Jersey Considers Building First European Seabird Reserve

A proposal for the construction of the first European seabird reserve in Jersey, intended to safeguard locally endangered puffins, razorbills, and other indigenous wildlife, awaits planning approval. The Birds On The Edge Partnership (BOTE) submitted this proposal, stating its objectives are to “deliver biodiversity gains” and position Jersey “in the European frontline of new technologies in conservation.” In 2023, the partnership had previously conducted trials for a fence designed to protect puffins along Jersey’s north coast. Cristina Sellares, a project officer for BOTE, reported that only six puffins are currently breeding in Jersey. She stated: “There’s about 400 to 500 puffins in Channel Island waters at the moment, there are populations from other colonies that are not as threatened as Jersey.” Sellares added: “We believe that young [birds] from these colonies could come here and breed here safely once it’s secured.” She concluded: “So a lot of colonies can start from zero with the right habitats.” BOTE highlighted that seabirds constitute one of the most endangered animal groups worldwide, with 56% of species experiencing decline and 43% facing the threat of extinction. The organization further noted that since 1910, Jersey has experienced a 99% reduction in its breeding puffin population, a 92% reduction in its breeding razorbills, and the complete loss of its breeding guillemots. The species are threatened by non-native predators such as rats, ferrets, and domestic cats. Ms. Sellares described the proposal as being “about protecting our nature and giving back 0.03% of our island back to nature.” She emphasized: “It is in our hands to give them a place that they can be safe.” Nicolette Westwood, representing Société Jersiaise, stated that the initiative would provide numerous advantages for the colonies. She commented: “It’s very important, man is taking over everywhere to actually have this one little sanctuary where the puffins can reproduce.” Westwood continued: “All their normal breeding habits would continue instead of being brought to an abrupt halt by us and particularly the ferrets we’ve released into the wild, it just claws back that little bit of nature and gives nature a chance.” Ms. Westwood concluded by stating that “the important thing is hopefully to get the fence erected and to actually see the benefit from it.”