It sends a clear international message that Bermuda’s entire EEZ is protected and effectively managed.” The FAB has rejected aspects of the BOPP, including the goal to create “pockets” of marine protected areas for 20 per cent of the island’s near and offshore waters. It earlier explained: “Research demonstrates that full protection is the most beneficial approach to support ecosystem recovery and resilience to climate change, as it provides a ‘savings account’ for ocean areas to restore without extraction.” Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, said at that time: “Our aim is to reach a solution with the fishermen on these issues before designating any additional protected areas.” A document by the BOPP called Future Proofing Bermuda’s Ocean — the Data and Process Behind Bermuda’s Marine Spatial Plan, July 2026, said MPAs “work together in a network to provide healthy ecosystem ‘pockets’ to help recover from external threats”.