Bahamian Government Wants Citizens to Operate and Manage Moorings
NASSAU, Bahamas – The Bahamas government says it is reviewing policy options for the regulation of moorings, as well as the status of existing leases, technology developments, and mechanisms for more efficient oversight and enforcement.
(Photo courtesy Bahamas National Trust)It said as a result, it is seeking deeper engagement and input from stakeholders and the public, recognizing that the country’s longstanding policies require revision and modernization.
”We continue to maintain one non-negotiable objective: we must move to a new era, in which it is Bahamians who operate and manage our moorings and benefit from doing so, consistent with our shared national interest in marine conservation. The economic opportunities and benefits must stay inside our country,” according to a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister.
“We are taking preliminary steps, prior to our consultation with stakeholders, to ascertain the status of the mooring fields scattered throughout various islands in the Bahamas,” the statement said, adding that as part of the process, the government will review whether the existing mooring fields have a seabed lease, a certificate of environmental clearance (CEC), necessary port approvals, Cabinet level approval, if necessary, paid the required fees and to whom and are registered as a Bahamian or foreign company and tax compliant.
The government said to ensure that the public consultations are inclusive, it is encouraging all with an interest in participating to register adding that it welcomes input from all sectors, including local government officials, island residents, community groups, commercial fishermen as well as recreational boaters, marine tourism operators, marina operators, environmental scientists and marine biologists.
“Registration will allow us to gauge interest in participation and support the creation of a process to efficiently accommodate a diversity of viewpoints. Join us in shaping the future,” the statement added.
