Cayman Islands National Biodiversity Action Plan 2009 2.S.

1 Shoreline Habitats Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore

Rev: 19 March 2012

KRISTAN D GODBEER

Definition This category encompasses all consolidated rocky coastal areas between the limits of the high water mark on the seaside, and the natural continuous vegetation line on the landside. Beach rock represents a dynamic feature of the shoreline, constantly forming and eroding. This developing limestone generally forms smooth, seaward-dipping sheets, and is found in areas along the edge of the shoreline (Moore 1973). These accretions are ongoing, as is evidenced by the numerous modern artefacts to be found cemented into the matrix of the rock (Jones and Goodbody 1982). Beach rock is also highly prone to erosion and physical damage during high seas (Jones and Goodbody 1984). Geologically, Ironshore Formation is some of the youngest rock in the Cayman Islands. Ironshore is composed of soft fossiliferous white limestone, deposited through numerous transgressions of the sea during the Pleistocene period. Cores into the ironshore have dated the surface layers to 129,000 years old, with deeper layers up to almost 500,000 years old (Vzina et al. 1999, Jones 2000). The majority of high land, bluff and maritime cliffs are older Cayman Formation dolostone, probably dating to the Lower / Middle Miocene period, ca. 5-15 million years old. The maritime cliffs of Pedro Bluff comprise Pedro Castle Formation dolostone and limestone. This younger rock, dating from the Pliocene (ca. 2 million years old) overlies the Cayman Formation in areas limited to the region of Pedro Castle, Grand Cayman, and the West end quarry, Cayman Brac. The oldest rocks in the Cayman Islands are Brac Formation limestone or sucrosic dolostone. Forming the lower parts of the maritime cliffs at the eastern end of Cayman Brac, Brac Formation rock dates from the Lower / Upper Oligocene period, some 28 million years ago.
For Reference and Acknowledgement: Cottam, M., Olynik, J., Blumenthal, J., Godbeer, K.D., Gibb, J., Bothwell, J., Burton, F.J., Bradley, P.E., Band, A., Austin, T., Bush, P., Johnson, B.J., Hurlston, L., Bishop, L., McCoy, C., Parsons, G., Kirkconnell, J., Halford, S. and Ebanks-Petrie, G. (2009). Cayman Islands National Biodiversity Action Plan 2009. Cayman Islands Government. Department of Environment. Final Formatting and production by John Binns, International Reptile Conservation Foundation.

Section: 2.S.1 Shoreline Habitats - Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore

