Government of Jersey Marine Resources

If you haven’t already completed the recreational fishing survey, there’s only a week to go! (Closing June 31st)

👉 Complete the survey: https://survey.gov.je/s/JRFS2026/

We really appreciate your feedback regardless of experience level, whether you fish regularly or just a handful of times a year. It helps us better understand fishing activity, your views, and the value of recreational fishing to Jersey.

Thanks to those who have already completed the survey.

Infrastructure and Environment - I&E

As part of a PhD project the Marine Resources department is conducting a research project to better understand skate populations in our waters. We are tagging skates with acoustic ID tags that are attached externally to gold discs, which also have our contact details and the skate's unique ID number.

If you catch a skate with a gold disc attached:
Report any tagged skate you catch by emailing [email protected]. When reporting, please provide:

• The tag ID number, either;
-The number visible in the yellow tip at the end of the tag (25…), or
-The number printed on the gold disc (EX…)
• Capture location (GPS coordinates)
• Date of capture
• Skate length and width

Your cooperation is essential in helping us track skate populations and improve fisheries management. Thank you for your participation!

Yesterday (07/06/2026), a shark washed up at Greve D’Azette beach. It was quickly reported by a Durrell veterinary nurse who also assisted with the post mortem.

Jersey Coastguard, and the British Divers Marine Life Rescue attended the scene with Marine Resources. The shark was showing small signs of life and was unable to be revived at the scene. The incoming tide then took the shark away.

The shark washed back up on Greve D’Azette beach today (08/06/2026). Marine Resources were notified, the shark was collected by DFI and taken to the Government knackers yard in Trinity.

A post mortem was performed on the shark by New Era vets to look for cause of death. No obvious signs were found. The shark showed no signs of fisheries interaction or entanglement.

The shark is a Smalltooth sand tiger shark (Odontaspis ferox). This species has not been found in Jersey since records began. However, it has been recorded washed up on the UK shoreline. (See link for details: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jfb.15529 )

Total Length= 430 cm
Weight = 597 kg

We would like to thank all those involved. Especially BDMLR, Jersey Coastguard, Durrell, New Era vets, and the Department for Infrastructure for their diligent responses.

Recreational Fishing Survey 2026

Recreational fishing is an important part of Island life, supporting wellbeing, local businesses and our connection to the sea. This summer, we’re launching a survey to better understand recreational fishing activity, catches, and its value to Jersey.

If you’re a recreational sea fisher, we’d really appreciate your input. Your responses will help shape future marine management and ensure recreational fishing is properly recognised.

Take part and make your voice heard👉 https://survey.gov.je/s/JRFS2026/

Please be aware that Marine Resources will be conducting research in the Portelet Bay No Take Zone between the 24th and 28th May. Research gear will be marked with yellow buoys and will be left in the bay for 48 hours at a time.

The bag limit for those diving for scallops has changed. It is now set at 40 scallops per day.

The bag limit of 24 scallops per person is in place for those gathering scallops without diving. For example, if scallops are gathered from the shore.

You require a recreational permit if you wish to take scallops from the sea while totally or partially submerged and breathing with the aid of underwater breathing apparatus or wearing a face visor, a mask or goggles.

If you wish to obtain a permit, you can apply on gov.je using the following link:

https://one.gov.je/service/Application_for_a_Scallop_Diving_Permit?_gl=1*rqr8bt*_ga*MTAwOTEwNTc0My4xNzc4NDkyNTYz*_ga_07GM08Q17P*czE3Nzg0OTI1NjMkbzIkZzEkdDE3Nzg0OTI1NjMkajYwJGwwJGgw

Please be aware that there are no days when Ormer fishing is permitted from now, until October.

Please refer to the image below for details.

Alternatively, you can access the fishing regulations webpage here: https://www.gov.je/Industry/FarmingFishing/Fishing/pages/fishingregulations.aspx

Changes to bag limits and minimum sizes came into law on Monday 20th April. There are changes across multiple areas that will be relevant to recreational fishers.

All fishers should thoroughly check the updated regulations as pictured below.

The full recreational fishing guide, which includes an up-to-date guide on bag limits and includes minimum sizes (as pictured), is available on gov.je, and is linked below.

https://www.gov.je/Industry/FarmingFishing/Fishing/Pages/FishingRegulations.aspx

Please share widely to maximise awareness. If anyone has any questions, then please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Please be aware that the deadline to complete an application is Monday 27th April.

Following the approval of new regulations enabling carefully controlled and sustainable recreational fishery for Atlantic Bluefin Tuna in Jersey's waters, applications for recreational authorisations are open.

To receive an application form, please email: [email protected] with an expression of interest.

With the species internationally recognised as recovered and sustainably managed, and with Jersey formally included in the UK’s membership of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), Jersey is able to participate in regulated and internationally monitored fishery.

For more details: https://www.gov.je/Industry/FarmingFishing/Fishing/Pages/BluefinTuna.aspx?=true

Government of Jersey Marine Resources