Enhanced protection for Sark's sea life

Monday, 29 December 2025 08:00

Pictures of underwater Sark by Sue Daly.

Sark's government wants enhanced Marine Protected Area status for its territorial waters.

Sark has been working informally to protect the marine life around its coast, but achieving Highly Protected Status would strengthen that.

Currently, dredging and bottom trawling are banned and there are strict limits on when shellfish can be caught, so that stocks are not depleted.

The proposed Marine Protection Area would enable greater control over the boats allowed to trawl close to shore while encouraging sustainable fishing and 'blue' tourism.

The local marine society, La Société Sercquaise, and the Blue Marine Foundation are working together on the proposal.

Freddie Watson is Blue Marine's project manager for the Channel Islands and says the protection will build on what's already in place:

"A formal Marine Protected Area would place Sark firmly on the global marine protection map, ensuring its waters are safeguarded in the long term, benefitting nature, climate and generations to come.”

Local diver Sue Daly says the wealth of marine life off Sark is stunning:

"Sark’s seas are a treasure trove of life, from eelgrass meadows to seabird colonies, and they deserve lasting protection.

"A Marine Protected Area would ensure these fragile habitats continue to thrive, safeguarding both our wildlife and the island’s way of life for
generations to come.”

Sark's government, Chief Pleas, will debate the proposal at its Christmas meeting, which is held in January 2026.