Bahamas’ National Maritime Policy 2015.

The Bahamas’ National Maritime Policy is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The purpose of this Policy is effective planning and development of maritime activities in a rational and sustainable manner for the social and economic development of the Bahamas. Therefore, the stated goals of this National Maritime Policy are: (I) support to ongoing economic activities; (II) economic development in the maritime sector at national and international level; (III) protection of marine environment; and (IV) safety of vessels in territorial sea and adjacent international waters.
Ocean economy will be promoted to diversify maritime activities and therewith create employment opportunities. The participation of local communities in planning and management strategies will be encouraged.
This Policy sets forth a framework to regulate and plan the activities in the coastline and all marine and archipelagic waters within the 200 nautical mile limits of exclusive economic zone of the Bahamas. Maritime boundaries with neighbouring States will be finalized in order to secure, exercise and protect rights and jurisdiction over marine areas and resources in accordance with the international obligations. A clear coordinated institutional mechanism will be established for integrated marine management across relevant sectors such as fisheries, tourism, transport and environment. Multiple-use marine spatial planning and zoning mechanisms will be implemented for improved planning and control of marine activities. A comprehensive system of marine licencing will be established for all marine activities such as certification of fishing vessels, disposal of waste at sea, discharges, construction of marine structures, and access to marine heritage sites. The monitoring, compliance and enforcement initiatives at sea and at ports of entry/landing sites will be strengthened. Port State Control regime will be implemented to conduct limited safety inspections of all foreign vessels calling at its ports to ensure their conformity to maritime safety, security and pollution prevention standards. Measures will be taken to prevent damage to marine ecosystems and depletion of marine resources to ensure healthy and productive marine environment. Mapping of key coastal habitats will be undertaken to underline the importance in coastal planning and development. Public awareness of the importance of the sea and its resources and protection of the marine environment will be raised through education and communication channels. Partnerships with the academic and private sectors will be developed to support skills development in key marine sectors. Ocean management will be strengthened in line with the marine science, marine affairs and marine management. A clear marine research strategy will be developed to attract investment for new and emerging opportunities. Moreover, the collection, monitoring and disseminating of information will be improved. Fishing industry will be developed to optimize the economic returns from commercial and export fisheries.
Appropriate adaptation and resilience-building strategies will be incorporated into sustainable development, conservation and governance actions to manage the increasing risk of climate change. National Disaster Prevention and Response Plans will be implemented in maritime space and coastal areas for effective risk management.
Effective governance mechanisms will be established and strengthened in order to contribute to the implementation of the National Maritime Policy and support creation of an enabling environment that supports future economic investment. Therefore, the coordination among all Government agencies with responsibility for maritime and ocean affairs will be strengthened. New legislations will be enacted in the fields of environmental protection, requirements for environmental impact assessment, maritime surveillance and monitoring, and pollution control. The implementation of the National Maritime Policy shall be guided by a high-level government entity. The Government of the Bahamas shall appoint an Inter-Departmental Maritime Coordination Group, under the coordination of the Minister responsible for Transport and Aviation, to oversee implementation of this policy and the various actions contained therein.