Dear Sir,

More than 20 of Bermuda's leading scientists and technical experts attended a recent meeting convened with the Minister of Public Works and the Environment to discuss the science used in the development of Bermuda's Marine Spatial Plan and proposed marine-protected areas. After that meeting, and together with other scientists and technical experts who have contributed to Bermuda's marine research, we wish to publicly express our support for the science-based approach that has guided the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme.

The world's ocean is experiencing rapid, unprecedented changes, including accelerated sea-level rise, record-breaking temperatures and widespread declines in ecosystem health. Bermuda's waters are experiencing many of these same challenges.

Local research and monitoring data show that Bermuda's marine ecosystems are a cornerstone to the island's economy and are being negatively affected by a combination of fishing, habitat degradation, climate change, storms and coastal development. These pressures are compounded by Bermuda's isolated location. Once species, habitats or ecological functions are lost, recovery can be slow, uncertain or — in some cases — not possible at all.

Decades of international research show that marine protection is one of the most effective tools for addressing these pressures. Well-managed, fully protected marine areas that safeguard important habitats and ecological processes show the greatest benefits. These areas provide a sanctuary for marine life, allow fish populations to recover and increase the ability of marine ecosystems to recover from climate-related stresses. Marine-protected areas are most effective when they are part of a larger marine spatial plan, which serves as a blueprint for co-ordinated management of marine and coastal areas.

Bermuda's Marine Spatial Plan and proposed Marine-Protected Area network were developed using this same approach, combining local research, international best practices and input from ocean users and stakeholders across the community. Our plan sets out to protect important offshore marine habitats, such as vulnerable seamounts, and critical platform habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. It is also designed to protect vital ecosystem processes within these habitats, including nutrient upwelling on seamounts, as well as spawning areas and nursery grounds on the platform — all of which support diverse and abundant marine life and productive fisheries.

International research has also shown that fully protecting at least 30 per cent of the world's ocean is needed to safeguard and restore marine resources, protect coastal communities and food supplies, and slow climate change, with larger areas typically delivering greater benefits sooner. To date, nearly 200 countries have pledged to protect and conserve at least 30 per cent of the world's land, lakes and ocean by 2030.

Bermuda's Marine Spatial Plan and Marine-Protected Area network propose full protection for an area well below this 30 per cent threshold. As it is written, 20 per cent of Bermuda's waters will be protected, with less than 10 per cent of the platform proposed for full protection. These coastal waters experience the greatest pressure and are the most important for community wellbeing and long-term coastal ocean health. Any changes to the proposed plan that remove or reduce full protection on the platform will fundamentally alter the ability of the Marine-Protected Area network to provide meaningful, lasting, ecological, economic and societal benefits. Maintaining and building on these protection levels is important for achieving Bermuda's long-term vision of a healthy ocean for years to come.

Moving from planning to implementation is now essential to ensure that the intended benefits for Bermuda's ocean and community can be realised. The next step is the development and adoption of legislation needed to secure the implementation, management and long-term success of the Marine Spatial Plan and Marine-Protected Area network. Continued delays risk postponing the benefits this work was designed to deliver and may require more restrictive management measures in the future to achieve the same outcomes.

As the scientists and technical experts who worked to develop the Marine Spatial Plan and Marine-Protected Area network, we have full confidence in the scientific evidence and design principles that were used throughout the process. We think the Marine Spatial Plan represents a balanced, evidence-based approach to safeguarding Bermuda's marine environment while supporting the sustainable use of ocean resources for future generations. We support the adoption of the Marine Spatial Plan and Marine-Protected Area network as proposed. While international scientific guidance supports protecting at least 30 per cent of the ocean, the proposed network represents a meaningful and important step forward for Bermuda and provides a strong foundation to build upon.

We also wish to acknowledge the many Bermuda Government scientists and technical officers who have contributed to the development of the Marine Spatial Plan. Their work has been instrumental in informing the scientific foundation of the plan. The Government's scientific findings, emerging from long-term robust and peer-reviewed marine research and monitoring programmes, fully support the proposed MSP.

Signed by:

Mark Guishard, chief operating officer, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

Eric Hochberg, senior scientist, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

Craig Carlson, president and chief executive, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

Thad Murdoch, independent scientist

Tim Noyes, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley, associate professor of marine biology, San Diego State University

Samia Sarkis, Living Reefs Foundation, adjunct faculty, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

Noelle Young, aquaculture and fisheries consultant

Sarah Lester, professor, Florida State University

Chris Flook, Bermuda naturalist and small-boats and docks manager, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

Taylor Gorham, BOPP Science Committee

Treiana Zuill, Florida International University, Institute of Environment

JP Rouja, BioQuest/Sargasso Sea Ambassador

Carika Weldon, CariGenetics

Andrew Stevenson, independent cetacean scientist

Jan Locke

Amy Mass, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, Arizona State University

Yvonne Sawall, Marine Benthic Ecology and Ecophysiology Lab at ASU, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

Leocadio Blanco Bercial, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences

Charlotte Andrews, head of cultural heritage, Bermuda National Trust

Myles Darrell, head of natural heritage, Bermuda National Trust

• The signatories are participating in their personal capacities and are not representing any organisation