Back in 2017 I was contacted by a group of fishermen who wanted to see if Government would repeal the fish pot ban. We were not able to agree on the reinstitution of fish pots, however during discussions it was revealed that the Industry appears fragmented, with some observers making comparisons with taxi industry. Where the Taxi Industry has ‘prearranged’ and ‘solicited’ fares; the fishing industry has ‘commercial’ and ‘recreational’ fishermen, and their interests are not always aligned.
We are driven by data, so Technical Officers undertook research and provided me with data that showed the state of the Industry. They reported that the amount of fish we import annually is in the millions of pounds and there were dozens of species, so it was difficult make a fair comparison with the Local Catch. I advised them to only analyse the species that we could catch in our waters, i.e. no haddock, plaice, Chilean sea bass, etc.
Once I was given that data, it became clear that if the market forces continued unfettered, in the future, the average Bermudian might only rarely find Bermudian fish.
Today importers import in amounts that far exceed the Annual Local Catch. As an example, in 2017, with just the species that we can catch in Bermuda’s waters, local fishermen caught 385,000 pounds of fish, and importers brought in 757,000 pounds. However, in 2018, local fishermen caught 354,000 pounds while importers brought in 1,150,080 pounds! On average, over the last five years, importers bring in 2.5 times the Annual entire Local catch.
When Tourists ask for local fish, when Bermudans want to serve local fish at functions, they expect and want fish caught in Bermuda’s waters, and our fishermen do their outmost to supply that demand; and this is where other entities also have a role.
As you will be aware the BEDC has a Cooperative Economics Unit, and the BTFC’s volunteer Board has held meetings with BEDC Officers several times in 2020.
In addition, the BEDC is a board member of BOPP, the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme, an initiative designed to plan and utilize our 200sq. mile. economic exclusive marine zone surrounding Bermuda.
Part of BOPP’s remit is to liaise with Stakeholders, and while there are other bodies, a Fishing Cooperative combines Fishermen’s commercial interests with stewardship of the Sea.
Accordingly, given M.O.V.E.’s work, BEDC, BOPP and other public and private bodies role, I am proud to help launch the Bermuda Triangle Fishing Cooperative; initially a private-public partnership that seeks to satisfy the national Demand for locally caught fish.
The BEDC and BOPP each have a role to play in our Marine Industry, and the Bermuda Triangle Fishing Cooperative (“BTFC”) has the support of the BEDC. This is an exciting development and I look forward to the economic empowerment of our Fishermen, and the enhancement improvement of our Industry, and a significant increase in Bermuda’s Annual Local Catch.