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Local Outline The majority of the rocky coastline of the Cayman Islands comprises ironshore: white limestone, which weathers to a grey colour. The Ironshore formation was named by Matley (Matley 1924) referencing the hard calcrete crust or caliche that typically develops on the weathered surface of the rock (Jones 2000). Though locally generally sharp and jagged, on a larger scale, ironshore constitutes a mostly flat or gently sloping topography. Maritime cliffs are formed at the junction between land and sea, as a result of erosion. Notable examples on Grand Cayman include the vertical maritime cliffs of Pedro St James (max. 17m) and High Rock (max. 12m). The lack of any protective fringing reef in these areas results in the cliff-tops being exposed to heavy wave action during severe storms. On Cayman Brac, the Bluff (max. 46m) represents the Cayman Islands most spectacular maritime cliff feature. The Bluff is most extant in the eastern portion of the Brac, where the cliff falls vertically to the sea surface. However, a low-lying coastal platform bounds the majority of the Bluff, separating the majority of the relict maritime cliff from the sea. Wave-cut notches in the cliff provide clear indication of previously elevated sea levels. This partial separation of the cliff face from the immediate stresses of the marine environment creates a unique habitat, and gives rise to species found nowhere else in the islands. The coastal platform also supports the majority of the population of Cayman Brac; however, since the advent of Hurricane Ivan, development of the high land on the top of the Bluff has accelerated. Landward, maritime cliffs and ironshore support a sparse but intriguing vegetation, which often adopts a dwarf, prostrate, sometimes an almost encrusting form, in response to the intense environmental conditions of soil and freshwater scarcity, wind exposure and salt-spray. Under these conditions, trees such as Buttonwood Conocarpus erectus suffer a natural bonsai effect: their diminutive size belying their age. Seaward, maritime cliffs and ironshore generally become increasingly denuded of vegetation, but support increasing populations of marine invertebrates, such as chitons, (Polyplacophora sp.). Due in part to the porous nature of limestone, permanent rock pools and associated communities are not a feature generally associated with ironshore. Key Habitat Categories for Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore Consolidated rocky coastal areas, between the limits of the high water mark on the seaside, and the natural continuous vegetation line on the landside. Incorporates the VII.A.1.N.a vegetation formation, as per Burton (2008b): Cliffs with sparse vascular vegetation VII.A.1.N.a vegetation of shaded cliffs, supports Verbesina caymanensis, restricted to northfacing section of bluff near Peters Cave, Cayman Brac. Habitat area estimate of 16.40 acres is based on the north-facing section of the bluff extending to ca. 10,825ft, with Verbesina caymanensis restricted to the top 66ft of the cliff. Marine Cliffs Ironshore Ironshore Mosaic shoreline comprising mostly ironshore, with one or more other substrates Beach Rock Beach Rock Mosaic shoreline comprising mostly beach rock, with one or more other substrates Key Species for Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore The following are selected from the schedules of the draft National Conservation Law; illustrating some of the endemic species, and those protected under international agreements, which are dependent upon this habitat. KEY SPECIES for MARITIME CLIFFS AND IRONSHORE Category Detail PART 1 All birds are protected under part 1, unless specifically listed in part 2. Of special significance to this habitat: Brown Booby White-tailed Tropicbird (Boatswain Bird) Antillean Nighthawk (Rickery-dick) Least Tern (Egg Bird) Bridled Tern Aves Sula leucogaster Phaethon lepturus Chordeiles gundlachii Sterna antillarum Sterna anaethetus Page: 2 SAP SAP Scientific Reference NBAP

Birds

Section: 2.S.1 Shoreline Habitats - Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore

KEY SPECIES for MARITIME CLIFFS AND IRONSHORE Category Invertebrates Invertebrates Invertebrates Invertebrates Plants Reptiles Reptiles Invertebrates Plants Plants (marine) Plants (marine) Plants (marine) Detail PART 1 Echinoderms Chiton, Sea-meat / beef Periwinkles Bleeding Teeth Brac endemic PART 2 Lesser Cayman Islands Curly-tailed Lizard Grand Cayman Curly-tailed Lizard Whelk Buttonwood Green Algae Brown Algae Red Algae Leiocephalus carinatus granti Leiocephalus carinatus varius Cittarium pica Conocarpus erectus Chlorophyta species Phaeophyta species Rhodophyta species SAP Echinodermata all species Polyplacophora species Littorinidae species Neritae species Verbesina caymanensis Scientific Reference NBAP

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Current Status of Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore

Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore - Grand Cayman

Section: 2.S.1 Shoreline Habitats - Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore

Protected Areas National Trust Land Maritime Cliff Ironshore Ironshore Mosaic Beachrock Beachrock Mosaic
0 0.5 1 2 Kilometers 3 4 5

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Cayman Islands National Biodiversity Action Plan 2009 www.doe.ky www.caymanbiodiversity.com

Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore - Cayman Brac

Section: 2.S.1 Shoreline Habitats - Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore

Protected Areas National Trust Land Verbesina caymanensis Maritime Cliff Ironshore Ironshore Mosaic Beachrock Mosaic
0 0.25 0.5 1 1.5 Kilometers 2 2.5

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Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore - Little Cayman

Section: 2.S.1 Shoreline Habitats - Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore

