Bermuda’s reefs are bucking a regional trend after getting a clean bill of health by an environmental monitoring group.

Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) claimed that reefs in the Caribbean region had declined on average by 50 percent in the last 40 years — but Bermuda was one of just seven locations where coral cover remained stable or increased.

Presenting the results of the research in the House of Assembly this morning, Environment Minister Jean Atherden said that, according to the study, the 1990 fish pot ban and the listing of parrotfishes as protected species in 1993 were “the key management measures” that had enabled corals to “flourish”.

Ms Atherden said that the “landmark”: report analysed the largest set of coral reef data ever compiled, based on over 35,000 surveys carried out by more than 200 scientists working in 34 countries, states and territories throughout the wider Caribbean, including Bermuda.

“The main finding of the report is that the amount of coral on reefs in the Caribbean region has declined by an average of 50 percent, as a result of many different factors, including overfishing, diseases, pollution and the effects of increasing water temperatures associated with climate change,” Ms Atherden said.

“However, there is also a message of hope, because a detailed look at the data shows wide variation in reef health that can be linked to the way in which the marine environment is managed at the local level.

“Bermuda was highlighted as one of seven locations where coral cover remained stable or improved over the study period. The good health of our coral reefs is of particular interest because Bermuda has one of the highest population densities of all the locations studied, coupled with large numbers of tourists for the size of the island, and these factors were generally associated with degraded reefs.

“The report’s authors credit the fish pot ban in 1990 and the listing of parrotfishes as protected species in 1993 as the key management measures that have promoted healthy herbivorous fish populations that keep seaweeds on the reef under control and allow the corals to flourish. Bermuda’s conservative approach to coastal development was also considered important.

“The report concludes that healthy reef communities are more resilient, and recover more quickly and effectively from events such as temperature-associated coral bleaching and hurricanes.”

Ms Atherden said that reefs were one of Bermuda’s most important resources, supporting local fisheries, providing tourism opportunities and protecting the island during storms.

“Although the fish pot ban was highly controversial at the time, it is clear that this move has helped to maintain the health of this vital and valuable ecosystem,” she said.

“While our reefs may suffer from factors we cannot control it is heartening to see that, as a country, we can make hard choices when necessary for the benefit of future generations. As such it is with pleasure I bring good news about one of nature’s wonders and a key asset that many of us may take for granted.”