The scientists and technical experts behind Bermuda’s proposed Marine Spatial Plan have urged action to prevent the need for greater restrictions in the future.

A statement signed by 21 scientific figures said it was essential to move forward with the plan, including the creation of a Marine-Protected Area network, sooner rather than later.

The group warned: “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.”

The scientists said they had full confidence in the science and design principles used in the creation of the plan and urged the development and adoption of legislation to bring protections into effect.

The statement added: “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.”

The Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme, which establishes no-fishing conservation areas with the aim of replenishing fish stocks, while seeking to boost the blue economy, was put on hold following the last election as the Government sought to reflect and allow for further consultation.

The Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda, representing a portion of the island’s fishermen, has rejected aspects of the programme, including the goal to create marine-protected areas for 20 per cent of the island’s waters.

The group has claimed there has been “no consultation with any local stakeholders” and that more data is required to justify the plan, which it says places a “disproportionate burden” on the fishing sector.

However, an open letter supporting the implementation of the BOPP was presented this month to Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment.

Signatures in support came from research authorities, hotels, dive operators, tourism businesses, marine service providers, environmental organisations, recreational groups, charities and businesses.

The statement from scientists, printed in The Royal Gazette today, said that the ocean was experiencing unprecedented changes and Bermuda’s waters were not immune.

The statement said: “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.”

The statement said that establishing fully protected marine areas had been shown to help mitigate those impacts, offering a “sanctuary” for ocean life to recover and increase the ability for marine ecosystems to recover.

The scientists added that the Marine Spatial Plan and proposed marine protected area network in the BOPP were designed with a combination of local research, international best practice and input from those who use Bermuda’s waters.

The letter said: “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.”

While almost 200 countries have pledged to conserve at least 30 per cent of their waters by 2030, the scientists said that the proposed plan would cover only 20 per cent of Bermuda’s waters with less than 10 per cent of the platform to receive full protection.

The statement said: “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.”