Cabinet approves damaging marine park dredging
(CNS): The Cayman Islands Government has given the green light for a private developer of a subdivision to dredge a canal in a marine protected area and mangrove buffer that the Department of Environment warned will cause serious and significant damage to a wide swathe of important and unique marine habitat.
Against the clear advice of the DoE’s scientists, Cabinet agreed to grant Harilyn Bodden and Newlands Sound Development Ltd a coastal works licence simply to allow a small number of large boat owners who might buy land there easier access to the sea.
The coastal works report that was conducted in September 2022 sets out in detail a catalogue of factors that will cause environmental damage to an area far wider than the footprint of the project, which is on 3.8 acres of crown property. The 100-foot wide by 1,626-foot long and 5-foot deep canal is for the benefit of a small number of people so that they will not have to trail their boats. The dredging proposes to take out some 67,885 cubic yards from the sea that the developer plans to use as fill on the sub-division.
The DoE’s coastal works review points out that the project is in a marine preserve, the whole point of which is to protect a breeding and nursery area for marine life. This proposed excavation will have an adverse impact on the seagrass beds and coastal mangroves, which support these breeding areas.
The project threatens some very healthy and increasingly rare seagrass beds, which are home to seagrasses, sponges and occasional coral colonies that support a variety of infauna, invertebrate and fish communities. Often referred to as a ‘transitional habitat’, the seagrass beds in this area complement the surrounding mangroves, providing a healthy ecosystem for marine life and aiding in the protection and stabilisation of the coastline.
Seagrass habitat is acknowledged to be one of the most valuable and vulnerable ecosystems, providing food and shelter for many marine species at different stages of their life cycles. The habitat along this Newlands coast has even more value as it is connected to adjacent mangroves. Seagrass is also very important in assisting with the challenges Cayman is facing with rising sea levels.
“Given the climate change predictions for the region, which include rising temperatures, sea-level rise and increased intensity of storm events, including storm surge, another beneficial function of seagrass beds is that they provide flood reduction and reduce erosion from wave action aiding in shore protection, particularly along beaches and shallow areas,” the DoE said as it outlined a long list of important eco-services this unique marine park provides.
The DoE pointed out how significant this area is as a nutrient sink, buffering and filtering nutrient and chemical inputs to the marine environment, aiding in water quality. It is also scientifically accepted that coastal ecosystems of mangroves, seagrass meadows and tidal marshes mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and oceans at significantly higher rates per unit area than terrestrial forests, and the removal of seagrass results in carbon being released into the atmosphere.
The loss of the mangrove buffer will have a similar negative impact, compounding the overall issues with this proposal, which was why the DoE urged the government to decline the application.
The review also details the damage that the work will cause to the entire marine area and the danger posed to a host of marine life, given how the developer proposes to dredge. The DoE said that there are almost no mitigating measures that can be deployed to prevent this damage from sediment and turbidity because past experiences have demonstrated that silt screens simply don’t work.
“It is not possible to eliminate the impacts of the sediment plumes generated during a dredging
project of this scale through the use of silt screens, particularly when the sediments contain a high
percentage of silty fines as is typical of the nearshore sediments in the North Sound,” the DoE had warned.
The DoE also offered a number of alternative solutions regarding the inaccessibility to the water for larger boats, which is the only justification for the project by the applicant. The report goes into specific, scientific detail about this proposed project and the significant damage it will cause for a very limited benefit to a very small group of people, while Cayman as a whole will lose significantly as a result.
Yet despite all of this and its claims to be governing the country in a sustainable way, government’s inner circle still granted the licence. They did so even after successive previous administrations that had not claimed to be particularly ‘sustainable’ had opted to follow the policy of not allowing private development in marine protected areas.
However, this latest poor environmental decision by the current UPM government is one of many it has made that threaten Cayman’s ever-dwindling marine and terrestrial habitats. From the choice of route for the East-West Arterial Road Extension and the proposal to dredge for a commercial cargo port in Breakers to a new airport in Little Cayman and extending the runway at Owen Roberts into the North Sound, this administration is proving to be a very poor steward of the country’s important and valuable natural resource’s.
It is not clear what made the government decide to allow one developer of a relatively small sub-division permission to cause so much damage that will impact the wider country. CNS has contacted the minister responsible for sustainability and climate change, and we are awaiting a response.
