Cayman's Mangrove Population Recieves Boost
29/01/2007
Cayman's mangrove population has received a boost
thanks to a new restoration project by the Department
of Environment.
The first phase of the project is now complete with the
planting of more than 800 reef ball units containing
thousands of mangrove seedlings.
DoE Assistant Director Tim Austin said that with
approximately 860 "reef balls" of seedlings planted in
pots made out of marine-based cement, the young
mangroves are protected against storms and have a
better chance of surviving.
It is hoped, Mr. Austin said, that this technique will be
established to restore other areas that were damaged
by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. These areas include, but are
not limited to, North Side Public Beach near the Kaibo,
and South Sound.
The project, which started in November 2006, was
assisted by many school and civic groups, who collected
and planted thousands of seedlings. His Excellency the
Governor, Mr Stuart Jack, accompanied by his wife,
Mariko, planted the last seedlings on Friday, January
19.
The project was sponsored by US Fish and Wildlife
Service's Neo-tropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act
for its practical contribution towards the restoration of
migratory bird habitat.
The DoE has worked with the Reef Ball Foundation (who
manufactured the reef balls overseas) to build a red
mangrove nursery at the Cayman Islands Sailing Club in
Red Bay. The Sailing Club is a Darwin Initiative partner
and donated the use of the site for the mangrove
nursery.
When the seedlings have reached a reasonable size,
DoE Research Officer James Gibb said they will be
transported to areas in need of mangrove restoration.
This will head-start the restoration of the coastal
mangroves, and encourage the re-establishment of
mangrove habitats before the next hurricane season.
The DoE is currently obtaining the moulds for the reef
balls, so that, if the project is successful, they.....
