New Version Of Blue Prosperity Plan Released

Bermuda’s updated Blue Prosperity Plan has just been released to the public, with officials saying that the new version “incorporates extensive stakeholder, public, and scientific feedback collected over the past year.”

A spokesperson said, “Bermuda’s updated Blue Prosperity Plan, designed to conserve and sustainably manage Bermuda’s waters, has just been released to the public. The new version of the Plan incorporates extensive stakeholder, public, and scientific feedback collected over the past year.

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Next Steps

“As a next step, the Minister of Home Affairs, Walter Roban, has nominated a Review Panel, independent of BOPP, to evaluate public submissions to the Blue Prosperity’s Plan proposed Marine Protected Area Network and Potential Use Areas. Specific terms of the panel and instructions for public submissions are available online at forum.gov.bm. Note that public submissions are due on 30 April 2024.

“After receiving these comments, the Review Panel will evaluate and respond to the public submissions provided. Following the Minister’s review of and decision regarding the provided recommendations, the Blue Prosperity Plan will be amended accordingly. The amended Plan, together with the submitted Panel report, will be introduced to the Cabinet for consideration and approval later this year.

What is the Blue Prosperity Plan?

“Bermuda’s Blue Prosperity Plan represents the culmination of a four-year planning and public review process led by the people of Bermuda. Bermuda seeks a future where its marine waters contain healthy ecosystems that can support a thriving and more resilient ocean-based economy while balancing the diverse priorities of ocean users. Bermuda’s Blue Prosperity Plan delivers on this vision with a framework that supports the sustainable management of ocean resources, coordinates decision-making about marine-based development, ensures that 20% of Bermuda’s marine waters are fully protected marine protected areas [MPAs], and provides a strategy for the sustainable growth of the Blue Economy.

“Since the release of the first draft Blue Prosperity Plan in August 2022, hundreds of comments have been received through stakeholder engagement meetings, town halls, pop-up events, emails, and surveys. This extensive public outreach has been heard and incorporated to strengthen the Plan and its benefits.”

“I am very proud to release this Plan today,” said the Minister of Home Affairs Minister Roban. “This Plan was created by Bermuda, for Bermuda. It results from countless hours of work from many groups and reflects the voices of hundreds of stakeholders who have participated in the consultative process since 2019. Successful ocean management must incorporate diverse stakeholder inputs while also prioritising our ocean’s health, which we all rely on. I am delighted to support this Plan, which will benefit all Bermudians, those of us here now and those to come.”

The spokesperson said, “Visit forum.gov.bm to read the new Blue Prosperity Plan and find instructions for public submissions. As a reminder, the deadline for public submissions is 30 April 2024.

“Tips for reading Bermuda’s Blue Prosperity Plan:

• The Plan comprises two parts that work together – the Marine Spatial Plan [MSP] and the Blue Economy Strategy.
• The MSP features proposed areas of marine protection and details how ocean users can interact with these areas.
• In addition to the maps, the MSP includes many objectives to support ocean industries, promote conservation, and more. These initiatives are laid out in action plans, laying a path forward for implementation.
• The Blue Economy Strategy provides information on a new funding mechanism, the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Fund [Ocean Fund], which will support the long-term sustainable growth of Blue Economy industries and the implementation of the MSP.
• The MSP includes a resource guide showcasing each of Bermuda’s new Marine Protected Areas, with one of the levels of protection being a fully protected Marine Protected Area.

Benefits for Bermuda

“A thriving ocean economy that supports economic growth is only possible with holistic ocean management, considering the interests of ocean stakeholders and balancing the health of Bermuda’s ocean. The Blue Prosperity Plan is essential to bringing lasting economic and environmental security and resilience.

“Areas of the ocean were chosen as Marine Protected Areas to keep them as healthy as possible so they can continue to provide essential benefits for current and future generations. This includes protecting our coastlines, securing ocean-related livelihoods, supporting well-functioning fisheries, mitigating the impacts of climate change, enhancing the tourism industry, and many more.

Additional benefits of Marine Protected Areas include:

• Restoring and protecting critical marine ecosystems
• Protecting fish nursery habitats and spawning grounds
• Replenishing commercially important fish stocks
• Maintaining marine biodiversity
• Protecting unique geologic features
• Safeguarding underwater cultural heritage
• Ensuring long-term sustainable use of natural resources
• Increasing job opportunities in ocean industries

Blue Prosperity Plan Video

“Along with the Plan, a recent video encapsulates the voices of Bermuda’s ocean users in Bermuda including fishers, divers, tourism operators, scientists, and students.

Conclusion

“The BOPP team would like to offer their warm thanks to all who took the time to offer feedback, support, and technical expertise, without which the Blue Prosperity Plan could not have been developed,” said a BOPP representative.

The new version of the Blue Prosperity Plan follows below [PDF here]:

#BermudaMarine #Fishing

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