See the full Coastal Works Review in the CNS Library.
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Category: development, Local News, Marine Environment, Science & Nature
What is wrong with this picture…?
If in these hard times–where food is a great expense and fish is gaining disproportionately in price– I, a Caymanian, fish in a marine park to put food on the table, I am arrested. But this damn worthless government and its minions bless a wealthy developer’s plan to is given the green light to destroy part of a marine park in order to make more MONEYYYYY. WTF is wrong with these feckless clowns? A damn well worthless lot!
Congrats on making the Caymans an international news item worthy of the most despicable banana republics!
I wonder who’s going to pay the price of all this irresponsibility.
Who’s going to pay the price of all this irresponsibility? We the People, of course. But we deserve to pay the price as we voted these clown into office. Their poor choices are a direct result of our poor choices.
A true saying: A people get the government they deserve and deserve the government they get.
Yesterday evening I sat at Camana bay enjoying the breeze coming off the North Sound. we were looking at the beautiful Yachts thinking maybe my wife and I should go on a catamaran for a sunset dinner in the full moon night. It would be so romantic. But if I had my own boat and there was a little marina, I could tie a small boat to a dock. It would easy for my wife and I to climb in and out at a dock. It would be closer to where we live in Spotts Newlands. We are too old to pull a boat in and out on a trailer. We are in our are retirement and so in our 60-70’s. But alas so many people don’t think about old age and don’t believe they will ever get slower and weaker.
Turtle grass will grow back. If you just snorkel in the canals at Rackleys, Prospect Park where Adrian and Atlee Marina, Red Bay, George Town Barcadere, Snug Harbour,etc.
I enjoyed last night, but I didn’t hear any frogs, birds, or mosquitoes while we looked at the yachts? I’m guessing probably Dart will bring some birds here to enjoy. We personally enjoy the development that is going on here and want more. I would love to see more parks everywhere in Cayman with tall trees and seating. Maybe some cafes with coffee and wine. How about you?
a whole lot of rambling about what you want. what about what is good for the wider population? to hell with them, as long as you and your wife can comfortably get on the boat right? you and Harilyn Bodden are cut from the same fabric.
Don’t Caymanians love to sit looking at the sea? I really can’t afford to go on the boats in Camana bay. But family members could keep a small boat at a cheaper dock and go out handline fishing. Wouldn’t you like to take your kids or grandkids out to rum point?
All those people in Newlands who complain about their yards being under sea water during King Tides need to pay close attention to this!
Won’t matter. Die is cast.
Yeah ok, North Sound Estates was initially developed by an American, Mr. Rackley and associates. And people were quick to buy subpar filled canal lots. Why didn’t they complain then I wonder..
The funniest part about this situation is that we have people who will with a straight face and no sense of shame claim that the DoE / National Conservation Council / Conservation law are oppressive, overbearing and prevent projects and development. Meanwhile every week there are announcements like this one proving the exact opposite, allowing developers to dredge a marine park so that affluent homeowners can save themselves a few minutes of driving to a slipway / launch ramp for their boats.
Anyone who does not stand to rake in cash can see that development has not been inhibited in the slightest in the past 15 years, if anything its rate is only accelerating dramatically, but we are meant to not believe our lying eyes.
There is certainly a legal imbalance in Cayman, but its not in favour of conservation and the environment that much is clear.
And the approach of a good number of politicians and developers really appears to be ‘keep em dumb, keep em under your thumb’.
so where is SaveCayman and all the other environmentalist organizations? we want to see the same vigor put forth to call a referendum to stop this, or we only have the kind of energy when it benefit our bottom dollar?
Cabinet has sole authority to grant the CWL, they don’t need anyone’s approval, not Planning, DOE etc..
I have argued for years that the CWL process needs to be moved away from Cabinet, but ironically it would have to be Cabinet that makes that change.
CWL grants are Cabinets real last way to grant favors to friends and family and supporters. The only way to stop them is through a Judicial Review which is a long and expensive process which few can afford.
This is the solution, and the problem. This needs to be judicially reviewed, but there is no one with enough money who is willing to oppose CIG.
DOE now just serves as a vessel for civil service. The department no longer serves a function of any viable means to influence preservation of the environment.
Native Caymanians destroying Cayman for power and personal gains, Heather’s is as useful as donkey weed.