Protected Areas National Trust Land Ironshore Ironshore Mosaic Beachrock Beachrock Mosaic
0 0.25 0.5 1 1.5 Kilometers 2 2.5

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HABITAT STATUS 2006 MARITIME CLIFFS AND IRONSHORE Category GC

Cliffs with sparse vascular vegetation VII.A.1.N.a Ironshore Ironshore Mosaic Beach Rock Beach Rock Mosaic
TOTAL

Total area (acres) CB 16.4 32.3 138.0 0.0 20.2 206.9 Total length (km)
GC CB LC

Area within protected areas (acres) LC 0.0 20.3 23.7 0.3 16.9 61.2 GC x 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 CB 0.0 0.0 0.0 x 0.0 0.0 LC x 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Area outside protected areas (acres) GC x 91.3 18.6 7.2 23.6 140.7 CB 16.4 32.3 138.0 x 20.2 206.9 LC x 20.3 23.7 0.3 16.9 61.2

% Habitat protected GC x 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.1 CB 0.0 0.0 0.0 x 0.1 0.0 LC x 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

0.0 91.4 18.6 7.2 23.6 140.9

Category
Maritime Cliffs

Length within protected areas (km)

GC CB LC

Length outside protected areas (km)

GC CB LC

% Habitat protected
GC CB LC

17.2

112.3

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

17.2

112.3

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Terrestrial protected areas in the Cayman Islands are limited to Animal Sanctuaries, National Trust property, and the mangrove fringe associated with the North Sound Environmental Zone. The Animal Sanctuaries established under the Animals Law (1976), incorporate four significant inland pools, ponds and mangrove lagoons, (two in Grand Cayman, one in Cayman Brac, one in Little Cayman), extending to a total of 341 acres. As of Jan 2009, National Trust owned / shared ownership properties, protected under the National Trust for the Cayman Islands Law (1987), extended to a total of ca. 3109 acres.

Key Sites for Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore GRAND CAYMAN: Pedro St James High Rock and East End Blow Holes Northwest Point Smiths Barcadere CAYMAN BRAC: The Bluff

LITTLE CAYMAN: Salt Rocks Lighthouse ironshore (north of Point of Sand) Protected areas containing Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore Dr Roys Ironshore a heavily modified recreational outlook in George Town Area (acres) 0.17 Location Grand Cayman Ownership NT

Dr Roys Ironshore is an area of ironshore in central George Town. Its small size, and heavily man-modified aspect make it of little natural interest or conservation value, however, the site is owned by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, and protected as a historic point of interest, as a look-out over George Town harbour. Maritime cliffs and ironshore are currently critically under-represented within the protected areas of the Cayman Islands. Nature Conservation Importance of Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore Natural integrity: by virtue of their inaccessibility, maritime cliffs and ironshore have important landscape value, representing some of the most natural / least modified terrestrial environment. Birdlife: maritime cliffs provide habitat to some of the Cayman Islands most spectacular seabirds, most notably Brown Booby Sula leucogaster, and White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus. In the Cayman Islands, Brown Boobies are known only from a disjunct nesting colony ranged along the maritime cliffs constituting the eastern point of Cayman Brac. White-tailed Tropicbirds also nest Section: 2.S.1 Shoreline Habitats - Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore Page: 7

