Dear Sir,

I would appreciate the opportunity to offer another perspective on the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Plan, which has once again become a topic of public discussion.

While I respect that others have expressed their views, I would like to focus on a perspective that has received less attention — that of the diving community.

For transparency, I have owned and operated Dive Bermuda for the past 15 years, and prior to that, I worked as a diving instructor during the summers in the early 1980s. With over 40 years of experience diving Bermuda’s waters, I have had the privilege of observing our reefs over time.

What I have seen is a gradual but undeniable decline in reef fish life. This is not an abstract concern — it is something visible to anyone who spends time underwater — including JP Rouja who highlighted this perspective in his recent opinion piece, “Bermuda’s reefs are speaking”. From my vantage point, they are telling us that thoughtful action is needed to ensure their long-term health.

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.

The BOPP represents an opportunity to strengthen both. Bermuda has committed to fully protecting 20 per cent of its waters, with the majority of this located offshore.

Within the more accessible reef platform, I understand less than 10 per cent is proposed as “no-take” zones (marine parks are already central to the island’s diving and tourism experience) this of course means over 90 per cent remains available for fishing.

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.

I, like many in my industry, have a deep love of the ocean and a desire to protect it. From what I have seen BOPP is not about competing interests, but about taking a practical, informed approach to preserving a resource that underpins so much of our island’s identity and economy.

I respectfully urge the Government to formally adopt and implement the BOPP, securing long-term protection for Bermuda’s marine environment and the industries it supports.

MARK DIEL

Dive Bermuda