The Ministry of Home Affairs is advising the public that the 2022-23 lobster season opens on Thursday [Sept 1] and will run until March 31, 2023. A Government spokesperson said, “This season will see fewer participants in the commercial spiny lobster trap fishery and the recreational lobster diver fishery due to a decline in the […]

[Written by Don Burgess] Treasured memories of fishing with her father, Richard, led Lauren Allen to write a children’s book about her experiences. She started working on An Itch to Fish one year ago with help from the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation summer programme. Ms. Allen, 24, said, “It was inspired by fishing trips that […]

[Updated] Members of the local fishing industry are holding a press conference this afternoon [Nov 24], and we will have additional coverage later on and in the meantime the live video is below. Update: The live broadcast has concluded and the replay is below Update: The Government issued a response, it follows in full below: […]

The Fishermen’s Association Bermuda has released a video to further respond to the Government, stating that the Steering Committee mostly consists of Government departments and said the Government has “inserted tokenism” to “give the impression that the fishing industry is fairly involved in the consultation and voting process.” Screenshot from the video statement released A […]

[Opinion column written by PLP Senator Lindsay Simmons] Your Government believes it is essential to not only lay out the facts after the recent press conference held by the Fisherman’s Association of Bermuda. We also want to assure the public that, as your Government, we remain committed to listening to, respecting, and working in collaboration […]

Over 600 people have signed an online petition from the Fishermen’s Association calling to ‘Stop BOPP fishing closures.’ The petition states, “We, the undersigned, stand in support of Bermuda’s fishing industry and in preserving our important heritage. We demand that the Bermuda Government immediately halt all moves to permanently decide on Bermuda’s future without the essential […]

The Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda will be presenting a petition to the Government on Friday [Jan 13] noting that they are ”hardworking Bermudian fishermen who have to date tried to participate in the BOPP proceedings but due to the foreign oversight and predetermined outcomes have been overlooked and undervalued.” A letter sent by the Association to the Government […]

[Updated] The Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda [FAB] is presenting a petition to the Government today [Jan 13] noting that they are ”hardworking Bermudian fishermen who have to date tried to participate in the BOPP proceedings but due to the foreign oversight and predetermined outcomes have been overlooked and undervalued.” Update: The live broadcast has concluded […]

The popular food-focused Eater media channel has featured Bermuda fishermen and chefs and their work in the effort to fight the invasive lionfish. The Eater story said,”In the Atlantic Ocean, lionfish are an invasive species that eat many fish in local waters. Bermuda-based fishermen and chefs have found a way to help curb that: “We’ve […]

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch arrived in Bermuda today as part of the second annual fisheries enforcement operation. A spokesperson said, “U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch [WPC-1119] arrived in Bermuda today as part of the second annual fisheries enforcement operation in concert with the Bermuda Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda […]

“This winter has been a difficult one for many fishermen as windy conditions have limited the number of fishing days,” said the Minister of Home Affairs, Walter Roban, following detailed discussions with technical experts in the department and a review of information on local fisheries, particularly the Hind Grounds, “As such, to assist the fishermen, […]

The 2023 Bermuda Anglers Club Annual Junior Fishing Tournament will be held on Sunday, August 13 and is open to boys and girls under the age of 17. A spokesperson said, “It’s free to enter. Fishing starts at 8.30am. The weigh in opens at 3pm that day. Prizes are up for grabs in several categories for […]

Members of the Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda met to deliberate over the proposed MOU intended to bring the organization back to engagement with the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Program and “declined to ratify the MOU.” Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda: A spokesperson said, “On Tuesday, July 18th, Members of the Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda met to deliberate […]

The Bermuda Anglers Club Junior Fishing Tournament was held today [Aug 13] with prizes up for grabs in several categories for boys and girls, which include fishing from the shore or from a boat. Tournament Director Kip Froud previously commented, “We are very fortunate to have a great group of sponsors for the Junior Fishing […]

Marlin Magazine has released a video highlighting the 2023 Bermuda Billfish Blast, which is part of the 2023 Bermuda Triple Crown event. The video’s description says, “A total of 37 boats fished the 2023 Bermuda Billfish Blast, which offered a total cash purse of $506,850 plus an additional $360,000 as part of the Bermuda Triple […]

Prize giving for the Bermuda Anglers Club Annual Junior Fishing Tournament was held today [Aug 19] at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club. Tournament Director Kip Froud said, “The tournament was a great success. We had 126 kids registered for the event, 35 percent of those who registered were girls. We had 78 kids come […]

“Today, the 2023 lobster season begins, and while I understand and appreciate that in our culture, lobster dinners are a highly prized meal and an eagerly anticipated addition to restaurant menus during lobster season,” explained the Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban. “The extended period of below-average catch rates in the lobster fishery indicates a […]