along the Bluff, most notably in the vicinity of Peters Cave. A small breeding colony of White-tailed Tropicbirds nested along the maritime cliffs at Pedro St James Bluff, ca. 17-20 birds, 1996-97. No birds have been reported at this site since the advent of Hurricane Ivan, 2004. Vidal Key, a small (<0.1ha) ironshore cay off the Barkers peninsula, West Bay, supports the Cayman Islands only known colony of Bridled Terns Sterna anaethetus (ca.20 pairs). Least Tern (Egg Bird) Sterna antillarum occasionally nests on ironshore; however, this species has been forced onto man-made habitats such as exposed marl, in the advent of disturbance of much of its natural habitat. Antillean Nighthawk (Rickery-Dick) Chordeiles gundlachii nests on ironshore and sandy beaches, which has similarly needed to adapt to nesting in cleared areas of marl. Biodiversity: the majority of maritime cliffs and ironshore constitute bare rock. As such, much of this area is of little biodiversity significance. However, were conditions permit, highly specialized conditions promote the establishment of niche-adapted flora and fauna. One such example is the colourful Rock Crab Grapsus grapsus. Another is the herb Verbesina caymanensis. This critically endangered endemic plant is known only from a small cluster of individuals, growing on the relict marine cliffs below Peters Cave, Cayman Brac. Caves: some maritime cliffs, especially those on Cayman Brac, incorporate significant caves. In addition to their geological interest, some support biological interest including breeding colonies of birds, and bats. Peters Cave and Rebeccas Cave, Cayman Brac, are of cultural significance. Caves are subject to an individual Habitat Action Plan. Unique forms: prevailing conditions result in a natural dwarfing of trees and shrubs unseen outside of this habitat: the prostrate form of Buttonwood Conocarpus erectus is a notable example. Unknown species: the inaccessible nature and unique conditions associated with maritime cliffs and ironshore mean that it is possible that species unknown to science inhabit this habitat. Other: Hedonic value: the barren nature of these landscape features makes them particularly prone to spoiling because screening of unsightly development is more often than not, simply not possible. Marine cliffs in particular are natural features of significant aesthetic value, contributing to local quality of life through the provision of scenic vistas, and added commercial premium, as tourist attractions. This may be evidenced by the numerous look out points situated on cliff-edges, including Pedro St James, Grand Cayman, and Peters Cave, the Brac Parrot Reserve lookout, and the Lighthouse cliff top walk, Cayman Brac. Ironshore, while so common locally that it is often taken for granted, is a typifying feature of the Cayman Islands, and one which distinguishes us from many other places. Erosional features such as Hell, the Blow Holes, and Smiths Barcadere (Smiths Cove), Grand Cayman, are of geological and aesthetic interest, and established tourist attractions which showcase unique natural aspects in an authentic setting. Caymanite mining: caymanite is a multicoloured, laminated dolomite deposit, forming in fractures of Cayman Formation limestone. Accessible lenses of caymanite are occasionally found in the outcropping in the Bluffs of Cayman Brac and Grand Cayman, and are valuable resources for local crafters and sculptors. This leads to potential conflict situations between caymanite miners and artisans, private landowners, and souvenir seekers. Current Factors Affecting Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore Planning: set-back for new developments on maritime cliffs and ironshore is set at a standard of 50ft from the mean high-water line, regardless of natural exposure. This has resulted in significant development along the stated line of minimum distance. The natural vegetation line in this environment represents a practical indication of the exposure; however, this is not taken into consideration in the current planning process. As a result, many new developments disrupt the natural aesthetic of the coast, extending above and beyond the natural vegetation line. During storm events, these developments are prone to damage, leaving unsightly ruins which may remain uncleared indefinitely. When restoration work is undertaken, more often than not, old inappropriate structures are replaced with identically situated structures, perpetuating the problem. Residential development: development along the edge of the Bluff in Cayman Brac commenced recently, and has resulted in the disruption of the natural tree-line. Inconsiderate development damages natural features, compromises unspoilt vistas which attract tourists, and impacts aesthetics resulting in depreciation in the quality of life and property values for residents. Seawall construction: in 2007, construction of a 1,800ft seawall was proposed to extend along the length of Little Pedro Point, in a suggested attempt to protect the Savannah Gully area, Grand Cayman. Climbing: on the Bluff of Cayman Brac, maritime cliff climbing has the potential to cause disturbance and desertion to nesting Brown boobies Sula leucogaster, especially where this activity is unregulated, or utilises routes in close proximity to nesting birds. Section: 2.S.1 Shoreline Habitats - Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore Page: 8

