The Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme brought together representatives of the Government and the tourism sector to discuss how best to optimise Bermuda’s marine environment.

High on the agenda was how a proposal to fully protect 20 per cent of the island’s waters could affect ocean-related tourism, the blue economy and long-term prosperity.

Mischa Fubler, the Junior Minister of Public Works and Environment, Jan Hutton, the chief executive of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, and representatives from dive companies, the Bermuda Business Development Agency and hotels took part in the talks at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

The event on September 21 centred on the Blue Prosperity Plan — a national strategy that aims to balance ocean conservation with sustainable growth of the blue economy.

In a statement, BOPP said the discussion explored the protection of Bermuda’s reefs and marine life, strengthening the island’s brand as a sustainable marine destination, growing the economy through new tourism experiences and businesses, and “embedding sustainability into tourism policy and practice”.

Mr Fubler reported that the discussion allowed participants to “identify actions that can strengthen ocean-based tourism while safeguarding the natural resources on which the sector depends”.

Ms Hutton said the ocean was “fundamental to the Bermuda experience”.

“Protecting the health of our marine environment is also about protecting the long-term value of tourism for Bermuda,” she added.

“Hearing directly from local operators helps us understand where the opportunities are and how tourism can support a healthy ocean, stronger businesses and lasting value for our island.”

Stephen Todd, who was the chief executive of the Bermuda Hotel Association for 12 years until this month, said: “Hotels are very supportive and reliant on the tremendous benefits of blue tourism and healthy ecosystems.

“The ocean must be a mainstay of Bermuda's overall marketing strategy as a key driver in our collective efforts to position our island home as a must-visit tourism destination.”

Alexis Roberts, the director of sales and marketing at Cambridge Beaches, said the resort was ocean-centred and supported the Blue Prosperity Plan.

She explained: “We believe the waters around Somerset Long Bay and King’s Point are an ideal area for protection, providing important habitat for juvenile fish, seagrass and turtles.

“We see an opportunity for Cambridge Beaches to be a great steward of this environment and to tell that conservation story ourselves, positioning the resort as a truly special experiential destination for visitors.

“At the same time, we believe conservation and tourism need to be thoughtfully balanced so that both can thrive.”

Greg Ramey, BermudAir Holidays managing director and the recently appointed CEO of the hotel association, said the ocean is one of the island’s “greatest natural assets and a defining part of our identity”.

He added: “From the moment visitors catch their first glimpse of our vibrant turquoise waters and coral reefs from the air, they are met with an unforgettable impression.

“Promoting and protecting this remarkable resource is essential to ensuring future generations can continue to experience the very best of Bermuda.”

Proposals within the Blue Prosperity Plan are expected to be executed with the passing of the Marine Development Act in the House of Assembly.

Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, told The Royal Gazette in August that he hoped MPs would get a chance to debate the Act before November.