Home / Business and Economy / Channel Islands Tackle Scallop Exports, Bat Rehoming, and Freight Cost Woes
Channel Islands Tackle Scallop Exports, Bat Rehoming, and Freight Cost Woes
19 Oct
Summary
- Scallop exports to France disrupted by new import requirements
- Jersey Zoo to rehome Livingstone fruit bat colony due to high repair costs
- Supermarkets face £400,000 shortfall from new ferry freight charges
As of October 19th, 2025, the Channel Islands are grappling with a range of unique challenges. Seafood suppliers are finding it "very difficult" to export scallops to France due to new import requirements, including regulations around the ice used to pack the shipments. One manager claims some scallop deliveries had to be destroyed because they did not meet temperature standards, though these claims were strongly refuted by French border control.
In another development, Jersey Zoo has made the "difficult decision" to rehome its colony of Livingstone fruit bats. The owners, the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, say the cost of repairing the Bat Tunnel would be "at least seven figures," prompting them to seek new homes for the bats.
Supermarkets in the region are also facing financial pressures, with one Morrisons executive warning of potential price rises. The company is dealing with a £400,000 shortfall due to extra freight charges introduced by ferry operator DFDS in March. The supermarket says it had "no time" to account for these unexpected costs.
Amidst these challenges, the Channel Islands have also seen some heartwarming stories. A woman praised the "absolute heroes" who helped her recover her lost engagement and wedding rings, which had been accidentally thrown out during a decluttering session. Additionally, Alderney has begun a five-year project to resurface its roads, the first such work since 2017.