Since introducing the Draft Blue Prosperity Plan last year, the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme [BOPP] has “conducted extensive community outreach” and is “continuing its work to update and strengthen the document based on input received from Bermuda’s residents and local industries, including commercial fishermen.” A spokesperson said, “Since introducing the Draft Blue Prosperity Plan on […]

The Fishermen’s Association Bermuda [FAB] has responded to the latest statement from the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme [BOPP] saying BOPP’s plan shows that it is “less about functional management and more about flashy PR statements and check-the-box style public consultation.” A spokesperson said, “BOPP might consider their plan holistic because it touches on multiple aspects […]

The Government released a statement covering aspects including the marine exclusive economic zone, Fisherman’s Association Bermuda [FAB] and more. A Government spokesperson said, “While the Government appreciates that the Fisherman’s Association Bermuda [FAB] disagree with the commitment to fully protect twenty per cent of the island’s exclusive economic zone, developing a balanced and integrated marine […]

The Blue Prosperity Plan has unveiled revised draft maps for the proposed marine protected area [MPA] network which “highlight significant changes that accommodate feedback received from the commercial fishing industry.” A Government spokesperson said, “After extensive consultation, a series of new draft maps were revealed that form the proposed marine protected area [MPA] network as […]

The Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda [FAB] proposed their “vision of what fisheries management in Bermuda could be at its best,” suggesting a “cooperative management of fisheries.” A spokesperson said, “In February 2023, Premier David Burt invited the Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda to present an alternative plan to the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme. Since that time, […]

[Written by Patrick Bean] The Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda [FAB] has viewed, with scepticism, recent comments made in the House of Assembly by Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban. Within his statement the Minister noted that he was yet open to input from stakeholders relevant to the implementation of the Draft Blue Prosperity Plan compiled by the […]

Bermuda’s updated Blue Prosperity Plan has just been released to the public, with officials saying that the new version “incorporates extensive stakeholder, public, and scientific feedback collected over the past year.” A spokesperson said, “Bermuda’s updated Blue Prosperity Plan, designed to conserve and sustainably manage Bermuda’s waters, has just been released to the public. The […]

The Ministry of Home Affairs is reminding commercial and recreational fishers that fishing in the Seasonally Protected Areas, also known as the “Hind Grounds” and “Grouper Grounds”, will be prohibited from 15 April through 14 August 2024 in order to protect spawning Red Hinds and Black Groupers. According to yesterday’s official notices, “The Ministry of […]

The Ministry of Home Affairs extended the consultation period for the draft Blue Prosperity Plan by an additional week. A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs announces an extension of an additional week for consultation on the draft Blue Prosperity Plan. The consultation will now close on Tuesday, 7th of May. “The extended […]

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch arrived in Bermuda on Monday, May 27, as part of ongoing operations in concert with the Bermuda Government, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Coast Guard Unit, and Bermuda Police Services. A spokesperson said, “The U.S. Coast Guard has a multifaceted mandate, including to protect environment and living marine resources against illegal, […]

The 2024 Bermuda Billfish Blast — part of the Bermuda Triple Crown — was held this week, with one of the notable catches being a 636lb blue marlin, caught on ‘Debaitable.’ The event website notes, “For decades, the blue-purple waters off the island nation of Bermuda have attracted anglers from around the world to pursue […]

The 2024 Bermuda Billfish Blast — part of the Bermuda Triple Crown — was held this past week.The event website notes, “For decades, the blue-purple waters off the island nation of Bermuda have attracted anglers from around the world to pursue giant Atlantic blue marlin as well as a host of other species. It’s home […]

[Updated with video] The 2024 Big Game Classic Tournament is underway, as part of the Triple Crown series. According to the event website, “The largest event of the Triple Crown series, the Bermuda Big Game Classic is one of the world’s most prestigious blue marlin tournaments thanks in part to a fleet of some of […]

Marlin Magazine has released a video highlighting the 2024 Bermuda Big Game Classic, which is part of the 2024 Bermuda Triple Crown event. The video takes a look at both Sea Striker’s win, as well as the 1,268 pound blue marlin caught by UnWined. The video’s description says, “Sea Striker wins the 2024 Bermuda Big […]

The 2024 Bermuda Anglers Club Annual Junior Fishing Tournament will be held on Sunday, August 18 and is open to any boy or girl under the age of 17. A spokesperson said, “The 2024 Bermuda Anglers Club Annual Junior Tournament will be held this year on Sunday 18 August and is open to any boy […]

The Ministry of Home Affairs advises the public that the “number of recreational lobster diver licenses will be capped at 175 for the upcoming 2024-2025 spiny lobster season, which begins on 1st September.” A Government spokesperson said, “This limit remains unchanged from last season. Licenses will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis starting Wednesday, […]

The 2024 Bermuda Anglers Club Junior Tournament saw a record 170 participants and a lively weigh-in, highlighted by an impressive 46.7lb wahoo caught by 11-year-old Mackenzie Barnes. A spokesperson said, “Family, fun, sunshine and fish were the hallmarks of Sunday’s weigh in for the 2024 Bermuda Anglers Club Annual Junior Tournament. “A record 170 junior […]

