the marine environment from the general public and it is important that all water users get involved and put their views forward.

The seas around Bermuda are arguably its greatest resource, as a vital part of the Island's eco-system, a source of food, a tourism attraction and a source of relaxation and recreation.

The challenge for Bermuda now is to balance those priorities, which can often conflict.

Examples of this are numerous, but none was as controversial as Environment Minister Ann Cartwright DeCouto's decision to ban fishpots in the late 1980s.

That decision was taken to prevent the complete destruction of the Island's reef fish stocks, which were already severely depleted. The decision was taken over the strong objections of commercial fishermen, whose livelihoods were being put at risk.

But the success of the policy is now evident; fish stocks have gradually recovered, ensuring the health of the Island's reefs, the attraction of Bermuda as an undersea wonderland and the jobs of at least some of the Island's fishermen.

Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson has left open the possibility that the fishpot ban will now be relaxed and the appointment of fisherman Danny Farias as chairman of the Marine Resources Board has sent shivers down many environmentalists' spines as he led the fight to keep fish pots.

For this reason alone, the Green Paper is vitally important and those who are concerned -- on both sides of the issue -- should make their voices heard.

But it would defy logic if the ban were not maintained. The battle to rebuild fish stocks is not yet won and to reverse it now would put Bermuda right back where it was ten years ago.

There are other proposals which should be put forward to the Ministry: Encouragement of catch and tag programmes for game fishermen, thus preserving game fish; Wider use of sewage treatment plants to end the disposal of waste in the seas around the Island. Much is already being done by hotels and the Corporation of Hamilton in this area; New rules for the preservation of the Island's wreck sites; Greater protection of fish spawning grounds; and Tough enforcement of the rules regulating foreshore encroachment to prevent the loss of marine habitats.

PLANT A TREE EDT Plant a tree Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson is to be commended, along with the Belco Holdings Ltd., for taking the lead in the scheme to reforest the Island.

"Growing With Trees'' is the first comprehensive plan to plant trees since "Plant A Tree in '73'' and deserves the support of all Bermudians, both for replacing pernicious trees like Mexican peppers, which do nothing for the environment, and to reforest areas which are now barren.

This is a project which virtually anyone can get involved in. With very little expenditure, you can be a part of something which will benefit many generations to come.