Alligator Pond residents concerned about beach erosion

[evanovitch]

Residents of Alligator Pond in Manchester are expressing concern about the rapid encroachment of the sea on their homes.

The residents said the low tide water mark has moved more than 20 feet further inland over the past year.

The worried residents said that homes closest to the beach are under threat.

They are also concerned that they will soon have no place to beach their canoes.

A large percentage of residents in Alligator Pond earn their living through fishing.

The residents told RJR News they believe the constant use of explosives by fishermen, has destroyed several of the reefs which in the past helped prevent erosion of the beach.

The residents have appealed to fishermen who use dynamite to desist from the practice.

The residents said that the fishermen take a big risk leaving their canoes on the beach overnight because their vessels could be washed away at high tide.

They note that a number of beach-side structures have been washed away recently.

The residents are appealing to the authorities to intervene.

[kia027]

Re: Alligator Pond residents concerned about beach erosion

I am surprised they still fish with dyanamite. I have an uncle who lost his arm by doing that many years ago..

what is causing the beach erosion - 2o ft in one year is a heck of a lot!

[uswe]

Re: Alligator Pond residents concerned about beach erosion

I read that at one time, more fish were caught in Kingston harbour alone, than is presently caught in the whole of Jamaica.

The environment seems to be very low on our list of priorities.

[Dr.Dudd]

Re: Alligator Pond residents concerned about beach erosion

but how much fish were being caught at the time.
in those days there were no oitboard motors,so fishong was done almost exclusively in nearshore.today the majoroty of Jamaican fish are caught 30 miles offshore in the cays.
not that the harbour is not almost dead,but,where did jamaica get the funds to allow the luxury of effective environmental pritection,withput sraeving the majority??
At least the majoruty wear shoes today. at independence the majotity could not afford shoes.
most kids wore none to school,and thise who wore were taunted in many cases.
Jamaica has come a long way,without zny real action plan for preservation of the environment.