 Quarrying: illegal quarrying has been underway in the Mahogany Estates area for some years. In 2008, the Central Planning Authority rejected an application to extend works to a section of Beach Bay Bluff. An appeal of this decision is currently pending. Caymanite quarrying also represents a potential conflict issue between collectors and land owners. Access: modification of ironshore to provide access for boats and swimming. Opportunities and Current Local Action for Maritime Ciffs and Ironshore Several natural features of maritime cliffs and ironshore are established and popular tourist sites, including Smiths Barcadere (Smiths Cove), Hell, Pedro bluff and the Blowholes on Grand Cayman; and Peters Cave, Bat Cave, and Great Cave, Cayman Brac. With the exception of the extensively modified Dr Roys Ironshore, the only protected look-out is that at the south end of the Bight Road, in the Brac Parrot Reserve, Cayman Brac. A public right of way exists in the vicinity of the lighthouse at the eastern extreme of the Buff, Cayman Brac. Though currently unprotected Crown land, this site carries some interpretative signage illustrating the Brown Booby Sula leucogaster colony on site. Unfortunately, this site is unprotected and subject to current development interest. Additionally, the traditional pathway has been subject to inappropriate topping and widening, impacting its traditional form and aesthetic appeal. Chitons, periwinkles littorinidae and bleeding teeth have outright protection under the Marine Conservation Law. Under the Marine Conservation Law, Whelks are subject to a catch limit, and closed season. LOCAL HABITAT ACTION PLAN for Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore OBJECTIVES 1. Update and refine existing maps of maritime cliffs and ironshore. 2. Maintain maritime cliffs and ironshore in a natural state. 3. Maintain and manage the variety of habitats, communities and species of maritime cliffs and ironshore, and seek improvement of areas which have been degraded. 4. Protect 10% of currently remaining maritime cliffs and ironshore habitat in the Cayman Islands. TARGET 2008 2010 2010 2015

Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore PROPOSED ACTION Policy & Legislation PL1. Pass and implement the National Conservation Law. PL2. Promote change to the Land Surveyors Law and Planning legislation, to incorporate the natural vegetation line into coastal set-back. PL3. Strengthen the Development Plan on Grand Cayman, and develop and implement guidelines for coastal management to discourage damage or disturbance to maritime cliffs and ironshore. PL4. Promote establishment of a Development Plan for the Sister Islands, incorporating a long-term vision for the environmental, social, and economic development of the Islands. PL5. Continue and improve implementation of international conventions, agreements and declarations to which the Cayman Islands is committed. SM1. Use the Environmental Protection Fund to purchase and protect priority areas of maritime cliffs and ironshore in the Cayman Islands, and secure functional buffer zones at the cliff base and lip. SM2. Restrict cliff climbing to designated routes, towards reducing impact on nesting seabirds.

LEAD

PARTNERS

TARGET

MEETS OBJECTIVE 2,3,4 2,3 2,3,4

CIG DoE DoP CPA DoP DCB DoE

DoE DoP LS CIG CIG MP DoE

2006 2003 ongoing

CIG MP DoE CIG

ongoing ongoing

2,3,4 2,4

Safeguards & Management CC DoE NT MP CIG DoP DA DoT NT SITA Page: 9 2015 4

DoE

2011

Section: 2.S.1 Shoreline Habitats - Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore

Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore PROPOSED ACTION SM3. Develop best practice guidelines for maintaining the value of Scenic Coastline. SM4. Implement associated SAPs. Advisory A1. Promote best practice in Development Plans, to ensure the preservation of and natural function of maritime cliffs and ironshore. A2. Ensure that local planning mechanisms are encouraged to take into account the wildlife interest and hedonic value of maritime cliffs and ironshore. A3. Targeted awareness of the need for the National Conservation Law and the Endangered Species (Trade & Transport) Law. A3. REPORT: Extensive public outreach Mar-Sept 2010.