Corruption at its best!!
we need to create a portal where all registered voters can create petitions for other voters to digital sign. once it passes a certain threshold it triggers a referendum. We can’t just sit and let these greedy MP’s get away with stealing from us. as a people we need to take back control immediately.
100ft x 1626 ft = 162,600 sq ft x 5 ft = 813,000 cu ft = 30,111 cu yds? why 67,885 cu yds ? and how much are the developers’ paying for this licence and fill?
And the Minister for Sustainability in her own voice has an ad running on Radio Cayman that we must all protect sea grass and other marine benefits to the environment. Thoughtless brainless hidjuts.
That’s not Minister Kathy. It’s Rita Estevanovitch. Also even if it were her. You think she voted to allow the dredge? Highly doubt it.
Caymanians trashing Cayman. Nothing new.
The roots of Caymanians trashing Cayman is when Caymanians vote trash into office.
What is the DOE doing about the illegal clearing of protected mangroves in front of the DVDL on Crewe Road?
The Contractor is doing the work on behalf of the NRA under a valid Section 20 permit in order to facilitate construction of another lane along the road. It is not illegal, they applied for and received permission to do clearing within a limited area of 30 ft from the existing road.
Please report any clearing of mangroves directly to DoE Conservation Officers on 916-4271 or email emu.doe@gov.ky.
One rule for me and another for thee. Gotcha.
They are either protected or they are not. Which one is it? Who granted the Section 20 permit?
It’s really not that complicated, Mangroves are all protected under the National Conservation Act. Based on the reply above from CI Dept of Environment, the contractor has applied for and obtained a s20 permit from the National Conservation Council, meaning the work they are doing is not illegal.
Looks like an atom bomb was dropped on south sound road for developers. Scorched earth stuff.
Haven’t you heard? Nothing they can do anymore, except recommend. This government has pulled their teeth, and with that signalled their intention to have their way with the environment and us.
Nothing has been amended in the National Conservation Act nor has Govt ‘changed’ anything. You are just gaslighting.
DOE has no power, they never did. Yet you all complain constantly about them.
Is Jay’s father doing that work too??!?
What’s the name of the new development? The story says “sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere”, so mandate the new development plant some trees, trees love carbon dioxide and will help cool the planet. I just did an overlook on Google Earth, not much turtle grass in that area, so no worries.
No thank you. Have you noticed the pace at which trees are being felled here? What would a couple of ornamental royal palms or such do for us in the long run, if they are even allowed to stand until the project is done, as opposed to turtle grass which is much better in so many ways.
Hardly any turtle grass in the area that is being dredged, so now you won’t have any opposition.
Trees? We don’t need no stinking trees.
A large swath of seaside land on south sound road appears as it was carpet bombed by B-52s.
Now we know the real reason Heather Bodden ran for office! She tries to come across as a sweet, kind and caring lady, but she’s just a greedy developer looking to enrich herself.
11:04 and she has the nerve to say it’s not me, it’s my sister!!! Does she think we’re as dim witted as she is?
Yes. We voted her in. 🤷♂️
Agreed but instead she gets a monthly salary from the public, pension and other perks. Well played Heather
yawn. I’m not even mad anymore, i’ve accepted that Caymanians only have energy to fight down jamaican gardeners and construction workers. They could care less or have nothing to say, no action to take, When its the big Caymanian oligarchs that rule this island or the clue eyes friends.
Community makes Country —remember???!!!
Heather has been pushing this development for years. She should be jailed for this.
Don’t you people appreciate any of the natural beauty you have down on that island and want to preserve it? Dig, destruct, destroy is the new motto down there. So sad when it used to be such a wonderful island and every which way you were surrounded by nature.
You cry babies need to just shut the hell up because our government is great and know what to do. They along with the CPA chairman know we desperately need more development so keep up the good work.
The sarcasm and jokes on these issues have long gone sadly just like these islands.
And when there is nowhere left to develop and the island is “one huge concrete jungle”with nothing green in sight except the painted green concrete jungle then please tell us “what good work” will we be able to keep on doing? If we could just get rid of the morons we might have a fighting chance.
Must be a troll writing this surely? If not then you are one dumb mofo!
now you see why these developers are given so much freedom to destroy this Island. Our very own MP’s don’t mind doing the same. the Immorality of our MP’s rivals that of any 3rd world nation.
