Created at 02:04 PM, February 18, 2022
A view of the North Shore reefs (Photograph by Andrew Collins).
A three-year plan has been drafted to protect Bermuda’s marine environment, in partnership with the UK.
Walter Roban, Minister of Home Affairs TelledThe House of Assembly is making efforts to bring the Blue Shield program to Bermuda. This could provide a significant amount of assistance for Bermuda.
The benefits discussed include the introduction of underwater camera equipment and microphone equipment, satellite surveillance data that can help focus enforcement activity, and training in both specialist and case management satellite survey technology.
Roban said that it would provide a complete picture on marine activities for us, which will allow us to better manage our waters.
Blue Shield will monitor activity and help us comply with environmental regulations by establishing compliance or enforcement frameworks.
Blue Shield will help Bermuda take enforcement action against non-compliance if necessary.
Roban said he was especially excited about the emphasis on protecting Bermuda’s marine resources.
He stated that our exclusive economic zone extends approximately 200 miles (370 km) from our shores. This is roughly in the form of a circle.
This is why it is important to have a good understanding of the current affairs and maritime domain awareness of the threats within our EEZ.
Although this was a very difficult task, technological advances and the help of our neighbours as well as better integrations of our local assets mean that it is possible to monitor our EEZ and manage it almost in real-time.
Last year, Bermuda was the first overseas territory to sign up for the Blue Shield program.
The Blue Belt scheme in Britain funds the programme. It was created to protect more than 4 million kilometres of ocean around Earth and combat climate change.
Three representatives from the British Government visited the island earlier in the month to learn more about its resources and challenges.
Mr Roban stated that the Blue Shield team met with the Governor, Minister and Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs as well as technical representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard, Department of Marine and Ports and Disaster Management in order to evaluate the draft scoping document.
The team also visited numerous fish landing spots throughout the island, the Marine Operations Centre in Fort George, the Eastern protected groupser grounds with Fisheries Section and western areas of the RBR Coast Guard.
This allowed the team to see first-hand the local sea conditions and habitats, size and capabilities our vessels, the incredible capabilities of the Marine Operations Centre as well local enforcement assets.
* Click on the PDF link under Related Media to read the full ministerial statement.
