Arthur Hodgson told MPs yesterday.

Mr. Hodgson said relations between fishermen and those in charge of the marine environment were going through a rough patch.

But he said his planned Green Paper on Marine Resources and the Fishing Industry -- to be prepared with public and industry consultation -- would aim to calm the troubled waters.

Mr. Hodgson told the House: "The use of our marine resources, fish and fishing seem to be highly emotive topics in Bermuda.

"There appear to be marked differences of opinion between different user groups and a somewhat confrontational relationship between those involved in the fishing industry and the administrators charged with managing our marine resources.

"This is not productive -- nor is it helpful to the Minister and the Ministry responsible for reviewing and formulating policy on these matters.'' Mr. Hodgson said the Green Paper would be a "carefully researched'' document focusing on the state of the seas, evaluation of current policy and ideas and recommendations for the future.

It will look at ecology, the fishing industry, recreational and commercial, other water users, as well as the role of the Fisheries Department.

Fishermen, commercial and recreational divers, anglers tour boat operators and environmental groups like Friends of Fish and the National Trust will be consulted, while advice from organisations like the Biological Station will also be sought.

Mr. Hodgson said: "The marine environment is a public resource. It's my intention, through this Green Paper exercise, to work towards the preparation of a management plan that will provide for the good use and harvesting of this resource in an efficient, responsible and sustainable manner -- and I stress sustainable.'' The Minister also brought forward a bill to repeal the Foreshores Licences Act, which dates back more than 50 years, and covers the building of docks.

Mr. Hodgson explained other legislation adequately protected and regulated land use in Bermuda -- including land covered by water -- and that the 1945 law was no longer needed.

But he agreed to hold off the final reading of the bill after Shadow Legislative Affairs Minister John Barritt asked what would happen to licences already issued.

Licences include conditions relating to the maintenance and upkeep of docks and the surrounding seabed.

Mr. Hodgson agreed to postpone the third reading until he checked the position on currrent licences.

Graphic file name: ARTIE Arthur Hodgson