Helier, Jersey, JE1 1HB

Tel: +44 (0)1534 44 77 88

Fax: +44 (0)1534 44 77 99

Website: www.portofjersey.je

NOTICE TO MARINERS

№ 14 of 2014

EXCLUSION ZONE – CABLE LAYING OPERATIONS

JERSEY, EAST COAST

(BA Chart №: 1138 and 3655)

Cable laying operations for the France to Jersey electricity cable are scheduled to commence on 11 April 2014 for a period of approximately eight weeks.

The intended route of the cable is listed at Annex A and is shown diagrammatically at Annex B.

All fixed fishing gear is to be removed in advance from an area within 1000 metres of the intended route and no fixed fishing gear is to be placed within this area until otherwise notified or cable laying operations are complete.

Cable laying will take place from a barge attended by tugs. The barge, named CABLE ENTERPRISE will exhibit lights and shapes as appropriate to indicate “special operations” and watch will be maintained on VHF Channel 16 and 71 (Call “Cable Enterprise” or call sign “2FOV9”). No fishing or trawling is to take place, nor is any vessel to pass, less than 1000 metres ahead or to the side of the barge and tugs or 500 metres astern without clearance from the cable layer.

By Direction of the Minister for Economic Development, an Exclusion Zone is therefore established prohibiting fixed fishing gear to be placed within 1000m of the intended route or unauthorised approach within 1000 metres ahead or to the side of the barge and tugs or 500 metres astern in Jersey Territorial Waters and will come into force at 0001 BST 11 April 2014.

It is an offence to contravene the exclusion zone, punishable by a fine not exceeding £2,000.

A vessel will clear obstructions ahead of the barge; anything recovered will be landed for disposal.

This notice will be cancelled when cable laying operations have been completed.

signature-full

Barry Goldman CBE

for Harbourmaster

31 March 2014

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COORDINATES FOR ROUT E OF CABLE LAYING OPERATIONS ANNEX A

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DIAGRAM OF ROUTE OF CABLE LAYING OPERATIONS ANNEX B

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