ACTION PLANS
To guide implementation of each non-spatial objective in the Marine Spatial Plan, Action Plans were developed that outline ongoing and planned priority activities to achieve objectives.
These Action Plans linked below incorporate stakeholder feedback and include details relevant to required resources and anticipated output(s). The BOPP Steering Committee identified a lead organisation, a list of government ministries and departments and/or other consulting organisations, as well as provisional timelines within each of these Action Plans. Plans were written and will be implemented by lead organizations.
A non-spatial objective is an activity, process, or policy to be achieved during the development or implementation of the MSP to support the stated goal. It can also address future management needs identified during the MSP process.
A spatial objective relates to, occupies, or otherwise has the character of physical space. It aims to define a specific location(s) where human activities are permitted, restricted or enhanced.
Bermuda’s Marine Spatial Plan: Goals
Bermuda’s Marine Spatial Plan: Objectives
Goal 1 (FSH)
Facilitate sustainable commercial and recreational fisheries
SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
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FSH.1: Ensure continued access to the most highly-valued fishing grounds on and around the nearshore area, including the Bermuda Platform and outlying banks, as identified by the Ocean Use Survey and other relevant data sources by March 2022.
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FSH.2: To the extent possible, allow for spatial continuity of fishing for pelagic species in depths > 55 m around the edge of the nearshore area, including the Bermuda Platform and the outlying banks, by March 2022.
NON-SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
FSH.A: Develop a licensing structure which will allow for better monitoring of reported catches. This will lead to better reporting as it relates to quotas and better management of fish stocks to ensure sustainable commercial and recreational fisheries.
Goal 2 (HIS)
Preserve areas of historical and cultural importance
SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
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HIS.1: Marine protected areas designations should prioritise those areas that have both conservation and historical significance.
Goal 3 (DEV)
Identify and evaluate the environmental, economic, cultural, and social impacts of all proposed marine activities and developments, and require Environmental Impact Assessments as outlined in the MSP Legal Framework
NON-SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
DEV.A: Develop and adopt the legal framework for regulating and managing activities and development within the marine environment, including statutory provisions for evaluating impacts of all proposals and requiring Environmental Impact Assessments for certain proposals.
Lead: DENR, DOP
Consult: BEDC, BNT, DOE, DOPB, EDD, HWA, M&P, MRB
Timeline: 2024
Goal 4 (TSM)
Support environmentally sustainable marine and maritime tourism that promotes social justice, equity, inclusion, innovation,
and economic opportunities for Bermuda’s people
NON-SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
TSM.B: Integrate sustainable, equitable blue tourism policies and actions into the implementation of the Bermuda National Tourism Plan.
Lead: BTA
Consult: BDA, HWA, MRB
Timeline: 2026
Action Plan
in progress.
TSM.C: Promote educational materials that enhance awareness about environmentally friendly coastal maritime tourism practises (e.g., watercraft handling around sensitive areas, best practises for SCUBA diving, etc.).
Lead: BTA
Consult: BIOS, DENR, HWA, M&P, MRB
Timeline: 2025
Action Plan
in progress.
Goal 5 (INF)
Support maritime infrastructure needs
NON-SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
INF.A: Lead a feasibility study that evaluates the benefits and challenges (including insurance considerations and cost) for the gradual removal of abandoned and unregistered moorings, and the changeover or installation of eco-friendly swing moorings, including public use moorings in environmentally sensitive areas commonly used for recreation.
Lead: DENR
Consult: BNT, M&P, DOPB, MRB
Timeline: 2025
INF.B: Lead the creation of a study that assesses potential sea level rise and other climate change impacts (rising temperatures, storm frequency and precipitation), including possible adaptation plans, on the airport, bridges, causeways, commercial wharves, ferry docks, fuel docks, marinas, boatyards, BELCO power station, and beaches, updating and expanding on the Smith Warner (2004) and National Trust (2008) reports.
Lead: Ministry of Home Affairs with support of Climate Change Task Force
Consult: BIOS, DENR, DOE, DOP, DOPB, DOWD, EA, M&P, MRB, Ministry of Public Works
Timeline: 2025
Action plan in progress and will be publicly available after Cabinet approval.
INF.C: Conduct a survey of current marina operators, yacht clubs and the Bermuda Tourism Authority to inquire on current capacity, anticipated demand and any plans for expansion.
Lead: M&P
Consult: BEDC, BTA, DENR, DOP, MRB
Timeline: 2025
Action Plan
in progress.
Goal 6 (IRP)
Evaluate the feasibility of Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)-proposed marine renewable energy solutions taking into account economic,
environmental, and cultural impacts
SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
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IRP.1: Identify potential energy production zones that recognise the physical characteristics and criteria that should be considered when placing ocean renewable technologies for the purpose of delineating the broadest areas where these technologies could be implemented in Bermuda’s EEZ with the lowest potential impact to ecosystem function.
NON-SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
IRP.A: Contribute to a Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment as part of this MSP to establish the decision-making criteria and process for marine renewable energy development proposals by December 2022.
