Fishermen have been urged to nominate possible recipients of a new award established to celebrate leaders in sustainable fishing.

Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, announced last week the Outerbridge Memorial Award for people who have been committed to balancing fishing with environmental protection.

He said: “This award would commemorate the work of both Ewart and Linwood Outerbridge, and recognise others who have made significant contributions to sustainable fishing in Bermuda.

“This award will honour individuals who have demonstrated marine leadership and innovation while working towards sustainable fisheries.”

He added that it would raise awareness of and appreciation for the fishing industry.

Mr Roban announced the award during the first celebration on the island of the annual World Fisheries Day last Thursday.

The home affairs minister said fisheries formed strong cultural bonds “as a tradition and as an industry” for Bermuda.

Mr Roban added that Bermudians made up 90 per cent of the small local fishing sector, relied upon since the island’s inception.

He added: “Their industry is not an easy one, which I know and I understand, and it is often important that you show your appreciation for those who are working hard in an industry that is run by Bermudians, operated by Bermudians and has a strong sense of identity for Bermudians who are in that industry.”

The award was named after the Outerbridge family, whom Mr Roban called “role models” for advocating sustainable fishing practices that helped numbers to recover for several marine species.

The work was spearheaded by Ewart Outerbridge and continued by his son, Linwood.

Linwood Outerbridge said he was honoured to see his family’s legacy live on.

He said that his father had been a fisherman since the age of 13 and was on the ocean even in the days leading up to his death two years ago.

Mr Outerbridge added: “He was really committed to fishing on all fronts, so I’m sure he would be highly honoured to know about this.”

The event also featured a presentation on red hind population restoration efforts over the past 40 years.

Joanna Pitt, of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said that the use of fishing pots quickly led to the overfishing of a species that was typically used for pet food.

She explained that following legislation — pushed for by fisheries — that set limits on how and where people could fish for red hinds, the population slowly started to recover.

Dr Pitt said that DENR members have been tagging red hinds and tracking their spawning habits for decades and have seen pleasing growth.

She added that similar measures have been put in place to protect spiny lobsters and black grouper.

Jirani Welch, also with the DENR, gave an update on the Shellcatch Bermuda database, designed to streamline the fishing licensing process and allow fishermen to report their catches more easily.

The platform is intended to help collect data for scientific research and enforcement.

Mr Roban explained that the website and app would not be for recreational shore-fishers, but those who fish daily for commercial or other purposes.