MP’s swim-hole poses serious threat to marine ecosystem
(CNS): Sports Minister and East End MP Isaac Rankine isn’t taking the advice of the department of environment to reduce a proposed swim hole in his constituency and is hoping to steer a costal works license application through Cabinet to dredge more than 12,000 square feet of seagrass. The application relates to an area of Marine Park which has naturally, rewilded at a time when other places around the world are spending considerable sums of cash to restore essential seagrass meadows.
But the minister described this as turtle grass “taking over” misunderstanding the vital role it plays in the marine eco-system.
Local environmental activists Sustainable Cayman are urging the minister to think again about this onslaught on the natural environment that could have very serious consequences for the marine and coastal areas around Colliers. In a press statement the local conservation activists pointed out a catalogue of reasons why dredging this whole would be unsustainable and serious danger to the marine environment.
“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,” a spokesperson for the local advocacy group has stated. “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.”
But dredging the area and removing the seagrass which naturally offers benefits to the marine environment to create a swim hole would have the adverse effect.
The Department of Environment in its review of the proposed recreational project has warned of potential sand erosion and recommended that the proposed swim hole be reduced in size, both in width and depth. But contrary to that advice Rankine has opted not to revise the size of the dredge area. According to the application the hole would be 200 feet by 60 feet with a depth of up to four feet.
“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,” the activists have stated though they believe that there is no real justification for the destructive project all let alone the size of the current proposal.
“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,” Sustainable Cayman has said.
Seagrass is a highly unappreciated yet significantly important species that is critical to the survival of many living things and the economy, from the local turtle population to the diving industry.
“Seagrass, similar to terrestrial grass, has intricate root systems that hold soil and sediment in place. Removal through dredging would cause sediment 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,” the Sustainable spokesperson said
With the continued erosion of Seven Mile Beach because of poorly placed infrastructure that has changed the shoreline is a clear lesson that to preserve what remains of the natural beauty of our shoreline means not erecting man-made structures on the beach or too close to the water and not to dredge the marine environment so as to undermine its natural ability to protect coastal areas.
Previous instances of seagrass removal such as on Bodden Town public beach which resulted in over 40 feet of beach being lost to erosion are further lessons for our political leaders but their understanding of sustainable practices when it comes to the need to protect both terrestrial and marine environments remains severely lacking.
Politicians continue to criticise the DoE team despite their expertise and well founded advice and are not learning from our past where seagrass removal has resulted in negative outcome.
“Attempting to artificially recreate the swim hole dismisses the natural shifts in our coastline, ignoring the importance of allowing nature to shape these areas,” Sustainable said. “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.”
The activists remain deeply concerned about the risks the elected arm of government is willing to support by altering natural landscapes in the absence of any comprehensive view of the long-term impacts on the coastline.
“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,” the conservations pointed out. “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 area where the project is proposed is a historical and cultural site for many in the community, serving as a symbol of the nation’s relationship with its natural environment. Urging the Government to consider alternative, non-invasive ways to enjoy and celebrate the natural heritage of East End without harmful dredging practices, Sutainable Cayman said Cayman’s environment can no longer afford to allow poor ad-hoc decisions that prioritise short-term objectives over the long-term health and resilience of our natural world.
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Category: Local News
For well over 200 years the people of East End, and similarly all around the islands, knew how to get into the sea and have a “sea bath”.
Have we as a species evolved to the point where an ignoramus like Isaac has to dig a hole to bring the sea to East Enders?
I’m mighty sure the äction man” will lay down in front of the dredge and stop this madness.
I went to Cozumel, Mexico and they had several places on the east side of their island that had beaches with pools. As the population grows its only logical people in the outlying parts of Cayman Islands will want the same. We need beaches everywhere in Cayman to go swimming close to beaches we can walk to for families and the elderly. Remember they need exercise to bring down hospital bills in the future. Especially in Spotts where we have no room for expansion. We need to maintain these public beaches with huts and make deeper entries from the beach. Of course I would like to go in a pool at the beach and a proper walkway where I wouldn’t fall down. The beach entries where there is no barrier reef is hard to walk in. more piers would help. How about those young people that collect from NAU to give them a job to maintain the public areas around the island with 40 work week. As grandfather would say the Devil finds work for idle hands.
