New law to strengthen protection for Jersey wildlife

Several new offences could be created for interfering with wild species and habitats under a new Wildlife Law for Jersey.The Environment Minister says the legislation would strengthen protection for wild animals, birds and plants. Breaches would carry a standard penalty of two years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.It specifically seeks to tackle the influx of species not native to Jersey, which the Assistant Minister for the Environment, Deputy Gregory Guida told ITV News was a "major issue".

The proposition makes it an offence to deliberately or recklessly "allow to escape into the wild, an animal or bird, of an invasive non-native species".Other new offences include the interference with nests and dens, breeding sites and deliberate disturbances of wild birds and animals.    The Environment Minister will also have powers to create custom made protection for specific areas, through Orders designating Areas of Special Protection, where needed.

The proposition also, for the first time, puts an obligation on the whole government to work towards biodiversity in everything they do.

It is set to be debated in November.