Could cameras be the answer to protecting Les Écréhous?

Cameras could soon be introduced on Les Écréhous amid renewed calls to protect the reef.

Politicians in the Jersey parish of St Martin are discussing the idea of installing time-lapse cameras on the reef to allow them to understand the impact of tourism at the site.

Les Écréhous sits six miles off Jersey's coast and is designated for protection under the international Ramsar treaty on wetlands, However, conservationists have expressed concern about the impact of tourist footfall on the area.

Deputy Steve Luce says the cameras would be an effective way of gathering data to help build a more detailed picture of how the reef is affected by visitors.

The idea has the support of the island's Environment Minister, who says it is vital that the reef and the species who live there are protected.

Deputy John Young says more must be done to protect Le Écréhous Credit: ITV Channel TV

The Ecrehous Residents Association says it would be happy to help the government to introduce time-lapse cameras to monitor boat activity. However, it says CCTV is not being considered.