Review of Protected Species and Habitats of Bermuda

Protected Marine Species and Habitats of Bermuda

In the following posts I will review the legal definitions and list critical marine species and habitats, as defined in the Laws of Bermuda, which are online at this link.

From the Bermuda Government Protected Species Act 2003

Legal Definitions:

Protected Species:
A Protected Species is any species of plant or animal designated as one of the following:

1. critically endangered,
2. endangered or
3. vulnerable

in accordance with the criteria set out in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species

Designation of protected status is based on consideration of its:

(a) the distribution of the species throughout the world;
(b) the number (with particular regard to the number of
sexually mature members) and distribution of the species in Bermuda;
(c) the location of, and threats to, the habitat of the species; and
(d) natural or man-made factors affecting or potentially affecting the
vulnerability or survival of the species, including destruction of habitat,
over-exploitation, disease, predacity and use of chemicals.

Critical Habitat:
any critical terrestrial or marine habitat essential for the protection
of a specified protected species.

Protected Area:
A bounded area of critical habitat is designated as a “Protected Area”.

In the case of a critical marine habitat the order may impose restrictions
(a) prohibiting the mooring of a vessel;
(b) prohibiting the anchoring of a vessel;
(c) imposing speed limits on marine traffic; and
(d) prohibiting or restricting the movement of marine traffic,
within the protected area.

“Take”
Take, in relation to any protected species of animal, includes to injure, disturb, harass, kill, capture and collect and, in relation to any protected species of plant, includes to pick, break, cut, uproot, destroy, damage and remove.