ON AND OFFSHORE The Newsletter of the Coastal Zone Management Unit

Page

1 Baseline Studies of the CRMP

2 The CRMP Hazard Risk Assessment Activities

3 The New Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan

4 The Holetown Waterfront Improvement Project

5 CZMU Coastal Defence Projects

6 Emerging Threat: Coral Tissue Loss Disease

Volume 1, 2021

UNDERSTANDING OUR COAST THE BASELINE STUDIES OF THE COASTAL RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.”

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3D Mapping of Cliff Undercuts and Analysis of Cliff Strength In order to understand the hazard of cliff failure along the coastline, the CZMU conducted drone surveys utilising sonar scanning to precisely measure the depth of cliff undercuts. The strength of the material composition of cliff types was also studied via borehole core analysis to better model the potential for cliff failure in the future.

3D Surveys of the Land Surface and Seabed The LiDAR surveys of the land surface and seabed of Barbados provided the country with high-resolution elevation data along with aerial photographs, information on vegetation cover and building density. This information allows scientists to model the behaviour of water flows over land for rainfall events, waves as they approach the shore to cause storm surge, and support many other areas of coastal and terrestrial resource management.

Modelling of the Impacts of Land-based Pollution on Marine Water Quality Pollution that affects groundwater in Barbados can easily reach the sea through the network of gullies and other watercourses as well as the porous limestone than comprises our aquifers. As such the CZMU modelled these pollutant flow patterns in order understand how changes in land use practices would likely affect marine water quality.

Nearshore Wave and Current Pattern Measurement The CZMU deployed three advanced wave and current measuring buoys along the south, east and north coasts of the island to record how the characteristics of waves and currents change over time in response to wind and tidal variation. The information was used to model physical oceanographic regimes in the nearshore zone of Barbados to better predict wave impacts and erosion trends along the coastline.

Changes in Shoreline Position over time Where the CZMU intervenes to place beach or shoreline protection structures is largely based on the prioritization of areas exhibiting consistent coastal erosion trends. The CZMU has enhanced this analysis by reviewing over 35 years of beach profiles and 70 years of aerial photographs to classify the entire coastline in terms of long-term stability characteristics and presence of engineered infrastructure.

Nearshore Sand Movement Patterns How sand is transported along the coastline by waves and currents, as well as the source of sand supply for beaches is critically important for the management of the coastline. The CZMU studied nearshore wave and current patterns as well as the grain characteristics of beaches to identify the sources and sinks for sand sediments as well as shoreline features that could be negatively impacting beach stability.

These words from Peter Drucker were first applied to business

management, but also relate directly to the management of the environment. In order to manage coastal resources effectively we must first characterize them and understand what influences them. This is why the Coastal Zone Management Unit commissioned the Baseline Studies under the Coastal Risk Assessment and Management Programme, which consisted of the surveys and studies described below. The information collected from the Baseline Studies provided the foundation for both the National Coastal Risk Information and Planning Platform, as well as the revised Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan. The continued implementation of data-driven policy will help us to preserve the coastal areas of our country for future generations.

Ricardo Arthur

UNDERSTANDING OUR RISK PROFILE THE HAZARD RISK ASSESSMENT AND

EVALUATION ACTIVITIES OF THE CRMP

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Hazard Assessment The natural and man-made hazards of most concern to Barbados were analysed using historic data and climate change factors to model the severity and areas of influence of the various hazards. As a result, the CZMU obtained high resolution expected event impact information island-wide for the following hazards:

Storm Winds

Earthquakes

Storm Surge

Experiences from around the world have shown that unless the concepts of risk and disaster reduction are explicitly and operationally

incorporated into modern-day coastal management practices, the goal of sustainable development may remain elusive. Risk management strategies in the coastal zone should be based more on pro-active measures rather than post-event responses, and must be based on timely, accurate information and wide stakeholder participation. However, a major constraint to the CZMU in this endeavour has been access to high-quality hazard impact information, inventories of vulnerable infrastructure and the integration of climate change factors. To address this deficiency, the CZMU conducted the Comprehensive Hazard Risk Assessment and National Coastal Risk Information and Planning Platform activities under the umbrella of the Coastal Risk Assessment and Management Programme as summarised below.

Ramon Roach

Shared Risk Investigation Platform The hazard, vulnerability and risk databases from the previous assessments were integrated within a multi-user, web-based, geographic information software system called the National Coastal Risk Information and Planning Platform (NCRIPP). Development planners and resource managers can use the platform to understand the exposure and related risk to existing built assets as well as for proposed projects based on their characteristics and location. As such, decision-makers can better design effective policies to increase our resilience to hazards.

