Bermuda can be a world leader in marine conservation if it imposes a ‘no-take’ zone around the Island’s waters, according to an environmental activist.

And Chris Flook said that the Blue Halo project — which proposes a ban on deep sea mining and other underwater activity — was a one-off opportunity “to make a huge statement from our little country” that would set an example for the rest of the world.

Mr Flook was one of four panellists speaking at a public meeting last night organised by the Environment Ministry’s Sustainable Development Department to get feedback on how Bermuda’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) can best be managed. The zone, encompassing waters within a 200-mile radius of the Island, is home to more than 100 species of fish and 140 species of invertebrates.

The Blue Halo project recommends that, while some commercial fishing could take place within an inner ring, the majority of the zone must be completely protected from any commercial activity.

“This really is Bermuda’s time to shine,” Mr Flook told a packed audience at the Earl Cameron Theatre in City Hall.

“Demand on resources is going to rise and the UN has said that unregulated fishing is one of the biggest threats to the planet. We’re at the point where we either sink or swim.

“This is a big step for Bermuda, this is a big thing. We have the opportunity to play a leadership role and it is up to us whether or not we want to take up that challenge.”

Mr Flook added that the creation of “one of the largest marine reserves on the planet” would enhance Bermuda’s reputation as a world leader in environmental protection, boost the Island’s tourism industry and increase fish reserves.

And he said that international organisations would be willing to assist in policing the no-take zone, and that millions of dollars in revenue could be raised through fines imposed on fisherman caught flouting the law.

“We’re not losing anything by doing this,” he said.

“This is a big deal. World organisations are looking at Bermuda and this opportunity will not come again. But if we’re going to do it, we need to do it big.”

But fellow panellist Nick Hutchings of Bermuda Marine Contractors argued that a no-take zone was not in Bermuda’s best interest.

He said that research suggested that valuable deep sea minerals were “in our neighbourhood” and that the technology to excavate supplies would probably be available within five years.

“Our Exclusive Economic Zone is huge and if we are lucky enough to have mineral deposits they’re going to be small and in concentrated areas,” he said.

“There’s no way that we can say that there will be no [environmental] risk, but what we can do is get science to evaluate the risk and minimise the risk.”

Tammy Trott, a marine resources officer with the Department of Environmental Protection, outlined Bermuda’s history of marine management, pointing out that a ban on turtle harvesting was imposed in 1620.

Dr Trott pointed out that a number of management options for the EEZ were available, from multi-use to no-take, and that current laws meant that activities such as fishing were heavily regulated.

But she added: “The ocean — the lifeblood of the planet — is in peril and more needs to be done to protect it.”

Fourth panellist Richard Winchell proposed a compromise solution in which the EEZ would become a Self Administered Marine Protected Area (SAMPA).

The Bermuda Zoological Society president said that Bermuda had “400 years of successful resource management” and that a flexible approach was needed to cater for all interests.

He said SAMPA would employ a variety of conservation methods but also allow for some commercial fishing, tourism, research and exploration.

Environment Minister Sylvan Richards had kicked off the debate by declaring that the future of the EEZ “should be in the interest of all Bermudians”

“Every one of us should be involved in shaping its future,” Mr Richards said.

He added that he had already received public feedback “that falls on both sides of the fence — nothing needs to be done or full protection needs to be introduced”.

Those are not the only two options available — what is being proposed here is not an all-or-nothing scenario,” the Minister said.

“There are many factors to consider and many organisations and individuals to consult and this Government wishes to ensure that those voices are heard before a final decision is made.

“The future of our Exclusive Economic Zone has not yet been decided. This Government needs your help to shape its future.”