WATCH: BERMUDA'S BLUE PROSPERITY PLAN
The Blue Prosperity Plan has two complementary parts:
-
the Blue Economy Strategy, a guideline for growing Bermuda's ocean-related industries and attracting investment opportunities; and
-
the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), a framework for implementing sustainable ocean development, protection, and management.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
THROUGH APRIL 30, 2024
The Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban, JP, MP, has nominated a Review Panel, independent of BOPP, to evaluate public submissions to the Blue Prosperity Plan's proposed Marine Protected Area Network and Potential Use Areas. Specific terms of the panel can be found here.
After receiving these comments, the Review Panel will evaluate and respond to the public submissions. Following the Minister’s review and decision regarding the provided recommendations, the Blue Prosperity Plan will be amended accordingly. The amended Plan, together with the submitted Panel report, will be introduced to Cabinet for consideration and approval later this year.
BERMUDA OCEAN PROSPERITY PROGRAME (BOPP)
The Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme (BOPP) is a community-driven programme to foster the sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable use of ocean resources.
Bermuda’s Blue Prosperity Plan is designed to benefit every person in Bermuda, because we all depend on the ocean.
The Blue Prosperity Plan includes a Draft Blue Economy Strategy and a Draft Marine Spatial Plan that work together to create jobs, support local business, improve the economy, and keep our ocean healthy.
BERMUDA'S BLUE ECONOMY STRATEGY
The Blue Economy Strategy creates many opportunities to sustainably grow jobs and Bermuda's economy.
The Blue Prosperity Plan includes the creation of the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Fund (Ocean Fund) that will attract investment and allocate resources and mentorship to local businesses. Additionally, this fund will provide financial support for enforcement and protection of Bermuda’s existing marine regulations.
BERMUDA'S NEARSHORE MARINE SPATIAL PLAN
Bermuda has a history of marine protection.
Dive site protections have been in place in Bermuda’s waters for over 30 years.
The Marine Spatial Plan includes Marine Protected Area (MPA) maps that create a network for Bermuda's coastal, nearshore and offshore areas.
This MPA network aims to expand currently legislated marine areas.
Click image to enlarge
-
Protecting and restoring our marine environment
-
Replenishing commercially important fish stocks
-
Protecting fish nursery habitats and spawning grounds
-
Maintaining full diversity of marine life
-
Protecting unique underwater geologic features, such as seamounts
-
Ensuring long-term sustainable use of natural resources
-
Safeguarding underwater cultural heritage, such as shipwrecks
-
Increasing revenue for tourism and ocean-related businesses
-
Increasing job opportunities in ocean industries
PROGRAM MILESTONES
2019
MOU is signed between the Government of Bermuda, Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and Waitt Institute.
2020
Virtual public launch event is held to kick off the stakeholder engagement process.
2021
BOPP completes the Ocean Use Survey to gather information on how Bermudians use and value their ocean space, & on BOPP's Principals, Goals, & Objectives.
2022
State of Bermuda's Waters Report is published.
2022
Blue Prosperity Plan is submitted to Cabinet and advanced.
2022
Draft Blue Prosperity Plan undergoes public consultation from 12 September to 31 December, 2022.
2022
To address concerns from commercial fishermen, the Ocean Use Survey is reopened from Nov. 2022 to March 2023 to gather additional information.
2023
Focus groups with involved stakeholders are held to review updates to the Draft Blue Prosperity Plan based on feedback.
2023
BOPP hosts first annual art contest with over 250 entries to highlight the importance of marine protection.
2023
The BOPP team refines and updates the draft Blue Prosperity Plan based on feedback and additional data.
2024
The updated final draft Blue Prosperity Plan is released to the public, having incorporated significant public feedback.