A 5ft deep channel means the largest boats that can safely navigate it are going to be outboard center consoles of 36-39ft max loa drawing around 3ft.
Realistically boats of that type and size will be able to pass each other in a channel of 40ft width, assuming a typical beam of 10-12ft.
So the 5ft depth and 100ft width tells you that the project is much less about a boat channel and a whole lot about extracting free fill.
An outrageous abuse of Crown property by a developer with known government connections.
Where is the public benefit in any of this?
Corruption is now so entrenched in this country that I fear the populace have become desensitized to it.
Isn’t that what Legge said?
$2,000,000 that is the approximate value of the public property (the dredged up fill) that Cabinet has transferred to the developer for $0. How much of that finds its way to various politicians/stooges/cronies is an open question.
Auditor General and HE the Governor, how is the transfer of a $2,000,000 public asset to a private entity permitted for $0 dollars permitted???
Who has standing to launch a judicial review of this??
Where is Ezzard when we need him!
There is nothing about Ezzard that we need.
You might not have agreed with his style but he could read and understand.
Judicial Review?
Not investigation followed by (if warranted) prosecution?
Who is going to file a complaint (alleging what exactly) and which government entity is going to investigate.
The only available mechanism for stopping this if it is not already too late is judicial review. From what is being exposed about the present elected government the only part of the system that is not bent is the judiciary and I am not sure how long that will last given the level of incompetence and corruption.
Can a government entity JR Cabinet? Doubtful even if they wanted to. Public might be able to tho.
The governor is real busy hiding out, she is like the invisible man!
NO! Just NO! FFS, what is this government trying to do to the country??
line their pockets as fast as possible before the next election duh,
Harilyn Bodden, sister of MP Heather Bodden, and Newlands Sound Development Lt, of which Heather is registered as an owner.
There, I fixed it for you. No need for any further investigation.
Any comment Wayne, Mr. Environment? Or is it wide enough for diesel guzzling Hatteras to squeeze through?
Why you blaming Wayne? He didn’t depose himself, FFS!! Wayne doesn’t support this crap. This is Ecocide.
Silence equates to consent.
And the approval of the east/west arterial road that he gave his approval whilst leader of sustainability to destroy more of this island for a pie in the sky fix to this traffic problem. Thanks again Wayne for nothing!!!
They are PPM bots trying to sow seeds of doubt for next election. The implication is that voting out the PPM has put us in this position, so that we don’t dare to do it again. Anyone with the tiniest lick of common sense knows that PPM would have continued to destroy our islands even more quickly than what is being done now while also giving tens of millions in concessions to developers (but not actually keep track of the numbers, because who wants accountability?), as has been proven by their decade of incompetence while in office.
Hush about Weenie, birds of a feather flock together.
What seeds of doubt? You do understand that they were given planning permission to destroy the mangroves in a protected area so boats can get through. That shouldn’t be hard to understand. Please read it again S. L. O. W. L. Y. Why are you still having doubts?
Which “they”? Wayne was given permission? Or you just want to associate his name with this situation without any actual reason to? He’s not even in our active government – how does he get involved in this? Other than the aforementioned PPM “anyone except us is bad, please ignore our decade of destruction kthx” misinformation campaign.
FYI: Trying to be condescending towards people only works if you don’t make yourself out to look like a moron. Kiss kitteh, s.l.o.w.l.y.
Why is he silent?
And when there is nowhere left to develop and the island is “one huge concrete jungle”with nothing green in sight except the painted green concrete jungle then please tell us “what good work” will we be able to keep on doing? If we could just get rid of the morons we might have a fighting chance.
Wayne is literally not part of the governing party anymore or have you been asleep for the last year?
Nice try at deflection. Wayne has plenty to say when it suits him.
Bobo so because he not part of government he can oppose? So he doesn’t need to be paid then or get government benefits then?
Isn’t this being done in Newlands? His constituency ?
That is true but he is still the elected representative for Newlands and being paid to do something, say something. What happen? Cat got his tongue?
Wayne is literally the creator of the governing party. Except they kicked him out. But the reason we have the PACT/UPM is because Wayne and Alden couldn’t get back together. Curiously both are quite happy to form governments with Mac. Go figure that one.