There are sandy beaches in East End.
Health benefits? There’s nothing preventing people from getting in the water right now and swimming.
Feels like we’re making up reasons to spend money and alter the natural environment.
Is this a joke?
No it is real. The Minister says it is just grass, I say yes it is grass and he is just an ass!
Election is around the corner, he has to do something, anything to pontificate on during his campaigning. The masses will say dats rite, he destroyed the environment for we, clap, clap, clap.
Caymanians wrecking Cayman. Nothing new here. But dem furriners are terrible, right woters?
This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard of. There’s already a beach there, and a dock and if you walk out past the grass the water is deep and clear and perfect. For what idiot reason do we need to mess with that to make a “swimming hole”?
SMFH
At least Isaac Rankin wants to do something for the people of East End and is not doing this for a big developer or some other reason. This is an area that was clear and used by East Enders, not his personal swim hole…. everyone talking about corruption may not understand the concept as he has no personal gain in this request ….When it was cleared before did wide spread erosion take place? Anyone have photos to compare…it seems like it had been clear for decades no?
caymanians elect these people so you have no-one else to blame but yourselves.
and to make things worse, you also prevent the most qualified and successful people on island from being elected…
welcome to wonderland.
and why they are so resistant to anyone getting status. Politicians thrive on parochial, provincial, cronyism. Just as policies regarding the natural habitat are now unsustainable, so two will be the future economy. Big yellow taxi
JonJon says the East End sea turtle can swim down to Bodden Town if they need more sea grass to eat. He also asked me if sea turtles eat sea grass then what do sea horses eat? And another question he says “If we have sea horses and sea cows, why don’t we have any sea donkeys?” That’s your Environmental Minister.
No words left for that specimen, once an ignoramus always an ignoramus!
“Turtle Grass taking over…..”. You mean the grass, which is located in the water, which serves as a natural defense to erosion, which has existed prior to humankind, which is a natural food source, which is a natural nursery for sea-life, is….wait for it….taking over where it has been for millennia? WT actual F ?
Now, if this intrusive green devil crawls up the iron shore, crosses the street, and takes up residence in the house of Parliament, yes, it is then taking over.
As a born Caymanian who can trace his lineage in these beloved isles Cayman back to 1844, I am baffled at how we have managed to elect empty coconut husks to ‘lead’ us.
If you are so baffled at how your empty coconut shells get repeatedly elected… I suggest you chat with your fellow Caymanians. I am not critical of you – as I agree 100% with your comments. I am very critical of the Cayman electorate in general.
1.57pm I agree but unfortunately most “Caymanians” are now born everywhere besides Cayman. We should certainly be more selective in who we give Status to because the real Caymanian vote no longer counts.
Incredible how much Caymanians hate their own beautiful and diverse natural ecosystem. Do they realise that’s what brings people to Cayman and not towers of vacant apartments and car parks?
Folks that travel (or relocate) for a beautiful, pristine environment will increasingly bypass Cayman. That sector has washed away with the sand on 7MB.
There are “Caymanians” and then there are Caymanians. It isn’t difficult to discern the difference.
no true Scotsman eh? not surprised… we really will do the most astounding mental gymnastics if it means we don’t need to take responsibility for our actions.
Hate to be the one to have to tell you this but, the call is coming from inside the house.
Yup, they’ve already wrecked the golden egg that was once Seven Mile Beach
Cayman’s attempt to position itself as a premier tourist destination is increasingly misguided and unsustainable. The island lacks the natural or cultural assets that underpin successful Caribbean tourism. It has one notable beach, Seven Mile, which is under threat from overdevelopment and environmental degradation. Compared to other destinations with abundant beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences, Cayman’s offerings fall short.
