A shake-up of the fishing licence system has been unveiled, as part of a Government drive to protect Bermuda?s marine environment for future generations.

Existing commercial fishing permits will rise in price, it was confirmed, and licences will be introduced for leisure fishing and spearfishing.

But ?hook and liners? fishing from the shoreline ? a rite of passage for many Bermudian youths ? will not be hit in the pocket, under new laws outlined by Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield.

Ms Butterfield announced the new permit system after saying there was ?little doubt? the Island?s marine ecosystems faced serious threats to their long-term health.

?Local fishing pressure, coastal development and waste disposal practices join forces with changes in climate patterns, sea level rise and ocean temperature to challenge our fragile ecosystems,? she said.

Despite current pressures, marine resources are ?largely healthy?, she added, and with careful management they may remain that way.

Outlining the long-awaited Marine Environment and Fishing Industry White Paper yesterday, the Minister said a sustainable approach had to be matched by fair access to the ocean?s resources ? twinned with new laws, tougher fines and improved enforcement.

And both commercial and leisure fishermen would now have to pay an ?economic rent? to use the ocean.

The Minister said the current commercial fishing licence would rise, to reflect its ?realistic value? and to deter renewal of inactive licences. ?The higher fee is intended to ensure that the licence will only be of value to those who regularly fish and sell their catch,? she added.

Of 212 fishing licences outstanding, about 80 were held by active fishermen, the House of Assembly heard.

What the new cost to fishermen would be was not mentioned yesterday, but the White Paper said it would be based on how much the licence-holder caught. ?The higher the potential impact (on the marine environment), the higher the fee will be,? it said.

Ms Butterfield said recreational fishermen have a potentially significant impact on fish stocks, so Government was now phasing in licences for them. They will also have to submit catch statistics to keep their permit. Lobster divers will continue to need licences.

A new Fisheries Commission, made up of commercial and recreational fishermen, will also be set up to issue the new licences and assess suitability of applicants.

And the Minister stressed only commercial fishermen would be allowed to sell their catch, while there would now be a greater emphasis on regulating catch targets ? in a bid to better protect fish stocks ? rather than focusing on controlling fisherman numbers.

Ms Butterfield said a cross-Government steering committee would be formed, to ensure environmental concerns get heard when policies are drawn up.

She also said Government would ensure sea pollution would be ?vigorously pursued?, with more aggressive enforcement and increased ticketing by fisheries wardens.

Stiff increases in penalties for pollution, dumping and oil spills were also outlined.

Maximum fines for environmental crimes committed by locals will rise from $25,000 to $250,000 and foreign offenders face massive maximum fines of up to $2.5 million, instead of $150,000.

Restaurants and hotels will also be banned from buying fish from an unlicensed source.

Other details in the paper included:

* A law making it illegal for a boat to run aground anywhere within Bermuda?s territorial sea.

* New policies on dredging, including a pledge to only allow blasting in exceptional circumstances. Harsher fines for illegal dredging.

* Plans for development of public marinas in right locations to be given ?favourable consideration?.

* Hotels encouraged to reuse waste-water they create.

* Projects to create artificial new beaches will generally not be supported.

* Two sites on either side of the Island will be looked at to provide shoreside facilities like ice and fuel.

* Government will investigate the possibility of setting up a central fish market

* Setting up a committee of scientists and experts to improve marine management. It will also prioritise research proposals and award contracts to local and overseas research bodies.

Ms Butterfield said the protection of a unique marine environment was a legacy Bermudians must leave for their children.

Responding to the Government proposals, said he supported the general principles in the White Paper, which he said had taken five years to produce. He also backed the idea to charge more people who use the ocean for recreational fishing.

But he said that the Government stance would be ?farcical? without more enforcement powers, and he said better boats were needed to patrol the Island and catch polluters.

He said there should be a fund to help sick fishermen and questioned why there was no mention of the impact of global warming on Bermuda.

Not exactly global warming per se, but said it would be neglectful of Government not to consider the factors which could affect our marine environment over time.

?Don?t chase the all-mighty dollar at the expense of the environment,? he told the House.

Panamax and Post-Panamax cruise ships like the and the and their long-term impact on Bermuda?s environment and coral reefs, especially to the Dockyard area, were also raised. told the House that the effects of bilge water pumped out by some of the larger ships needed to be investigated.

A point also raised by who said if Government was truly serious about Bermuda?s environment they would not have the Minister of Tourism work with the Minister of Transport in deciding where the ?mega? cruise ships would dock in the future.

In a tongue-in-cheek remark, Mr. Burgess said it would be amusing if Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown did not agree with Tourism Minister Dr. Ewart Brown on any particular issue.

He said it made more sense for Minister Brown to consult on these issues with the Minister of the Environment.