NEWS FLASH

The beach behind Coral Reef Club in Porters, St James, is becoming like those on the South Coast with the effects of erosion. The roots of these casuarina trees (below) are being exposed as quickly as the sand is disappearing. Officials from the Coastal Zone Management Unit have blamed this "natural phenomenon" on higher seasonal spring swells. Beaches from Hastings to Silver Sands in Christ Church have suffered a simliar or worse fate in recent weeks. (CA)

THE CZMU'S VISION FOR THE COASTLINE OF BARBADOS

A coast to be proud of which is valued, appreciated and safeguarded as a place to live, work and relax; a place where development and use of resources will be sustainable, and where the natural environment is protected and enhanced to keep its essential and unique place in the Barbadian heritage.

Let's all play our part to protect our coastal and marine environment.

PROBLEMS IN COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
Removal of coastal vegetation.
Coastal erosion and beach mining.
Illegal dumping into the marine environment.
Drainage of storm water and waste water into the marine environment.
Driving on beaches.
Illegal development in the coastal zone.

COASTAL STRUCTURES COMMON TO BARBADOS
Breakwater
Groyne
Jetty/Pier
Revetment
Seawall Gabion

BREAKWATER

A structure that protects the area in its lee from wave attack. The most common form of breakwater is a rock mound constructed parallel to the shoreline.

GROYNE A structure generally built perpendicular to the shoreline that traps the sediment that is being transported along the coastline.
	COASTAL REVETMENTS A facing of stone, masonry or concrete blocks used to support an embankment. The facing serves to protect against erosion caused by waves or currents.
JETTY A structure projecting into the sea, which is used as a landing-stage
GABIONS & SEAWALLS A structure, usually massive in nature (rubble mound or concrete) designed to prevent flooding and wave damage to the land in its lee.
	ARTIFICIAL BEACH NOURISHMENT The replenishment of a beach with material (usually sand) obtained from another beach.

WORKS PREVIOUSLY IMPLEMENTED BY CZMU ROCKLEY

Breakwater and beach nourishment

READ'S BAY

Breakwater to protect eroded coastline PAYNE'S BAY Protection of coastal highway by revetment

JUDGE GAP

Protection of coastal highway by gabions

CORAL REEFS

The Coral Reef is one of the most productive ecosystems found on our planet. Corals, as well as their associated flora and fauna play a vital and vibrant role in both the ecological and economic health of Barbados.

Corals are some of the most fragile yet resilient organisms on this planet They existed on this planet before humans However, they are being impacted by numerous stressors In order to protect this resource, we first have to understand it..

This is the role of the Marine Research Section of the Coastal Zone Management Unit Please help us to protect this valuable resource

WHAT YOU CAN DO

You can start by having a look at the coral reefs ...glass bottom boat, Atlantis submarine, snorkeling or diving
Get involved in underwater and beach clean-ups

Help us to monitor coral reefs.its easy and lots of fun!

Contact us

The Barbados Marine Trust and a group of concerned citizens are protesting against what they perceive as a threat and gradual erosion of a part of the Drill Hall Beach.

Caribbean Hiking

Caribbean Safari

BARBADOS