Rainfall Flooding

Landslides

Coastal Erosion

Tsunamis

Oil Spills

Vulnerability Assessment To understand how a hazard will affect assets (buildings, roads, habitats) we must understand the vulnerability of the assets with respect to the hazard. Vulnerability is a combination of exposure (is the asset in a location where it can be affected by the hazard type) and susceptibility (how the asset type responds to being affected by the hazard at different severities). This detailed analysis of asset vulnerability was conducted island-wide according to economic sector (residential, commercial, tourism, etc.) for the various hazard classes.

Risk Assessment In the field of disaster management, economic risk refers to the estimated dollar value of repair or replacement of an asset impacted by a hazard. For example, if the estimated cost to repair a two million dollar commercial building damaged by two meters of flooding is 10% of the building value, then the risk to that asset is $200,000. Using the information from the hazard and vulnerability assessments, the CZMU analysed risk across the island, allowing decision-makers to identify priority areas for hazard impact reduction based on sound cost-benefit methods.

MANAGING OUR COASTAL ENVIRONMENT THE UPDATED INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE

MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR BARBADOS

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The future prosperity of Barbados is highly dependent on the

effective management of our coastal environment. However, coastal hazards including those associated with climate change can pose a serious threat to lives and livelihoods within the coastal zone as well as to our coastal habitats themselves. This is why the main objective of the recently completed Coastal Risk Assessment and Management Programme was to build capacity in integrated coastal risk management in Barbados by incorporating disaster risk management and climate change adaptation within development planning, control and monitoring of the coastal zone. The updating of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan of Barbados along with the Coastal Zone Management Act and its regulations are the primary means of putting this objective into action.

The updated ICZM Plan consists of two volumes:

Volume 1 – The Policy Framework for Integrated Coastal Zone Management (2020 to 2030)

Volume 2 – The Barbados Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan (2020 to 2030)

Together, the volumes of the ICZM Plan chart the path forward for Barbados with respect to the sustainable, equitable and science-based management of our coastal spaces. In this regard, the updated plan builds on the groundbreaking original ICZM Plan completed in 1998, with climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction concepts added as core principles to the integrated approach to coastal zone management. Furthermore, the revised ICZM Plan was designed to be in harmony with the Physical Development Plan (PDP) 2017, which details the overarching vision for the sustainable growth and development of Barbados by setting out policies to guide relationships among land use, built form, mobility, community facilities and physical infrastructure. The PDP sets out the broad land use policies for the island as a whole, while the ICZM Plan describes detailed policies within the Coastal Zone Management Area (CZMA). As such the policies of the ICZM Plan continue to be some of the key considerations with respect to any development activity within the CZMA.

Allison Wiggins

The CZMA has been redefined into two zones. The Core Area describes the geographic extent of the country within which coastal hazards and economic activities can directly impact coastal resources. The Zone of Influence describes the space surrounding the Core Area (both inland and offshore) where activities or events could indirectly affect coastal resources within the Core Area.

The Core Area is subdivided into eight sub-areas based on distinct coastal characteristics, oceanography and land use patterns. Each of the eight sub-areas feature discrete sets of guidelines, policy goals and progress indicators that will allow the CZMU to monitor the effectiveness of implementation of the ICZM Plan over time. These policies will ensure that decision-making on and actions affecting the coastal zone will follow the nine key principles described in the Plan:

Sustainable Development

Ecosystem-Based Management

Sound Science and Best Practices

Public and Private Participation

Island System Management

Access and Benefit Sharing

Good Governance

Environmental Liability

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

ENHANCING COASTAL PROTECTION THE HOLETOWN WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENT

PROJECT

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Phase 1 (Heron Bay): Commencement Date- Monday October 22nd 2012 Completion Date- Saturday December 1st 2012

Construction of four groynes

Beach nourishment

Phase 2 (Coral Reef Club to Holetown Police Station): Commencement Date- Monday April 15th 2013 Completion Date- Friday December 13th 2013

Construction of the revetment/ walkway from Coral Reef Club to Settler’s Beach

Construction of nine groynes

Construction of two submerged breakwaters

Construction of the south headland

Construction of pump house for fluidizer

Beach nourishment

Shamari Cave

Phase 3 (Bellairs and Settler’s Beach to fluidizer): Commencement Date- Monday June 16th 2014 Completion Date- Friday December 12th 2014

Construction of fluidizer and associated works

Relocation of 2 existing groynes

Raising top elevation of 2 groynes

Addition of 4 rock sills

Beach Fill: Placement of sand in beach cells in front of Settler’s Beach & Sand Piper Hotels

Construction of Caribbean Cot Revetment

Construction of boat ramp at Bellairs

Did you know Holetown beach did not always have continuous beach access?

Some of you may not have known this or may not remember. However,

believe it or not, one of the most popular tourism beaches which is located on

the west coast of the island was once narrow and there was little or no beach along sections of this coastal strip. The natural scarcity of beach in this area is primarily associated with the coastline configuration of the west coast which features shallow bays and short headlands. The issue is further compounded by the numerous coastal structures and built features that extend into the active beach zone. These features hinder the natural beach building processes, as well as beach recovery following erosion events.

