The international Hamilton Declaration on Collaboration for the Conservation of the Sargasso Sea — an area of ocean which includes Bermuda’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and territorial seas — states proposals emanating from the agreement may “control, minimise and where possible, eliminate the adverse effects of international shipping activities.”

Additionally, the declaration states proposals may include “ ... measures to minimise, to the maximum extent possible, the adverse effects of fishing activities ...” and: “Any other measures to maintain the health, productivity and resilience of the Sargasso Sea and to protect its components, including the habitats of threatened and endangered species, from the adverse effects of anthropogenic (the influence of human beings on nature) activities.”

In less than two weeks, representatives from governments across the world will travel to Bermuda to sign the declaration. A Government press release explained the Declaration was a “non-binding political statement that will be signed by various governments who are interested in voluntarily collaborating on efforts to conserve the Sargasso Sea” — a vast patch of ocean named for a type of free-floating seaweed called Sargassum.

During the meeting, signatories will start to discuss proposals for conservation of this area of ocean.

Minister of the Environment Trevor Moniz said: “The benefits which are anticipated to stem from the signing of this Declaration will include worldwide recognition of the Sargasso Sea as an ecologically important and unique global resource and Bermuda being seen as a global leader in initiating international collaboration for high seas protection.”

The declaration declares in its text that its common vision “Affirm(s) that the guiding principle of this declaration is to conserve the Sargasso Sea ecosystem for the benefit for present and future generations,” and to “Decide to collaborate, to the extent possible, in pursuing conservation measures for the Sargasso Sea ecosystem through existing regional and international organisations with relevant competencies.”

However, an 11-member organisation called the EEZ Stakeholder Caucus has expressed a variety of concerns about the Hamilton agreement.

The group describe themselves as “ ... a group of motivated Bermudians and residents, including scientists, commercial and recreational fishermen, trans-ocean cable operators, mineral prospectors and conservationists, who have come together to provide constructive input to the Sustainable Development Department.”

Member Danny Fox, who heads up his family business Bermuda Water Tours, said: “For the sake of Bermuda and its people we can see no reason why we should not clearly state that we have plans for our EEZ and reserve the right to manage all components of it for the well-being of Bermuda and its people, of which at times could be construed as counter to some of the goals of the SSA.

“This is the essence of what it boils down to as it relates to mining and fish extraction — economic benefit.

“In my view the clearer we are in stating this at the start, the less chance we have in being labelled a hypocrite down the road. If we truly are looking at creating jobs and developing this country as I genuinely feel we are, then I see no reason (why we should not state) that in the declaration, especially since the signatories being asked to sign are focused on international waters and are not about to put their own EEZs in the pot. (It) just makes sense to err on the side of caution and take advantage of all options.”

Another member, Michael Batista, who is vice president of the Bermuda Anglers Club, and emphasised that his opinions are his own, said: “We are considering the inclusion of our entire EEZ in what effectively amounts to an international memorandum of understanding on marine stewardship, without having defined our own EEZ management and conservation plan first.

“The influence of the Commission’s ‘persons of international repute’ could potentially affect access to and national benefit from our sovereign maritime territory and resources.”

He also stated: “A further concern here is the complete lack of public consultation.

“As we are all well aware, the Blue Halo initiative was subject to months (and more) of considerable publicity, public debate, a spirited town hall meeting, et cetera.

“Now we have this important yet shadowy document before us that was apparently only finalised yesterday (Wednesday); less than two weeks before the signing date? The Hamilton Declaration deserves at least the same level of public exposure and scrutiny that Blue Halo was subject to.

“In my view, even more so, as it clearly risks abdicating some degree of influence on management of our affairs to outside interests with a very strong conservation bias and, one has to suspect, a commensurate disregard for any economic or social considerations.

“A decision of potentially great importance is about to be taken on behalf of the people of Bermuda … before they even know what is happening.

“I’m not even sure the politicians know what they are signing, for that matter.”

The March 11 meeting to sign the document has been spearheaded by the Bermuda Government which leads the Sargasso Sea Alliance, according to the press release.

“As signatories, governments will also gain the ability to be consulted by the Government of Bermuda in the selection of commissioners for the Sargasso Sea Commission,” it added.

“This Commission will be set up following the signing of the Hamilton Declaration. It is important to note that the Commission does not have a management role — its broad mandate is to exercise a stewardship role for the Sargasso Sea and keep its health, productivity and resilience under continual review.

“The Commission will be composed of distinguished scientists and other persons of international repute committed to the conservation of high seas ecosystems.

“The Government of Bermuda, in consultation with the Signatories and Collaborating Partners, will select qualified individuals to serve on the Commission. Commissioners will be unpaid and will serve in a largely virtual setting.

“The Hamilton Declaration defines the Sargasso Sea ecosystem to include international waters or areas beyond national jurisdiction as well as Bermuda waters, but the Bermuda Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) will remain under the sovereignty and management authority of the Government of Bermuda.”

The declaration itself states that the Commission would be set up under Bermuda law.

Added Mr. Moniz: “Bermuda has always been a leader in marine conservation since the banning of fish pots decades ago. And now by taking the lead to conserve the Sargasso Sea through the organising, hosting and chairing of this conference we further affirm our reputation as stewards of the sea.”

It stated that next month’s meeting is entirely financed by the Sargasso Sea Alliance.

The Alliance was recently awarded the prestigious Seakeeper’s Award to recognise their efforts in working to protect the Sargasso Sea.

In 2012, the Alliance also brokered an agreement to establish a 172,000 square mile marine mammal sanctuary in Bermuda’s EEZ and a Sister Sanctuary agreement with Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (USA).