The Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda has submitted a counterproposal to the Government that includes a ring-shaped, no-fishing, marine-protected area beyond where local fishing practices take place, The Royal Gazette has learnt.

The group, which takes the view that the Blue Prosperity Plan under the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme should not be adopted as suggested, has proposed a “fully-protected outer ring”, about 15 miles wide, constituting 20 per cent of the island’s exclusive economic zone where “everything inside” would be “100 per cent managed with appropriate protection levels”.

FAB’s proposal said: “With a ring, it’s harder for foreign boats to justify entry, particularly if the interior is strictly managed, ie, restricted to Bermuda-licensed and managed boats only.

“Thus the entire EEZ is protected from foreign fishing encroachment. It sends a clear international message that Bermuda’s entire EEZ is protected and effectively managed.”

Foreign commercial fishing is already illegal in Bermuda’s EEZ under the Fisheries Act 1972.

Asked about the ring’s effectiveness in protecting fish stocks, a spokeswoman for FAB added: “The outer ring is really more about enforcement and communication than it is about generating a measurable improvement in marine ecology by taking away fishing pressure.”

The FAB’s proposal said the 100 per cent management would be achieved through gear restrictions, data collection requirements, terms and conditions — all consistent with the way Bermuda’s specialised fisheries are managed at present.

Read more here: https://www.royalgazette.com/environment/news/article/20260804/fishermens-group-submits-counterproposal-to-bopp/