Prize giving for the Bermuda Anglers Club Annual [BAC] Junior Fishing Tournament was held on Saturday [August 31] at the Spanish Point Boat Club [SPBC]. A BAC spokesperson commented, ‘The tournament was a great success. We had 170 kids registered for the event and 70 kids came to the weigh-in. The SPBC was the perfect […]

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a reminder that “critical zones for Black Grouper aggregation remain closed to fishing until December 1, 2024,” with the reminder following “recent incidents where three commercial fishers are suspected of illegally fishing within these seasonally protected areas.” A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs reminds all commercial and recreational […]

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources [DENR] announced a “new online platform and mobile app designed to modernise fisheries data management in Bermuda.” A Government spokesperson said, “This innovative system streamlines the licensing process, simplifies catch reporting for fishers, and ensures that relevant information is easily accessible to support scientific research and enforcement activities. […]

Sebastian Kempe, one of the top Bermudian sailing competitors, has secured his place to study yacht design and production at Solent University in Southampton. Kempe, who previously attended the Royal Hospital School in Suffolk, England, became the youth world sailing champion in the ILCA 6 class in 2021 and was named the Bermudian Junior Male […]

Christian Ebbin was back in action for Tulane University as the school hosted the Allstate Sugar Bowl Open, winning the regatta with 64 points. Along with Tulane, the field included the College of Charleston, Florida State, Jacksonville, Rice, Stanford, Texas A&M, Cal-Berkeley, and Wisconsin. Coming into the final day of racing, Ebbin and his crew […]

The comet class moved to the waters of the Mid Atlantic Sailboat Club, with seven boats going to the startline for the Kacy Simons Memorial Regatta. Allan Frith and his crew Sarah Frith won the first three races, they finished 2nd in the final race, sailors are allowed to throw out a race so the […]

The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club and World Match Racing Tour today announced re-insurer Aspen as title sponsor of the new Aspen Bermuda Women’s Match Racing Regatta to take place alongside the 71st Bermuda Gold Cup from 29 October to 3 November in Hamilton Harbour. A spokesperson said, “It is the first time that Bermuda will […]

Maxwell Curtis and Wesley Tucker are the 2024 Lawrence Stickers Hendrickson Memorial comet race regatta champions following racing off the Mid Atlantic Sailboat Club. Curtis and Tucker won all three races on the day to finish with 3 points, with Dale Brangman and his crew Mikki Brangman finishing second with 6 points, and Gladwin Lambert […]

Bermudian Keeron Wilson’s inspiring journey as a boatbuilder at SailGP Technologies in Southampton, England, has been spotlighted in a recent video. At just 25 years old, Mr Wilson has found success as a full-time technical team member for SailGP, having moved to the UK nearly a year ago. His path into the industry began with […]

Jordan Vieira, Paul Rodrigues Jr and their Eckerd College sailing teammates took to the water to compete in the Charleston Fall Interconference. Eckerd College finished 4th overall out of 11 schools, with 106 points. Vieira — sailing the Eckerd A division boat — had a split crew with Avery Guck and Lily Schwartz sharing the […]

Due to a lack of consistent wind at the Danmark Trophy no races were completed on the second day, however Christian Ebbin and his Tulane sailing teammates finished seventh overall in the race for the Danmark Trophy with 143 total points through eight races. Ebbin sailed the Tulane B class boat, with his crew Sabrina […]

The International One Design [IOD] North American Championship got underway in the Great Sound. After four races on day one, Bill McNiven leads the fleet with 5 net points, this after winning the first three races, and then he finished 2nd in the fourth race of the day. Craig Davis who won the final race […]

Four more races in the International One Design [IOD] North American championship took place on the Great Sound. After a total of eight races, Bill McNiven was crowned the champion with 13 net points, this after finishing third in three races on the day, he also finished 2nd in a race. Ned Johnston won three […]

Bermudian sailor Penny Simmons has been hailed as a “true sailing legend” with an “indomitable spirit” after passing away last month. He was aged 85. Simmons represented Bermuda at four Olympic Games in two classes of boat: Dragons and 470s. He was an active member of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club for several decades. Simmons, […]

Earlier this year, Endeavour collaborated with Bermuda College’s APACE to train 11 young Bermudians for maritime careers through the Maritime Career Springboard Programme. A spokesperson said, “Endeavour, a Bermuda-registered charity that engages diverse youth across Bermuda in experiential education that builds their self-confidence and skills, partnered with the Bermuda College Athora Division of Professional and […]

Bermudian Christian Ebbin helped Tulane University achieve an impressive victory in sailing at the Open Atlantic Coast Championship Round 1B on St Mary’s River in St Mary’s City, Maryland, last weekend. The freshman and his team-mate Sabrina Anderson inspired Tulane to their fourth regatta win of the autumn. Ebbin and Anderson led Tulane by finishing […]