About The Programme
The BERMUDA OCEAN PROSPERITY PROGRAMME (BOPP) is a partnership between the Government of Bermuda, the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, and the Waitt Institute. BOPP is a community-driven programme to foster the sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable use of ocean resources.
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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 90,000km of new marine protected areas, and working to improve fisheries management.
Bermuda has a long history of managing its marine environment, from the first sea turtle protection law of modern times in 1620 to the incredible recovery of the Bermuda petrel (Pterodroma cahow). Bermuda also has a thriving tourism industry, in part thanks to the diverse marine environments of the platform and beyond.
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Programme Goals
Thriving Blue Economy
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
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.
Sustainable Fisheries
Improve fisheries management, where appropriate, and partner with stakeholders to support Bermuda’s fisheries goals through consultations, scientific research, and economic analyses.