YOUR OCEAN.
YOUR FUTURE.
YOU DECIDE.
The Draft Blue Prosperity Plan is open for Public Consultation until 31 December, 2022 and we want to hear from you! Give feedback online at forum.gov.bm/en.
The Draft Blue Prosperity Plan has two components: the Blue Economy Strategy, a guideline for growing Bermuda's ocean-related industries and attracting investment opportunities; and the Marine Spatial Plan, a framework for implementing sustainable ocean development, protection, and management.
WATCH THIS TO LEARN ABOUT THE
DRAFT BLUE PROSPERITY PLAN
READ THE
DRAFT BLUE PROSPERITY PLAN
The 60-day consultation period starting September 12, 2022 for the Draft Blue Prosperity Plan (BPP) has been extended through December 31, 2022. During the month of September, three public consultation sessions were held with more than 150 persons in attendance. Each session included a presentation on the Draft Blue Economy Strategy and the Draft Marine Spatial Plan. All the feedback provided will be given to the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme Steering Committee, a group of 17 organisations from Bermuda including Government and local businesses. It will consider this input and evaluate how it may be used to refine the plan in order to achieve the stated social and ecological objectives.
PRIOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION SESSIONS:
Session 1: Thursday, 15th September, 2022
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: St. Paul’s AME Centennial Church Hall, Hamilton
Session 2: Wednesday, 21st September, 2022
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, Hanson Hall, St. George’s
Session 3: Wednesday, 28th September, 2022
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: St James’ Church Hall, Somerset
If you were not able to participate in a public consultation session, you can learn more about the Draft Blue Prosperity Plan and provide feedback online on the Bermuda Citizens Forum.
You are also invited to join an Ocean Village stakeholder consultation group. These stakeholder groups are organized by ocean use and will meet 3-5 times over the 60-day public consultation period. This means of engagement requires a larger time commitment; however, you will be provided with more detailed information about the Draft BPP. Each Ocean Village group will submit a consensus comment on the Draft BPP to provide unified suggestions on the Blue Prosperity Plan from each sector.
Ocean Village groups include:
-
Commercial Fishers
-
Passive Recreation, Conservation, & Swimming
-
Tourism, Boating, Sports, Diving, & Snorkeling
-
Recreational Fishers
-
Aquaculture (Mariculture)
-
Wastewater/Pollution Management, Utilities, Infrastructure & Development
For more information or to join an Ocean Village stakeholder consultation group, please contact Noelle Young, BOPP Administrative Assistant, at nyoung@waittinstitute.org
The BERMUDA OCEAN PROSPERITY PROGRAMME is a partnership between the Government of Bermuda, the Waitt Institute, and Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS).
BOPP is a community-driven programme to foster the sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable use of ocean resources.
The goals of the programme are to responsibly develop Bermuda’s Blue Economy in order to diversify national revenue via the coordinated management of Bermuda’s blue assets, including both marine resources and ocean-related industries. This includes the development of a Marine Spatial Plan that designates full protection for 20% of Bermuda’s waters, creating 90,000km2 of new marine protected areas, and working to improve fisheries management.
Responsibly develop Bermuda’s Blue Economy in order to diversify national revenue via the coordinated management of Bermuda’s blue assets, including both marine resources and ocean-related industries.
Marine spatial planning is a science-backed and stakeholder-driven process to manage ocean space to reduce user conflict, support a thriving blue economy, and prioritise human health and well-being. A Marine Spatial Plan outlines the rules for the sustainable use and development of Bermuda’s marine environment, thereby maximising Bermuda’s ability to manage, and benefit from, its most valuable asset.
Improve fisheries management, where appropriate, and partner with stakeholders to support Bermuda's fisheries goals through consultations, scientific research and economic analyses.
PROGRAM TIMELINE
MOU
GOVERNANCE & WORK PLANNING
ASSESSMENTS
PLANNING & LEGAL DEVELOPMENT
IMPLEMENTATION
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 team completed the Ocean Use Survey to gather information on how Bermudians use and value their ocean space.
2022
State of Bermuda's Waters Report is published.
2022
Blue Prosperity Plan is submitted to Cabinet and advanced.
2022
Blue Prosperity Plan goes to public consultation.
HOW CAN MARINE PROTECTED AREAS BENEFIT BERMUDA?
-
Restoring and protecting critical marine ecosystems
-
Safeguarding underwater cultural heritage
-
Protecting fish nursery habitats and spawning grounds
-
Maintaining marine biodiversity
-
Ensuring long-term sustainable use of natural resources
-
Protecting unique geologic features
-
Replenishing commercially important fish stocks
-
Increasing revenue for tourism and ocean-related businesses
-
Increasing job opportunities in ocean industries
CONTACT US
You can also reach us directly by emailing info@BermudaOceanProsperity.org.
Learn more at:
https://environment.bm/bermuda-ocean-prosperity