Introduction

Marine Mission Wetlands (MMW) has become an annual, free entry 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 has 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 by JMC for future events. JMC is an independent charity organisation consisting entirely of volunteers and our mission is to ensure marine conservation is not constrained by goverment policy or commercial pressures. 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 of three key elements: a dedicated school’s workshop, an exhibition, and a series of talks. In 2020 the event drew over 600 attendees 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. Communication and cooperation is still a challenge that JMC has worked tirelessly to overcome. The exhibition highlights those who actually work ‘on the coal face’ of marine conservation.

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 deep dives into meaningful marine protection and engaging education activities.

Notable outcomes linked to the events impact include increased media awareness, informed NGO & NPO discussion, and enhanced cooperation across various initiatives. These achievements encompass milestones on the path trodden by Jersey’s conservationists. These include; the 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 UK based Blue Marine Foundation and significant integration of biodiversity and climate change topics within the school curriculum.

MMW 2027: Once again the Most Ambitious Programme to date

In 2027, MMW will take place on Monday, 1st of February beginning with Primary School workshops, followed by an exhibition and then talks by outstanding speakers. date:

Primary Schools Workshops (09:00-14:45)

       Three interactive workshop sessions for primary schools

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

       Finding out about Alderney Wildlife Trust.

       Rescue scenarios with the Jersey branch of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR)

       JMC Rock Pool Challenge and classroom Crab Survey

       SJ Marine Biology Group activities.

Exhibitions (18:00-19:00 and during interval)

       Displays

       Underwater and marine photography

       Ramsar archaeology presentations

       Living Oceans

       Showcases by Ports of Jersey

Talks and Presentations (19:30 21:30)

       Updates on the Ramsar Advisory Group matters

       Archaeological discoveries made in 2026

       Portelet Bay No Take Zone BRUV film stars

       Alderney Wildlife Trust

       Dolphin acoustics in Jersey’s teritorial waters

       BDMLR seal and dolphin rescue and rehabilitation

       JMC’s Souarde and Sauvage Reef exploration

       Ports of Jersey s Living Walls project

       Concluding Q&A session

Participation and Booking Information to be added on September 7th

Due to limited seating (maximum 300), advance booking is strongly advised via the event links on the website.