A dive operator with more than 40 years’ experience in Bermuda waters has endorsed the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme, saying he has witnessed “a gradual, but undeniable decline in reef fish life” over the years.

Mark Diel, who has owned and operated Dive Bermuda for the past 15 years, and who worked as a diving instructor during summers in the early 1980s, has written a Letter to the Editor in today’s edition.

It comes after the issue was raised by interested parties including the Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda, which opposes the BOPP’s aim of protecting 20 per cent of the island’s waters through a network of marine protected areas, and stakeholders representing other sectors, who came out in favour of the BOPP’s aim to replenish depleted fish stocks and build resilience against factors such as climate change.

Mr Diel wrote: “Diving is a meaningful contributor to Bermuda’s tourism industry and, in my view, remains significantly under marketed.

“Even conservative estimates suggest it generates over $1 million annually in overseas revenue, while reef-related tourism more broadly contributes approximately $405 million each year.

“Protecting the health of our reefs is therefore not only an environmental priority, but an economic one.”

Mr Diel highlighted that less than 10 per cent of the accessible reef platform would constitute no-take zones under the plan.

He said: “These carefully selected areas, including locations such as Horseshoe Bay, Somerset Long Bay, Tobacco Bay and sites near major hotels, give every appearance of a balanced approach that supports both conservation and economic activity.

“Importantly, for both diving and fishing, the plan also emphasises improved management and enforcement of existing regulations. To me this appears to be an essential step towards ensuring that our marine resources are sustained for future generations.”

Mr Diel referenced an article, penned by JP Rouja, the founder of Nonsuch Expeditions, which claimed that the Government had an opportunity to “do something historic”.

Mr Rouja spoke of conversations he had with the late treasure diver Teddy Tucker.

Mr Rouja wrote: “His generation witnessed massive declines under the post-war tourism boom — increasing extraction, collapsing stocks and the near-complete disappearance of sharks from Bermuda's reefs. Not gradual. Not subtle. Gone.”

The FAB has said the conservation plan’s objective is sound, stating: “Healthy oceans and a strong fishing sector are not in conflict.”

However, the group claims the plan places a disproportionate burden on the fishing sector.

The FAB has said: “While the plan includes many stakeholders, the most direct and enforceable restrictions fall on licensed fishermen.

“Entire zones are designated as no-fishing areas, commercial harvest is prohibited in others, seasonal closures and gear restrictions limit when and how fishing can occur.

“These are not minor adjustments — they directly affect where, when and whether fishermen can earn a living.”

Mr Diel urged the Government to formally adopt and implement the BOPP, to secure “long-term protection for Bermuda’s marine environment and the industries it supports”.