A seabird reserve aimed at protecting endangered puffins, razorbills, and other local wildlife could be established in Jersey, pending planning approval.
Proposed by the Birds On The Edge Partnership (BOTE), the reserve would help preserve dwindling seabird populations and use new conservation technologies to boost biodiversity.
Nicolette Westwood from Société Jersiaise highlighted the reserve's potential as a sanctuary for puffins to safely breed, shielded from threats like ferrets. A protective fence, first trialled in 2023, is central to the plan.
Currently, Jersey has only six breeding puffins, down 99% since 1910. BOTE’s Cristina Sellares said the reserve would allow seabirds to safely repopulate, adding, “It is in our hands to give them a place they can be safe.”