A White Paper on the Marine Environment was tabled in the House of Assembly on Friday.

The in-depth Government report said the ocean around Bermuda is at threat from both local and global pressures.

It said some of the local pressures include fishing, coastal development and waste disposal, whereas global challenges include climate change, sea-level rise and fluctuations in ocean temperature.

?Our analysis indicates that in spite of the current pressures on the system, our marine resources are largely healthy and with careful management they may remain so. ? Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield said in the House.

The White Paper resulted in several changes in the way the marine environment in protected.

Legislation will be amended to better enforce existing laws and to provide a greater protection for marine resources.

For example, someone found in possession of an illegal fish pot is prosecuted, it said, whereas under previous laws, authorities had to prove the fish pot was being used in the commission of an offence.

Fisheries wardens will have greater communication with the Marine Police, according to the report.

?Fisheries wardens will receive Police training and new equipment to better protect marine resources,? it said, including handing out tickets rather than court dates.

In the case of offences committed by residents, the fines will be increased from $25,000 to $250,000 and the period of imprisonment be increased to two years.

?New provisions will enable the vessel, gear and illegal catch to be confiscated,? it said. ?Licences for fishermen may be suspended for revoked when the licence holder is convicted of an offence under the Fisheries Act or its Regulations, or if the fisherman is in breach of the terms and conditions of his licence.?

Foreign-registered vessels may now be fined $2,500,000.

There will be a new Fisheries Commission to issue fishing licences to commercial and recreational fishermen.

The duty-free import of fishing vessels will no longer be automatic.

On marine pollution, studies by the Bermuda Biological Station for Research revealed there was a risk of a ?significant alteration of the marine ecology? by pumping large quantities of raw sewage into the sea, it said.

?New plants at Tucker?s Point, Sonesta and Elbow Beach approved by the Environmental Authority are capable of producing water suitable for irrigation purposes,? it said.