The challenges are compounded by an inflated cost structure, driven by exorbitant import duties and bloated governance, making the island unaffordable for many potential visitors. The rise in cruise tourism further undermines the quality of life for residents and long-stay visitors, with roads clogged by tour buses and public spaces overrun by transient crowds who contribute little to the local economy. Meanwhile, the island’s diving—a key draw—is suffering as reefs deteriorate, diminishing its appeal.
Tourism, particularly in its current form, does more harm than good. The benefits accrue to a narrow subset of stakeholders, often at the expense of the wider population, who must bear the brunt of the environmental and infrastructural strain. During the pandemic, the absence of tourists revealed an opportunity to recalibrate Cayman’s focus toward financial services—a proven strength where the jurisdiction still holds global appeal.
Cayman should phase out its reliance on tourism and invest in bolstering its offshore finance sector. This pivot would reduce dependency on transient, low-value cruise tourism and mitigate the social and environmental costs of mass visitation. By focusing on its established financial services strengths, Cayman can maintain its economic viability while enhancing residents’ quality of life. Supporting infrastructure improvements, such as reinstating practical Miami flights, would serve residents and businesses far more effectively than chasing an unsustainable tourism dream.
Nailed it 12:49, especially with regards to our very poor tourism product.
The stupidity seems to increase closer to elections.
Silly season has started slightly earlier this time.
The best way to ruin Cayman is to give the people of East End what they want, the people of North Side what they want, the people of Cayman Brac what they want etc. etc. etc.
No. It’s not the people’s will. The people remain unrepresented. Then even when we get to voice our wishes, we are told that it ‘isn’t binding’.
We are unrepresented, because the MPs believe we are too stupid to know what we need. Gee, it would be nice to be rich enough to not have to worry about how to feed your family and pay bills.
We are not represented, and this system is unlikely to change, because it would require the cooperation of the very tools which have created it, to change it.
Sorry, but when you elect idiots, you are being represented by idiots, who will make idiotic policy decisions. If the electorate doesn’t like the decisions of their Ministers, stop voting for them?
we continue to elect idiots and are baffled that they do stupid things. make it make sense.
Which sicko now wants to finish destroy the rest of this island ? How much more Bull$#%@ are we going to put up with before we start dealing with this population expansion crap some have been pushing here for some time . Some folks just need remove from our shores Now clogging up our roads and put a straining on our infrastructure. .
Remove your own sicko destroying Cayman government and your own that keep voting them in. Furrinners not destroying Cayman, you did that all by yourselves, your laws sicko!
John John eats turtle grass for breakfast.
Another instance of the ever growing disconnect of the political class from the reality, and the carnival 🎡 goes on!
Here ladies and gentlemen, we see a clear example of rules for thee but not for me run amok, as to why voters keep electing the finest specimens from the shallowest part of the intellectual spectrum turning Parliament into something more akin to an asylum for the criminally insane , a circus’ sideshow and a driver’s education center for the blind remains a complex mystery!
Add to that a looming explosion of the debt load engineered by the past administrations whom cooked the books so hard there are now of the most unreadable variety, and you get an idea of what the present circus’ game plan for the island future! And they simply do NOT care as they know very well that if push came to shove they can always jump back to our easterly island nation who clearly despises us despite our multiple generous contributions towards them !
True. My ex also had a swim hole..Warm but overpopulated.
Vote NO to Ganja!!
Why do sea turtles swim to Jam?..for the best sea weed.
Vote NO To Ganja decriminalization.
It will lead to more Kids hurts by Vapes n Gummies..and smoking it on every corner and public parks etc. Like cigarettes.
Driving While High will lead to car crashes on roundabouts and drive thrus. Yes it will
Smoke going to work or on lunch Breaks?
are you ok?
Stoned while typing!
Ignorance personified!
First Heather, now Isaac. Our MPs are making poor decisions about our environment.