These words from Peter Drucker were first applied to business management, but also relate directly to the management of the environment. In order to manage coastal resources effectively we must first characterize them and understand what influences them. This is why the Coastal Zone Management Unit commissioned the Baseline Studies under the Coastal Risk Assessment and Management Programme, which consisted of the surveys and studies described below. The information collected from the Baseline Studies provided the foundation for both the National Coastal Risk Information and Planning Platform, as well as the revised Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan.

History behind Holetown Waterfront Improvement Project (HWIP)

In 2006, hoteliers along the west coast requested a study that would assess measures to improve the quality of the shoreline, while taking the health of the

nearshore reefs into consideration and the influence these may have on the beach stability. This study covered the area from north of the Holetown Coastal Infrastructure Project (CIP) works through Discovery Bay and Folkestone to Heron Bay in the north. This was the inception of what is now known as the Holetown Waterfront Improvement Project (HWIP), where the local hotel association sought to protect the beaches in their immediate vicinity through the installation of sand retention and beach stabilization structures. The association approached WF Baird & Associates Coastal Engineers Ltd to design these structures and after completion of the designs, the Government of Barbados was asked to fund and implement the works. The HWIP was then included in the Coastal Risk Assessment and Management Programme (CRMP) after numerous alterations were made and some complex issues were addressed.

These words from Peter Drucker were first applied to business management, but also relate directly to the management of the environment. In order to manage coastal resources effectively we must first characterize them and understand what influences them. This is why the Coastal Zone Management Unit commissioned the Baseline Studies under the Coastal Risk Assessment and Management Programme, which consisted of the surveys and studies described below. The information collected from the Baseline Studies provided the foundation for both the National Coastal Risk Information and Planning Platform, as well as the revised Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan.

Construction of works

The contract for the construction of the works was awarded to C.O. Williams Construction Ltd. Furthermore, it was decided that work should not be conducted during the country’s tourism season. Therefore, the project was

divided into three phases, with an overall cost of about $19.2 Million BDS.

Heron Bay before HWIP Heron Bay after HWIP

Coral Reef Club before HWIP Coral Reef Club after HWIP

Construction of a Revetment Construction of a Breakwater

Benefits of the HWIP

Increased resilience of the Holetown area to storm surge waves both from hurricanes and winter swell events

More stable beaches that experience less drastic winter erosion and quicker recovery periods

Reduced exposure of the area to flooding

More convenient, year-round lateral access along the beach for beach users, particularly during erosion events

Improved the water quality of the Holetown Lagoon

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JOURNEY TO COASTAL PROTECTION HISTORY OF COASTAL DEFENCE PROJECTS

IMPLEMENTED BY THE CZMU

19932% 1994

9%20065%

200947%

201526%

20171%

202010%

*Adjusted to 2021 costs

Anjelica Catling

As you walk along the coastline of Barbados,

you may have noticed the change in its character over the years from a more natural

to a more engineered appearance. This change was and still is a necessity if we are to protect our homes, our critical infrastructure and our livelihoods. The structures you see are based

on years of research, policies and earlier construction projects. The journey to coastal

protection has indeed been a long and arduous one, and it is nowhere near finished. From

1993 until the present, the Unit has completed a mixture of pilot and full-scale projects aimed

at stabilizing our shorelines.

1993

1994

2006

2009

2015

2017

2020

Heywoods, St. Peter

Paynes Bay, St. James

Read’s Bay (Lower Carlton), St. James

Speightstown, St. Peter

Heywoods (Almond Beach Club), St. Peter

Coconut Court Project, Hastings Ch. Ch.

Rockley Beach, Christ Church

The Welches Beach Improvement project

The Holetown Beach Improvement project

The Rockley to Coconut Court Waterfront Improvement Project

Holetown Waterfront Improvement Project (HWIP) from Holetown to Heron Bay

Rockley Beach to St. Lawrence Gap Waterfront Improvement project

Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Project

Mullins to St. Peter’s Bay, St. Peter

Sand Street, St. Peter

Clinketts, St. Lucy

Oistins Bay, Christ Church

Number of Projects by Objectives

Improved Swimming area

Highway Protection

Coral Reef Restocking

Improved Lateral Access & Recreational Areas

Feasibility and Pre-Investment Coastal Conservation Study

Coastal Infrastructure Programme

$26

Coastal Risk Assessment and Management Programme

Cost of Investments (1993-2020)