LEAD DoP DoE

PARTNERS DoE

TARGET 2011 2015

MEETS OBJECTIVE 2 1,2,3,4

DoE DoE DoE

DoP DoP CIG NT 2006

2,3 2,3 2,3,4

Research & Monitoring RM1. Map all maritime cliffs and ironshore in the Cayman Islands. RM2. Identify and prioritise most significant areas of maritime cliffs and ironshore incorporating ecological and recreational value, and continuity with other protected areas. RM3. Collate existing data and case studies on the impact of development on maritime cliffs and ironshore, towards improving management and development of effective planning regulations. RM4. Incorporate all pre-existing and forthcoming research and monitoring data, habitat mapping and imagery into a spatially-referenced database. RM5. Develop and expand research programmes, to incorporate and target indicators of climate change. RM6. Utilise remote sensing to instigate a five-yearly habitat mapping programme. CP1. Raise public awareness of the ecological value of maritime cliffs and ironshore using Tropicbirds and Brown Boobies as a flagship species for preservation. CP2. Raise public awareness of invasive species, and promote the Natural Heritage of the Cayman Islands. CP3. Raise awareness of the need for effective planning regulations for the preservation of maritime cliffs and ironshore. DoE DoE NT MP 2008 2009 1 1,3

DoE

2015

1,2,3

DoE DoE DoE IntC

2015 2010 2015

1 2 1

Communication & Publicity DoE NT DoT CIG NT MP HS QEIIBP DoP CIG 2010 3

DoE DoE

ongoing 2009

3 3

CP3. REPORT: (2011) Proposed East End Port is quashed following publication of EIA and public demonstrations. http://savecayman. blog.com/the-petitions/east-end-sea-port/ CP4. Utilise designation of new National Parks and protected areas to promote the Cayman Islands internationally. DoE DoT CIG NT MP 2006 3

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References and Further Reading for Maritime Cliffs and Ironshore

Brunt, M.A. and Davies, J.E. (1994). The Cayman Islands Natural History and Biogeography. pp. 604. Kluwer Academic Publishers. ISBN 0-79232462-5. Burton, F.J. (2008a). Threatened Plants of the Cayman Islands: The Red List. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew: Richmond, Surrey UK. Burton, F.J. (2008b). Vegetation Classification for the Cayman Islands. In: Threatened Plants of the Cayman Islands: The Red List. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew: Richmond, Surrey UK. Jones, B. (1994). Geology of the Cayman Islands. In: The Cayman Islands Natural History and Biogeography. (eds M.A. Brunt and J.E. Davies), pp. 13-49. Kluwer Academic Publishers. ISBN 0-7923-2462-5. Jones, B. (2000). Geology of the Cayman Islands. University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (unpublished data) Jones, B. and Goodbody, Q.H., (1982). The geological significance of endolithic algae in glass. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, 19:671-678 Jones, B. and Goodbody, Q.H., (1984). Biological alteration of beachrock on Grand Cayman Island, British West Indies. Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology, 32:201-215. Matley, C.A. (1924). Geological survey of the Cayman Islands. Annual General Report, Jamaica, p.41-45. Moore, C.H. (1973). Intertidal carbonate cementation, Grand Cayman, West Indies. Journal of Sedimentary Petrology, 43:591-602. Proctor, G.R. (2011). Flora of the Cayman Islands. ISBN 978 1 84246 403 8. 736 pp. Kew Publishing. Squair, C.A. (1988). Surface karst on Grand Cayman Island, BWI. M.Sc. Thesis, University of Alberta, Edmonton. Vzina, J., Jones, B. and Ford, D. (1999) Sea-level highstands over the last 500,000 years: evidence from the Ironshore Formation on Grand Cayman, British West Indies. Journal of Sedimentary Research, 69:317-327.

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