Douglas is the most useless minister of a very bad bunch
The people of East End DESERVES SOMEWHERE IN THEIR DISTRICT TO SWIM and not have to walk in that old seagrass..The elderly needs a good place to go soak their legs and body in the natural saltwater. East End has some very beautiful beaches but no where to swim unless you walk out to the reef..Removing a small portion of sea grass on one side of the island will not make turtles starve to death there are hundreds and thousands of more grass around this island. Where was that photo taken probably in another country 😏
Which school did you not go to?
Went to one where they teach you all the lessons and it teaches you COMMON SENSE which is the lesson you missed in school MOVING SOME BLACK GRASS AKA SEA GRASS WILL NOT DESTROY THE WHOLE ISLAND…
They aren’t proposing to transplant the Turtle Grass, ding dong. They are talking about dredging 12,000 sq. feet of it, just so people don’t have to be inconvenienced by some of it actually touching them.
you are talking self-serving ignorance.
I bet if a WHITE MAN APPLIES FOR A LICENSE TO BUILD A LITTLE DOCK AND CABANA HE GET PERMISSION INSTANTLY. After that he dig it all out so he can have his boat there too and no one says anything . This island is not for the islanders it’s ran by foreigners who do as they please and gets away with it
Why is race an issue here?
Because playing the race card is the retard’s instinctive reaction whenever they are unable to engage intellectually. Which happens often.
I have fished, swam and walked through this same turtle grass for 72 years and never complained it had to be removed as we the older folks knew how beneficial it was for the fish, the lobster, the conch and the turtles. These are all staple we eat to sustain our bodies. You take the grass you take our food our way of life. This is the worst I’ve seen cayman politics and it’s going to get worst old boy.
Walk to the effing reef then!!! WTF. how selfish and self absorbed can you effing be?
“The people of East End DESERVES SOMEWHERE IN THEIR DISTRICT TO SWIM”….
Do you realize we live on an island?
Water surrounds us.
Most East Enders are a stone’s throw from the sea.
Cayman Corruption : It’s easy to see it when you know the players.
Districts have had those cut’s better known as white holes in the seagrass for years, they used to house tons of small lobsters in small fish in the edge overhangs as well.
they have had narrow paths through the seagrass, so that people could pass to deeper water without disturbing the hydras that live in the turtle grass. We are talking about perhaps a 100 X 3-foot strip — 300 sq. ft. This fool wants to clear 12,000 square feet IN A MARINE PARK!! AAAAAAAA! WTF!!!
More alarmist nonsense from GNS.
Sigh. At least it should be obvious by now to even the brain dead amongst us that it is not these nasty furriners that have effed up our little island it is we ourselves. “Mess of pottage” and all that.
Another JOCC Cabinet dunce award nominee.
LOK
No surprises here: What Caymanians CAN destroy, they WILL destroy. The utter lack of concern for the environment here is disgusting.
Where is this ? Hey CNS how about adding a map to the article? Please 🙂
But Heather can dredge the North Sound though.
Can we get Wayne’s thoughts on that? Silence = consent.
Blah blah blah.
Global cooling leading to ice age.
Then, global warming leading to extinction.
Hmmm. Both wrong. I know. Let’s call it climate change.
Just because some calls themselves an environmental scientist, doesn’t mean they know squat.
But thanks for the alarmist agitation propaganda literature.
Wakey, wakey, sleepy, sleepy!
Stupid Is, Stupid Does. Stupid men create these problems- nothing about global warming or climate change.
I’d have you marked as a bot, but your English is too poor. Thanks for your highly informed and immaculately referenced insight though.
Name calling is what happens when the brainwashed can’t justify their emotional-based beliefs with facts.
Come on Isaac don’t follow Jon Jon and Kenneth in their madness
Isaac who…who he?
Are we not getting a state of the art 50 meter swimming pool?- let them swim there.
Our MP’s can spend money for no reason. Leave the environment alone.