Sea conservation and protection to undergo ‘cultural shift’
A strategy marking “a major step forward” in how Bermuda protects its ocean waters was tabled in the House of Assembly today.
Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, said the Marine Resources Enforcement Strategy promoted fairness, credibility and the long-term value of Bermuda’s marine resources.
It will address illegal fishing, including unlicensed sale of fish, while reviewing “inconsistent penalties”.
Mr Adams said: “This strategy moves Bermuda from a reactive and sometimes fragmented enforcement model to one that is modern, co-ordinated and intelligence-led.
“It means using better data to identify high-risk areas, improving co-ordination between agencies, modernising laws so officers are not required to catch someone in the act in order to prosecute and investing in the right tools and training, ensuring that when violations occur, they are followed through properly.”
He said it would move the island from inconsistent supervision to enforcement with “real consequences when necessary and real deterrence overall”.
Mr Adams outlined five priorities, beginning with a stronger legal and policy framework to reflect modern times.
Second was a “capable and professional” enforcement workforce with improved training and tools.
Next, it aims to modernise surveillance and technology including vessel tracking systems and improved data analysis.
“Enforcement must be informed by intelligence, not guesswork,” Mr Adams insisted.
Stronger partnerships marked its fourth priority, with enhanced co-ordination across the Government and with regional partners such as the US Coast Guard and Caricom.
Finally, the strategy seeks to meet marine violations with meaningful consequences.
Mr Adams said: “Too often, cases did not reach what experts call ‘legal finish’. This strategy supports a cultural shift. When serious violations occur, there must be credible consequences — not to punish for punishment’s sake, but to maintain deterrence and protect fairness.
“At the same time, proportional tools, including administrative penalties where appropriate, will allow enforcement to be efficient and practical.”
Mr Adams said a balance had to be struck, with marine-based economic activity and tourism dependent on healthy ecosystems and strong governance.
He said the livelihoods of fishermen required sustainable fishing stocks, while future economic opportunities, from marine research to emerging ocean industries, depended on credible regulation.
The strategy also acknowledges emerging threats, such as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, transnational maritime crime, pollution, climate change and cybersecurity risks.
Mr Adams said input came from fishermen, enforcement officers, environmental groups and the public.
Mr Adams said: “To those who follow the rules, this strategy supports you. To those who rely on marine resources responsibly, this strategy protects your livelihoods. To those who care about Bermuda’s environmental legacy, this strategy strengthens it, and to those who choose to ignore the rules, enforcement will be more coordinated, more informed and more consistent.”
He said that implementation would be phased and practical, adding: “Some measures can begin immediately, such as improved co-ordination, legal review and enhanced training.
“More resource-intensive initiatives will follow as funding and capacity allow.”
• To read the minister’s statement in full, see Related Media
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