Boaters to Receive Mailed Fishing Survey

The Department of Environmental Protection would like to alert boat owners that they will soon be receiving a recreational fishing survey in the mail.

A statement released  by the Ministry said, “The recreational fishing survey aims to collect information on how often people fish, the types of fish they catch, and how much of it they catch.

“It also aims to determine the public’s awareness of recent changes to the Fisheries Regulations introduced over the past year, and how they feel about them, and how well these new Regulations are understood.

“The survey results will enable the Marine Resources Section of the Department of Environmental Protection to better manage Bermuda’s fish stocks and to avoid their being overfished.

“It will also highlight areas for future education and outreach campaigns to ensure that all fishers are aware of the Fisheries Regulations.

“During August and September, Marine Resources staff, with the help of a couple of volunteers, interviewed people fishing on the shoreline in order to collect information about their fishing habits.”

“We have conducted 91 shoreline surveys so far and are planning to conduct some more to bring that number up to 100,” explained Senior Marine Resources Officer Dr. Tammy Trott.

“Now we are mailing out the survey to boat owners to find out how many people use their boats for fishing and would like to solicit their assistance in returning the surveys as quickly as possible. We’d ideally like people to get the surveys back in the post by the end of October via the return addressed envelope provided but expect that some people will not get them posted until November.”

The statement continued on to say that, “All answers on the survey are strictly confidential. As no personal details are recorded on the survey, Marine Resources staff have included a separate piece of paper for individuals to give their name and contact details if they would like a recreational fishing logbook to record their fishing activities during the coming year.”

“Completed surveys, map and logbook request (if applicable) can be mailed back to the Department from any post office (no stamp required), or dropped off at the Department of Environmental Protection’s head office at the Point Finger Road entrance to the Botanical Gardens or at the Marine Resources Section on Coney Island.

“For those avid shoreline fishermen who have not yet been surveyed and wish to complete a survey, the survey can be downloaded from the Department of Environmental Protection’s website on the Government Portal (www.gov.bm) and can be dropped off at one of the Department’s offices.”

Minister for Environment, Planning and Infrastructure Strategy Walter Roban said: “It is hoped that the survey will open the lines of communication between the Marine Resources Section and the fishing public, and that greater interaction and consultation will enhance management of fisheries resources to ensure enjoyable and sustainable fishing into the future.”

The Minister added: “We are asking for the co-operation of the fishing public while conducting this survey, as the information gained will be used to the benefit of the whole community as well as the wider marine environment.”

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Category: All, Environment