Fishermen welcome report on ocean plan feedback
Fishermen have welcomed the findings of a panel set up to review feedback on government plans to manage the ocean environment.
The Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda also applauded Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, who appointed the independent panel to ensure that all voices were heard.
The panel was set up in May to analyse public submissions to the Blue Prosperity Plan — a key component of the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme, which proposes developing ocean-based industries while conserving Bermuda’s marine habitat.
One of those proposals — that 20 per cent of Bermuda’s exclusive economic zone become a marine-protected area free of fishing — was condemned by fishermen, who argued that it would destroy their livelihoods.
In its report, the panel generally backed the plan, but recommended a financial impact study before any final decision on no-take fishing zones.
On Tuesday, Mr Roban pledged to carry out the panel’s recommendations.
A spokeswoman for the FAB said this week that its members felt that the panel “truly listened to our perspectives and carefully read and digested our submissions”.
She said: “It’s great that the minister is happy with the report, because we are too. We think that shows how much we do have in common on these issues.”
The spokeswoman listed several views that the FAB and the Government shared, including the need for data-driven policies, the inadequacy of enforcement, the impact of factors other than fishing on fish stocks, and the need to license and regulate recreational fishing.
She applauded several of the panel’s recommendations, including a possible phased-in approach to any BOPP initiatives, the need for more scientific evidence to support claims of overfishing and a call for further consultation between the Government and the fishing industry.
She said: “The panel recommends that a phased approach to implementation be considered, prioritising pre-emptive action and clear public communication on these common concerns before enacting no-take restrictions in the controversial areas of the MSP.
“It is strongly recommended that, before the disputed no-take areas of the MSP are advanced, a concerted and genuine effort is undertaken to re-engage in consultation with the FAB … The panel observed a willingness by the FAB to collaborate and reach a plan agreeable to all parties.”
The report proposed increased funding for the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources to carry fish stock assessments, a ticketing system for fisheries violations and the tracking of illegal fish sales — all of which were backed by FAB.
The spokeswoman said: “The panel’s report rightly places the horse back before the cart, suggesting there is much work to be done before no-take fishing closures should be implemented.”
She insisted that the no-take zones were “ill-advised” and had been signed off by the Government without consultation.
The spokeswoman said: “There are Marine Protected Areas all over the world where recreational and small-scale artisanal commercial fishing is permitted.
“We are not asking the minister, or the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources, or BIOS to give up, we are asking them to back up — back up to a chance to set a goal we can all agree on.
“We are glad to hear the minister’s statements in the Gazette that overfishing is not really the problem.
“I recall one of our meetings with DENR and the minister, we asked, ‘What is the greatest threat facing Bermuda’s marine environment?’
“With no hesitation, the answer from DENR was ‘climate change’.
“We must have co-operation between regulators, scientists and fishers, who are in the best position to observe the changes coming.
“One of the saddest things we heard over and over from fishers was ‘every time I give a scientist data, it gets used against me’.
“It is critical that we change that mentality but we can’t do it completely from our end. Trust must be earnt.”
The spokeswoman pointed out that yesterday marked World Fisheries Day.
She said: “We are aware that the Government is putting on an event for that. However, we need to see concrete action — not just promises and pretty words — before we can attend such an event.
“We will be saving the date for next year and hope that the independent panel’s recommendations bear fruit by then.”
The Minister of Home Affairs hailed Bermuda’s fishermen as “a cornerstone of the island's economy and culture”.
Walter Roban spoke out ahead of World Fisheries Day yesterday, which highlights the vital role of fisheries in sustaining food security, livelihoods, and marine ecosystems.
Mr Roban acknowledged the “hard work and resilience” of fishermen and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to ensuring the industry's sustainability.
Mr Roban said: "On World Fisheries Day, we highlight the importance of sustainable fishing practices and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Bermuda's commercial fishermen whose efforts provide for our community.
"Through partnerships like the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme, we will ensure that our fisheries remain viable, sustainable and prosperous for generations."
A ministry spokesman said that the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme — a partnership between the Government of Bermuda, the Waitt Institute, the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, and Bermuda's community stakeholders — was spearheading initiatives to safeguard the island's marine resources.
The programme involves the development of a Marine Spatial Plan to balance economic activity, environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
Under that plan, 20 per cent of the island’s waters have been designated fishing-free zones.
Mr Roban said: "The Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme demonstrates our forward-thinking approach to managing our ocean resources responsibly. It ensures our fisheries remain a critical part of our island economy while prioritising marine conservation, enforcement, sound marine management practices and resilience to fight against climate change.
"As we celebrate World Fisheries Day, I encourage all Bermudians to reflect on our responsibility to protect our oceans and support our fishing community.
“Understanding that many have helped positively shape Bermuda’s fishing industry, the ministry intends to recognise individual contributors who have played a pivotal role.
“By working together, we can preserve our marine environment while fostering economic prosperity.”
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