Royal Gazette: A shared ocean future for Bermuda
Bermuda’s ocean supports us all — fishermen and women, families, businesses and communities. It provides food, livelihoods, recreation and coastal protection, and it remains central to our identity and economy. It is no surprise, then, that the Marine Spatial Plan and the proposal to fully protect 20 per cent of Bermuda’s marine area have prompted strong views.
The Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda has raised important concerns about fairness, effectiveness, and collaboration, all valid considerations in shaping a plan that works for Bermuda.
But this plan has not appeared overnight. It reflects more than seven years of engagement with Bermudians across sectors, including fishers, tourism operators, scientists, conservation groups, and government. While not everyone agrees on every detail, it represents the most comprehensive ocean planning efforts Bermuda has ever undertaken. Letting it stall now risks leaving us without a clear, coordinated approach, and with greater uncertainty for everyone who depends on the ocean.