Jersey is already a signatory of the Ramsar Convention

If approved, the Ecrehous and the Minquiers could be protected by the internationally-recognised Ramsar Convention.

Jersey is already a signatory to the convention, which aims to protect and promote conservation of wetlands of international importance.

Part of the south-east coast of the island was signed up three years ago.

Marine habitats

The Ecrehous and the Minquiers are two special areas lying off the coast of Jersey.

Attaching them to the convention will help ensure their marine habitats are protected.

The convention is an international wetlands agreement. Under its terms, countries are expected to place their significant sites on a list of wetlands judged to be internationally important.

The intergovernmental agreement treaty, which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of these wetlands and their resources, was first signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971.

Anyone wishing to comment on the proposals for the reefs should contact Jersey's Environment Department.