Lead: RA
Consult: DENR, DOE, DOP, DOPB, EA
Timeline: 2025
Please refer to the Action Plan under DEV.A and B
Goal 7 (MAR)
Facilitate the development of responsible, environmentally and economically sustainable mariculture
Mariculture is the culture of marine organisms in their natural environment for restoration, food and other products.
SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
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MAR.1: Define suitable aquaculture zones for each cultivation technology applicable to Bermuda (floating, submerged, suspended and bottom cultivation technologies) as determined by relevant literature
NON-SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
MAR.A: Lead a research project on the economic feasibility/viability of mariculture in Bermuda by 2023 and produce a guidance document regarding environmental, social and economic considerations for mariculture in Bermuda.
Lead: DENR
Consult: BIOS, CFC, DOPB, EA, EH, MRB
Timeline: 2025
Action Plan
in progress; an initial feasibility/viability report has been completed and will be used to produce the guidance document.
MAR.B: Develop legislation and policy to create a framework to enable mariculture in Bermuda.
Lead: DENR
Consult: DOP, DOPB, EH, M&P, MRB
Timeline: 2026
Action Plan
in progress.
Goal 8 (ENF)
Facilitate effective enforcement within the marine environment
NON-SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
Goal 9 (BIO)
Protect biological diversity, productivity, and ecological function across all habitat types
NON-SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
BIO.A: Conduct a study to assess the need and cost/benefit for regulations on transitory commercial maritime traffic speed in Bermuda’s EEZ.
Lead: DENR, M&P
Consult: BSMA, MRB
Timeline: 2027
Action Plan
in progress.
Goal 10 (REP)
Facilitate reproductive success of marine species through protection and restoration of important nursery grounds, spawning sites, and migratory routes
SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
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REP.1: Maintain seasonal no-take restrictions at all known ‘fish’ breeding and/or aggregation sites under the Fisheries (Protected Areas) Order 2000, and evaluate changes as new scientific information becomes available.
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REP.2: Identify and protect 50% of coastal habitats that appear to be juvenile fish nursery habitats and/or used by protected marine species.
Goal 11 (HAB)
Restore degraded and vulnerable habitats
SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
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HAB.1: Establish active restoration of areas that were formerly seagrass habitats (100m2) through turtle exclusion.
NON-SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
Goal 12 (UNQ)
Preserve unique, rare, and/or threatened species and habitats
SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
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UNQ.1: designating marine protected areas, prioritise those areas that seek to protect habitat used by unique, rare, and/or threatened species named in the Protected Species Act.
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UNQ.2: When designating marine protected areas, prioritise those areas that seek to protect at least 40% of seamount area in Bermuda’s outer EEZ. This objective specifically excludes Argus and Challenger Banks.
NON-SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
UNQ.A: Support and promote a strategic management plan that recommends levels of protection for remaining natural/living rocky intertidal shorelines and beaches from inappropriate development.
Lead: DENR
Consult: BNT, DOP, MRB
Timeline: 2027
Action Plan
in progress; will be considered for inclusion in MPA management plans.
UNQ.B: Support recommendations as identified by DENR for protections of shark species.
Lead: DENR
Consult: BIOS, MRB
Timeline: 2022
Action Plan complete per updated shark fishing legislation passed in 2022. Additional steps will be considered for inclusion as part of MPA management.
Goal 13 (WQA)
Improve water quality and reduce ocean pollution
NON-SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
Goal 14 (SCI)
Promote scientific and technological research
NON-SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
SCI.A: Develop legislation that establishes a clear and straight-forward licence process for research activities by local and visiting scientists.
Lead: DENR
Consult: BIOS, MRB
Timeline: 2025
Action Plan
in progress; legislation will be drafted that includes review process with relevant expertise.
Goal 15 (EDU)
Educate the public about the importance of the marine environment
NON-SPATIAL OBJECTIVES:
EDU.A: Deliver a series of public outreach MSP campaigns in collaboration with key partners.
Lead: DENR
Consult: BEDC, BIOS, DOWD, HWA, MRB
Timeline: 2025
Action Plan will be completed as part of the MSP's implementation.
EDU.B: Deliver a series of educational curriculum products relative to the marine environment and MSP to be distributed to local schools.
Lead: DENR
Consult: BIOS, DOWD, HWA, MRB
Timeline: 2025
Action Plan will be completed as part of the MSP's implementation.
EDU.C: Incorporate Bermuda’s MSP in local adult education programs (18+) to give Bermudians experience relevant to local marine environment jobs.
Lead: DENR
Consult: BIOS, DOWD, HWA, MRB
Timeline: 2025
Action Plan will be completed as part of the MSP's implementation.
EDU.C: Develop an intersectoral working group to promote collaboration among marine stakeholders for MSP implementation.
Lead: DENR
Consult: BEDC, DOWD, HWA, MRB
Timeline: 2025
Action Plan will be completed as part of the MSP's implementation.
* Timeline dates are provisional and subject to modification and will be revised after BPP adoption.