Updated: Nov 21, 2023 02:09 PM
Mangroves are among key protected areas for a sweeping marine conservation plan (File photograph)
“Significant” changes to proposed marine protected areas under Bermuda’s Blue Prosperity Plan were revealed today.
Protecting waters across 20 per cent of Bermuda’s exclusive economic zone has caused a storm of controversy with commercial fishermen in particular, who have opposed much of the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme.
BOPP said it had incorporated feedback into its latest draft plans, emphasising that its priority was “the replenishment of our fisheries, not restricting activity”.
The new proposal was said to cover “a series of smaller protected areas that include fully protected areas”.
Changes to proposed marine protected areas: Hungry Bay in Paget (Image supplied)
Marine protected areas have been redrawn in many areas proposed in both the nearshore and offshore.
BOPP said the new draft maps were presented to “focus group participants”, including commercial fishermen, at a recent meeting.
Changes to proposed marine protected areas: Coot Pond in St George’s (Image supplied)
A spokesman added: “Fruitful dialogue and continued engagement from all parties has strengthened the document and allowed BOPP to make meaningful adjustments to the original maps that were released last year.”
Protection designations were changed in key areas to allow for ongoing shipping activities, as well as necessary maintenance of critical infrastructure such as channel dredging, moorings and docks.
In areas where fully-protected MPAs were adjacent to hotel-owned land, adjustments were made allowing for future permitted tourism development.
The draft Blue Prosperity Plan is now undergoing updates.
After the publication of a final draft, submissions from the public are to be reviewed by an independent committee.
Any recommendations made by that committee, together with the draft plan, will then be submitted to the Cabinet.
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