Posted 7th August 2026. Last updated 7th August 2026.

Representatives of industries that would be affected by the Blue Ocean Prosperity Programme met the environment minister to share their views, The Royal Gazette has learnt.

Hoteliers, charter boat operators, dive shops, entrepreneurs as well as past and present commercial fishermen were among a cross-section of the community reportedly at the meeting with Jaché Adams on July 20.

Discussions with the Minister of Public Works and the Environment focused on the implementation of the Blue Prosperity Plan under BOPP, which encompasses a marine spatial plan and the blue economy strategy.

The MSP seeks to implement a network of no-fishing, marine-protected areas offshore, as well as near to shore where there have been found to be greater pressures on fish populations.

Peter Flook, a member of the Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda — an organisation that opposes the BOPP plan to designate 20 per cent of near and offshore waters as full MPAs — said during the meeting that adopting the programme could help to unlock benefits for the industry.

The Gazette revealed this week that $10.1 million of support has already been dedicated to the BOPP from the international non-governmental organisations Waitt Institute, the Waitt Foundation and Oceans 5.

More support is expected to come upon legal adoption of the Marine Development Act under the BOPP.

The Government has since said: “As implementation progresses, we expect further opportunities to attract additional support for this work and any future government investment will be considered as part of the normal Budget process.”

The public-private structured Ocean Fund is expected to raise $60 million to assist sustainable businesses in sectors such as fisheries, marine technology, renewable energy and eco-tourism.

Mr Flook said that while he agreed with the FAB’s stance on the need for better enforcement and recording of fish stocks as well as the establishment of recreational fishing licences, among other measures, the BOPP could help to achieve those goals.

A full-time licensed commercial fisherman, Mr Flook told the Gazette: “My message to the Government was that I’m tired of meetings. We need to act right now and get something done.

“The Government has suggested that more money will be available for all these other things but we have to be seen to be doing the right things to begin with.

“I believe in MSPs and I’m not afraid of what is coming.”

The BOPP, which would establish marine-protected areas with the aim of replenishing fish stocks while seeking to boost the blue economy, was put on hold after the 2025 General Election as the Government sought to reflect and allow for further consultation.

The Government has said the design for a network of MPAs was created following “global science and best practices … with over 2,000 local ocean users contributing to the process”.

According to the BOPP, MPAs could help to restore Bermuda’s marine habitat, replenish commercially important fish stocks and increase revenue for tourism and ocean-related businesses while creating jobs.

Read more here: https://www.royalgazette.com/environment/news/article/20260807/stakeholders-meet-environment-minister-to-discuss-bopp/