Million USD*

4

8

4

1

Pilot Project Only Design Completed Private Investment Included

COASTAL NEWS THE EMERGING THREAT OF CORAL TISSUE

LOSS DISEASE

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The Issue. Stony corals are essentially the bedrock of coral reefs, creating the three dimensional structure and reef framework that affords protection to our coasts as well as housing for many reef organisms. These sensitive creatures are already under great deals of stress from issues associated with poor water quality, increased coastal construction, overfishing, ocean acidification, warming oceans and disease. Skittle-D is separating itself from other diseases in its lethalness (66-100% mortality of susceptible corals), geographical coverage and longevity. It has been documented to affect over 22 species of coral with only 2 species avoiding its deadly grasp; Acroporids (Elkhorn and Staghorn coral) and Porites (mustard hill and finger corals). Typically, brain, maze, elliptical star and flower corals are the first to be affected followed by boulder and great star corals. If the disease continues to spread and destroy our reef-building corals, it may have negative repercussions for the livelihoods of many persons throughout the region.

The Perpetrator. Unfortunately, there is still uncertainty regarding the cause of the disease. However, it is currently believed to be linked to a bacterium that appears to be spread through the water column with the movement of currents or potentially on dive equipment. Affected colonies are typically covered with focal or multi-focal lesions on a single coral head that can spread at a rate of up to 4 cm/day. In some cases, there is also a white outline that appears before the lesion.

Arresting the Disease. Scientists are fighting to find treatments to stop the spread of the disease and have had mixed results. Thus far, the use of antibiotics has proven to be relatively effective in Florida, arresting and sometimes halting the disease. However, other jurisdictions such as the U. S Virgin Islands have not seen similar successes. Research is continuing with respect to the effectiveness and feasibility of other treatments such as use of probiotics and removal of diseased corals from the wild. However, there is much more research and work to be done with managing the disease. It is a disease that still has the scientific community confounded but working diligently towards better management strategies.

Coral Reef Murder Mystery.

In the summer of 2014, corals off the coast of Florida were presenting with strange lesions that would progress at an unprecedented

rate, killing single colonies within days to weeks and decimating entire reefs within a few months. The killer was unknown within the marine science community and was able to quickly and steadily creep across regional reefs, starting in the Florida reef tract and making its way to the Mexican coast before island-hopping to its most recent and nearby neighbor, St. Lucia. This deadly assassin is moving silently and ruthlessly. We do not know its origin story or even if we will find a way to defeat the fiend, but we have given it a name: “Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease” or “Skittle-D”.

Shoneé Howell

Citizen Assistance. While scientists are working towards understanding and fixing the problem, citizens can help in the fight. Divers and avid sea-goers can be the first line of defense in this fight. As dive equipment may as act a vector for the disease, decontamination can be a helpful action. The Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment has a useful guide containing decontamination protocols that can be found at the link below (the infographic on the right shows a simplified version of the protocol but specifics on the methods used may be found in the document).

Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease on a Colpophyllia natans coral head in David Reed, Upper Florida Keys. Photo by Jennifer Stein (The Nature Conservancy) in 2017.

https://www.agrra.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Florida-coral-disease-decontamination-protocol.pdf

Additionally, citizens should become acquainted with the disease characteristics and report it to the CZMU should any suspected cases be seen: https://www.agrra.org/coral-disease-identification/. We must all act as troopers in this battle against a formidable enemy.

Learn More about

Our Coast

Guess which beach or bay I am! What is my name and where is my location? (Answers below)

1. Few places in Barbados have names from the bible such as Jericho or Jerusalem in St. George. But in Biblical times I was not a place but a woman of immense beauty.

2. It may be thought that I got my name from a small flying mammal however not so, my name is from a British merchant.

3. Various bodies of water in different parishes and of different shapes and sizes yet my name is extended to all of them.

4. I am one of the CRMP project sites. Sometime over the years, my name has changed, I used to be known as Molens. What is my name now?

5. I am no Mount Hillaby standing approximately 45 times smaller than my namesake, the tallest point in Spain.

1.Bathsheba, St. Joseph

2.Batt’s Rock, St. Michael. Named after Thomas Batt. Did you know there is a

monument identifying the burial site for the 1854 cholera epidemic?

3.Long Pond, St. Andrew; Long Bay, St. Phillip; Long Beach, Christ Church.

4.Mullins, St. Peter

5.Pico Tenerife, St. Peter

Coastal Zone Management Unit Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy Warrens Towers 2 Warrens St. Michael Barbados Tel: (246) 535-5700 Email: info@coastal.gov.bb Website: www.coastal.gov.bb Facebook: czmubarbados

On and Offshore is the

newsletter of the Coastal Zone Management Unit and aims to provide our stakeholders with key insights into our projects, programmes and operations, as we strive to achieve our mission of providing all of our citizens and visitors with a coast to be proud of.

Solution to the crossword in the last edition

The photo above was taken at Hastings Rocks,

Christ Church in 1983. This location is now the

site of the Sir Richard Haynes Boardwalk.