The Ministry of Home Affairs is heartened to hear that the Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda (FAB) supports managing and enforcing Bermuda's marine resources. The purpose of BOPP is to develop a sustainable management system that recognises the current issues and future challenges that our marine environment must face and includes all Bermudians, now and in the future. 

As this Ministry is predominantly responsible for managing our marine environment, we must ensure that the process is fair, collaborative and consultative for all stakeholders. As one of the significant stakeholders, many opportunities have been provided to allow input from every commercial fisherman, the FAB, the Commercial Fishermen's Council and the Marine Resources Board. This process has and will continue to give fishermen a major voice in developing the final plan. 

The Ministry also wishes to remind the public that the Blue Prosperity Plan is in draft form. Now is the time to have meaningful dialogue with the BOPP to shape the future plan. The opportunity for continued, in-depth consultation with all stakeholders is also being built into the next phase of the marine spatial plan process. The Ministry hopes that the FAB will encourage its members to participate. 

The Ministry is aware of concerns raised that the focus is only on the marine spatial plan and can advise that significant work continues on other "non-spatial" elements of the plan, including the legislative framework, Blue Economy and enforcement. These elements are progressing in tandem with the marine spatial plan, not because they are being "rushed" but because it makes sense to have a comprehensive plan for the management of our marine EEZ. Furthermore, the plan will incorporate new strategies and tools into the process to more fairly manage our marine resources, such as eco-based marine management and the requirements for environmental impact assessments. These mechanisms, as well as many other initiatives that the Ministry is working on, will help address concerns over pollution, road runoff, development and protection of endangered species. 

Also, and of particular concern to commercial fishermen, much progress is being made regarding enforcement. We are diligently working with overseas partners on the Blue Shield program and the US Coast Guard on better maritime surveillance. We will incorporate the results into the Draft Marine Resources Enforcement Strategy and Action Plan 2021.

Regarding the 20th December 2022 request, sent on behalf of the Fishermen's Association of Bermuda to meet and discuss resuming consultation in a structured format that is mutually beneficial, the Minister of Home Affairs looks forward to speaking with the executive of the FAB today at the Cabinet Office.   

The Ministry of Home Affairs looks forward to the Fishermen's Association of Bermuda engaging in this process to add their voice to a plan that allows for the sustainable use and protection of our most valuable asset for current and future generations of Bermudians.