The Ministry of Home Affairs is pleased to announce the receipt and review of the final recommendations from the Independent Panel regarding the Bermuda Blue Prosperity Plan (BPP). These recommendations, informed by extensive stakeholder feedback, aim to balance the ecological health of Bermuda’s marine environment with the island's economic needs. The panel has expressed strong support for the core objectives of the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), which include promoting the sustainable use of marine resources within Bermuda's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), protecting the marine ecosystem, and enabling the recovery of fish and other marine populations to historically abundant levels.
Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban stated, “I sincerely thank the Independent Panel for their thorough review and commitment to ensuring the Bermuda Blue Prosperity Plan reflects our community's diverse interests and concerns while safeguarding our marine resources for future generations. I am also grateful to them for endorsing the plan's goal of achieving a healthier and prosperous marine environment over time.”
The Ministry recognises collaboration and inclusivity as key to achieving the BPP’s objectives. To address the ecological needs and economic realities of Bermuda’s marine environment, the recommendations, categorised into spatial and non-spatial objectives, will be integrated into the final Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) as outlined below.
The spatial objectives relate to the physical design of the protected areas, and the non-spatial objectives relate to policies that support the goals of the Marine Spatial Plan.
Key Spatial Objectives:
- Economic Impact Study of Proposed MPAs
A study will evaluate the economic implications of the proposed MPAs to balance ecological goals with the livelihoods of commercial fishers. - Mangrove Protection and Bait Fishing
Measures to protect mangroves and their associated marine life will be refined in collaboration with bait fishers to address their concerns. - Offshore MPA Boundaries Review
The design of the offshore MPAs will be reviewed to ensure they balance ecological protection with the operational practicalities of fishing. - Guinea Chick Trap Fishery Considerations
Further consultations with Guinea Chick fishers will reevaluate how proposed MPA’s impact the Guinea Chick pot fishing areas and ensure the viability of this fishery. - Foot of the Lane Proposal
A proposal to restrict shoreline and boat-based fishing near the Foot of the Lane area will be reviewed as part of the broader mangrove protection strategy.
Key Non-Spatial Objectives:
- Engagement and collaboration with commercial fishers
Furthering a co-management approach will integrate fishers into planning and decision-making processes. Ongoing dialogue with the Fishermen’s Association Bermuda (FAB) will focus on enforcement and MPA management. - Seasonal Ban for Key Species
Stakeholder consultations will explore the feasibility of seasonal fishing bans to protect Black Grouper and Red Hind during spawning. - Enhanced Fisheries Enforcement
DENR’s draft Marine Resources Enforcement Strategy will be updated and implemented to strengthen compliance. - Recreational Fishing Licensing System
The Ministry confirms support for a proposed licensing system to better promote sustainable practices, including catch limits and reporting. - Combating Marine Pollution
Amendments to the Water Resources Act have been completed and will improve sewage management and reduce land-based pollution. - Enhanced Fish Stock Data Collection
Funding will be allocated for scientific data collection crucial for supporting sustainable fisheries management. - Transparent Fish Sales Tracking System
A tracking system will enhance transparency and traceability in the sale of legally caught fish. - Marine Education Initiatives
New educational materials will highlight marine ecosystem changes and the importance of conservation. - Feasibility of Fish Hatcheries
Studies will explore the potential for fish hatcheries to enhance fish stocks. - Permitting Research in MPAs
Scientific research will be permitted in MPAs to support conservation goals. - Subsea Cable Repairs
Recognising the importance of balancing environmental stewardship with service continuity, cable repairs will be not require a separate Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Minister Roban continued, "As outlined in the panel's final report, the Ministry will adopt a phased implementation strategy to foster trust and ensure effective enforcement. The Ministry already supported this approach before establishing the panel. We view this as the best way to work in concert with stakeholders for any long-term success of plans for marine management. To that end, prioritising stakeholder engagement and partnership will continue as the plan evolves, ensuring all voices are heard and guaranteeing shared commitment to preserving Bermuda's marine environment for generations to come.”
The full final report is available online HERE. For more information on the Bermuda Blue Prosperity Plan, please visit www.bermudaoceanprosperity.org.