Sustainable Cayman Issues Opinion on Plans to Dredge East End in Attempt to Recreate Swim Hole: A Risk to Cayman’s Environment and Heritage

While recognizing the positive intentions of creating an area for the East End community and visitors to more easily access and enjoy the ocean, Sustainable Cayman is very concerned by Minister Isaac Rankine’s application to dredge 12,000 square feet of es sential seagrass on the East End coast in an attempt to recreate a man-made swim hole.

The area in question, off Colliers Beach, is designated as a Marine Park and over time has been positively rewilded by natural processes. At a time when places like Wales and Scotland are investing heavily in the restoration of seagrass meadows - an expensive exercise - the Cayman Islands is not seeing the value of its own and is looking to remove a significant area of this critical species for recreation purposes. The presence of seagrass beds significantly prevents beach erosion, supports biodiversity, and protects us during hurricanes symbiotically with the barrier coral reef.

The ability to swim and fish there today is because the ‘turtle grass’ blades slow wave action, prevent deadly rip currents, support wildlife, and heavily contribute to visibility.

Removing these benefits to create a swim hole would not be considered balanced decision-making.

The Department of Environment (DoE) has warned of potential sand erosion and recommended that the proposed swim hole be reduced in size, both in width and depth.

We now understand that contrary to the Ministry spokesperson stating that they would follow the advice of DoE and amend the application to reduce the size of the swim hole, that they have changed their mind and will not be reducing the dredge area.

We must respect the advice of our environmental scientists and, at the very least, implore Cabinet to follow the recommendations of the DoE should they decide to dredge.

While the intention may be to enhance this community beach, the environmental and community risks far outweigh the potential benefits, and this action could have devastating consequences for the fragile ecosystems in the area. The East End coastline is home to diverse marine habitats, including coral reefs and seagrass beds that support essential marine species populations that are highly sensitive to man-made impacts, and which form the backbone of Cayman’s cultural heritage and contribute to our economy. Removing seagrass affects everything from our turtle population - our national symbol - to our diving industry. Seagrass, similar to terrestrial grass, has intricate root systems that hold soil and sediment in place. Removal through dredging would cause s ediment pollution that could smother nearby coral reefs, not only impacting local habitats but also accelerating the overall decline in marine life upon which our islands depend. Dredging any seagrass severely disrupts these ecosystems, risking irreparable harm to the marine life that sustains our community, environment, and economy.

With devastating erosion of Seven Mile Beach due primarily to past infrastructure projects that altered the shoreline, introducing dredging to the relatively untouched East End would risk the potential of similar impacts, degrading an area that has so far remained less impacted. Previous instances of seagrass removal include the Bodden Town public beach which resulted in over 40 feet of beach being lost to erosion. Learning from our past in these, and other, instances of seagrass removal which resulted in negative outcomes, is vital for our longevity as a flat, coastal nation reliant on our environment for our resiliency.

Additionally, attempting to artificially recreate the swim hole dismisses the natural shifts in our coastline, ignoring the importance of allowing nature to shape these areas. Coastal dynamics are continuously shaped by tides, storms, and natural events, and human interference through dredging often has negative impacts, such as increased coastal erosion and the loss of valuable habitats. Such effects have already been observed along, what we now recognize to be, unsustainably developed shorelines on Grand Cayman, underscoring the risks of altering these natural landscapes without a comprehensive view of the long-term impacts — not only on the coastline but also on the longevity of these investments/projects.

The proposed dredging not only poses environmental risks but also threatens the livelihoods of those who depend on the health of East End’s marine environment. Fisherfolk, diving and watersports operators rely on the preservation of these natural ecosystems, and any damage to the environment results in economic loss for local communities. East End is known for its natural beauty and undisturbed coastlines, and altering this for an artificially created swim hole could reduce the area’s appeal to visitors who seek out authentic, natural experiences, as well as residents reconnecting to their cultural traditions. The beach, as it naturally exists, is a historical and cultural site for many in the community, serving as a symbol of the nation’s relationship with its natural environment - it is our natural heritage. Altering it through dredging, rather than respecting the natural changes that have occurred, risks losing the essence of what makes our ‘Beloved Isles’ significant.

On behalf of fellow environmental guardians and concerned citizens of all ages, we at Sustainable Cayman urge the Government to consider alternative, non-invasive ways to enjoy and celebrate the natural heritage of East End without harmful dredging practices. The Cayman Islands must lead in sustainable environmental stewardship, and we cannot afford to make decisions that prioritise short-term objectives over the long-term health and resilience of our ecosystems and communities.

Sustainable Cayman, founded in 2014 and officially recognized as a charitable organization in April 2022, remains committed to providing sensible solutions to sustainability challenges. With the continued support of the Cayman Islands’ community, international organisations and the dedication of a diverse team of youth volunteers and professionals, the grassroots organisation looks forward to making a lasting impact in the Cayman Islands of today and for future generations. Visit www.sustainablecayman.org  to learn more and get involved.