The Bailiwick of Jersey has 2,445 km2 of territorial seas (compared with 120 km2 of land) which contain over 3,200 known species of plants and animals and at least 100 different habitats. (The actual total of species and habitats is probably double this.) This complex and productive ecosystem has internationally important habitats, such as seagrass, kelp and maerl, and key species as dolphins, sea fans and sharks.

Jersey is committed to conserving its marine species and habitats through several international conventions and agreements including Ramsar, OSPAR, ASCOBANs and the Convention of Biological Diversity. Conservation and protection are also critical for marine-based economic and social activities such as watersports, fishing and tourism - which require seas that are clean, biodiverse and sustainably managed.