for the Island's marine environment.

And Bermuda Industrial Union president Derrick Burgess said the document marked a new era in the relationship between Government and fishermen.

Today marks the deadline for those wishing to submit their voice to Government's Green Paper on marine resources and the fishing industry.

"Included in this paper are discussions and recommendations on recreational users, dive sites, spear fishing mariculture, charter boats etc.'' Mr. Burgess said.

And Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson and Agriculture and Fisheries Director John Barnes were on hand to receive the 52-page submission.

It will now be placed alongside numerous other submissions -- including those from Friends of Fish, the National Trust, and the Bermuda Zoological Society -- for officials to consider before the publication of the Green Paper on marine resources.

Yesterday, Mr. Hodgson noted his appearance at the BIU should not be perceived as support for the union's views as he was willing to publicly receive submissions from any organisation.

But he said it was unfortunate the aftermath of the fish pot ban almost ten years ago had led to "still a great deal of suspicion between groups'' concerned with the marine environment. He also pointed out the "so-called'' fish pot ban did not completely prohibit that style of fishing.

During this year's lobster season some 300 pots were legally used and Mr.

Hodgson said the system "seemed to be working''.

Mr. Hodgson said Government will not make any decisions before consulting the public.

FISHERMEN FHP ENVIRONMENT ENV