Introduction

Marine Mission Wetlands (MMW) has become an annual, free event open to both the public and schools, organised by Jersey Marine Conservation (JMC). Its primary aim is to offer Jersey s community a unique opportunity to better understand the challenges and solutions surrounding our human coexistence with the established marine environment.

History and Purpose

The inaugural MMW event was held in 2019 at St Clement s Parish Hall. JMC invited charity groups, stakeholders, educators, and government representatives to participate. Through this collaborative approach, the event sought to foster transparent communication and highlight the importance of a unified whole-island mission for preserving and safeguarding Jersey s fragile marine resources. JMC strongly advocates for cooperation as an essential strategy to reduce biodiversity decline and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Early Success and Growth

The first MMW event was a resounding success, with attendance surpassing all expectations. The momentum from this event led to immediate planning for future editions. Thanks to the generous support of the Radisson Blu Waterfront, the venue for subsequent events moved to the hotel s Rocco suite, allowing for an expanded format comprising three key elements: a dedicated school s workshop, an exhibition, and a series of talks. In 2020 the event drew over 600 attendees to the talks and exhibition, with seven schools participating in the workshop. A wide range of groups and organisations used the opportunity to strengthen their public engagement and raise awareness of their activities.

Recognition and Progress

COVID necessitated a lull in 2022 but 2023 saw the event back on track. Since then, our Ramsar MMW has continued to grow in stature and impact. The event is listed on the international Ramsar website as a flagship celebratory event. This year the theme is Celebrating cultural heritage .

Notable outcomes linked to the event s impact include increased media awareness, informed NGO & NPO discussion, and enhanced cooperation across various initiatives. These achievements encompass milestones on the path trodden by Jerseys conservationists and government. These include; the Jersey National Park line in the sand , the creation of Marine Protected Areas, the development of a Marine Spatial Plan now emulated by other islands), advancements in harbour conservation, the Ramsar management framework, improved marine user awareness, the role played by Jersey International Centre of Advanced Studies ( JICAS), expanded scientific study, support from the Blue Marine Foundation and significant integration of biodiversity and climate change topics within the school curriculum.

MMW 2026: The Most Ambitious Programme Yet

In 2026, MMW will take place on Monday, 2nd February to coincide with World Wetlands Day, offering its most ambitious programme to date:

Primary Schools Workshops (09:30 14:30)

       Three interactive workshop sessions for primary schools

       Features include driving Ports of Jersey and JMC s Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)

       Projects from the Alderney Wildlife Trust

       Participation by the Jersey branch of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR)

       JMC Rock Pool Challenge and classroom Crab Survey

       Jersey Biodiversity Centre contributions

       JMC ROV computer simulator

Exhibitions (18:00 19:30)

       Local art displays

       Underwater and marine photography

       Ramsar archaeology presentations

       Geopark exhibitions

       Showcases by Ports of Jersey and Jersey National Park

Talks and Presentations (19:30 21:30)

       Insights into Jersey s Ramsar sites

       Archaeological discoveries made in 2025

       Portelet Bay No Take Zone MSc study findings

       Ocean Culture Life initiatives

       Dolphin tracking in Jersey s territorial waters

       BDMLR s work in seal and dolphin rescue and rehabilitation

       JMC s survey of the Sauvage Reef

       Ports of Jersey s Living Walls project

       Concluding Q&A session

Participation and Booking Information

Due to limited seating (maximum 300), advance booking is required via the event website. The school s workshop proved extremely popular, with all places being reserved within 24 hours of invitations being issued.

Links Event information
Seat booking
Ramsar International Events
Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel