Cayman Islands National Biodiversity Action Plan 2009 2.S.

4 Shoreline Habitats Invasive Coastal Plants

Rev: 19 March 2012

KRISTAN D GODBEER

Definition (FAMILY: Casuarinaceae): Weeping Willow (Casuarina, Beefwood, Whistling Pine, Australian Pine) Casuarina equisetifolia is a species of tree native to Australia. (FAMILY: Goodeniaceae): Beach Naupaka (Sea lettuce, Scaevola) Scaevola sericea. A genus of more than 80 species, chiefly found in Polynesia and the Australian region. Local Outline Introduced into Florida in the late 1800s, Weeping Willow probably established in the Cayman Islands soon afterwards, possibly introduced intentionally for use as a shade tree. Weeping Willow aggressively colonises along the margins of high-stress coastal areas, roadsides and disturbed patches within native vegetation. Once adult trees reach maturity, profuse seed is set: tiny, winged nutlets which each contain one seed, inside small, woody cones. Currently, there are so many Weeping Willow trees in the Cayman Islands, that it is possible to map their distribution from satellite imagery. Based on 2004 aerial data, in Grand Cayman alone there were 5,082 stands of Weeping Willow, covering approximately 320 acres, and representing tens of thousands of individual trees. Numbers of Weeping Willow are sufficient to constitute their consideration as a monoculture (single species) habitat: needle-leaved evergreen woodland.
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.4 Shoreline Habitats - Invasive Coastal Plants Page: 1

Introduced as a salt-tolerant ornamental on many West Indian islands, and rapidly becoming naturalized, Beach Naupaka Scaevola sericea has become an invasive weed in many places, including the Cayman Islands (Proctor 2009). Like Weeping Willow, Beach Naupaka spreads to the detriment and exclusion of native species, establishing a dense, bushy hedge; readily engulfing and overgrowing slowergrowing natives. Rapid growth rate and profuse seed-setting enable both species to establish and dominate in land cleared by development, or disturbed by natural events, such as storms. Key Habitat Categories for Invasive Coastal Plants The species / monoculture habitats of Weeping Willow (Casuarina, Beefwood, Whistling Pine, Australian Pine) Casuarina equisetifolia and Beach Naupaka (Sea lettuce, Scaevola) Scaevola sericea incorporate the following vegetation formations, as per Burton (2008b): Needle-leaved evergreen woodland II.A.3.C.a. KEY SPECIES for INVASIVE COASTAL PLANTS INVASIVE Category Plants Plants Detail Weeping Willow Beach Naupaka Scientific Reference Casuarina equisetifolia Scaevola sericea NBAP HAP HAP

Invasive coastal plants impact most greatly the natural value of the following habitat categories: 2.S.5 Coastal Shrubland 2.T.7 Urban and Man-modified Areas 2.T.8 Roads

Section: 2.S.4 Shoreline Habitats - Invasive Coastal Plants

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Current Status of Invasive Coastal Plants

Invasive Coastal Plants - Grand Cayman

Section: 2.S.4 Shoreline Habitats - Invasive Shoreline Plants

Protected Areas National Trust Land Beach naupaka Scaevola sericea Weeping Willow Casuarina equisetifolia
0 0.5 1 2 3 Kilometers 4 5

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

Invasive Coastal Plants - Cayman Brac

Section: 2.S.4 Shoreline Habitats - Invasive Coastal Plants

Protected Areas National Trust Land Beach naupaka Scaevola sericea Weeping willow Casuarina equisetifolia
0 0.25 0.5 1 1.5 Kilometers 2 2.5

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

Invasive Coastal Plants - Little Cayman

Section: 2.S.4 Shoreline Habitats - Invasive Coastal Plants

Protected Areas National Trust Land Beach naupaka Scaevola sericea Weeping willow Casuarina equisetifolia
0 0.25 0.5 1 1.5 Kilometers 2 2.5

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

HABITAT STATUS 2006 INVASIVE COASTAL PLANTS Category Weeping Willow Casuarina equisetifolia Needle-leaved evergreen woodland II.A.3.C.a. Beach Naupaka Scaevola sericea TOTAL Total area (acres) GC 320.1 15.2 335.3 CB 12.6 1.9 14.5 LC 7.7 0.7 8.4 Area within protected areas (acres) GC 0.1 0.0 0.1 CB 0.0 0.0 0.0 LC 0.0 0.0 0.0 Area outside protected areas (acres) GC 320.0 15.2 335.2 CB 12.6 1.9 14.5 LC 7.7 0.7 8.4

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 Invasive Coastal Plants ALL ISLANDS: Coastal Areas Cleared land Nature Conservation Importance of Invasive Coastal Plants Invasive ability: Weeping Willow is a chronic invasive species in the Cayman Islands. Capable of establishing in both coastal and inland areas, Weeping Willow spreads to the complete exclusion of native flora, until monoculture needle-leaved evergreen woodland is established. Of all Caymans exotic species, the spread of Weeping Willow has probably had the greatest impact on native vegetation, most especially coastal shrubland. Beach Naupaka Scaevola sericea is more restricted in its distribution, favouring coastal areas, but is highly invasive in this environment. Displacement of native flora and fauna: natural beach ridge supports diverse coastal shrubland vegetation. Replacement of coastal shrubland by invasive coastal plants constitutes a proximal loss in biodiversity of, typically, about 29 native species, and their replacement with single exotic species. The structural uniformity of the invasive coastal plants monoculture presents few habitat niches for exploitation by native birds and wildlife, resulting in a landscape significantly depauperate in both plants and animals. Compounding factors: spread of invasive coastal plants insidiously compounds the impact of the clearance and development of coastal shrubland. Weeping Willow is often mistakenly regarded as a natural feature worthy of preservation. As a result, coastal development and spread of Weeping Willow combine to make coastal shrubland one of the most highly threatened environments in the Cayman Islands. Beach Naupaka is a staple of coastal landscaping, and is regularly a major component of formal schemes. Beach erosion: while laterally extensive, the root system of Weeping Willow is extremely shallow. This makes Weeping Willow prone to toppling in severe weather, uplifting and disturbing unconsolidated sandy beach during the full force of severe weather. Weeping Willow also contributes indirectly to beach erosion, by virtue of displacing deep-rooting native species such as Sea grape Coccoloba uvifera, the presence of which would otherwise more effectively consolidate the beach ridge. Turtle nesting: the laterally spreading root structure of the Weeping Willow extends throughout the upper surface layers of sandy beach, effectively forming a sub-surface network which is impenetrable to the digging of nesting turtles. As a result, establishment of Weeping Willow along the natural vegetation line effectively prevents turtles from nesting in this prime habitat. Marginalization of accessible nesting areas may encourage nesting females to select sub-prime locations, including areas further down the beach, at increased risk of tidal inundation. Climate change: native vegetation, which is adapted to current local conditions, may be expected to come under increasing environmental stress under the influence of shifting climatic factors, reducing natural capacity to fight infection and increasing susceptibility to being out-competed by invasive coastal plants. Predictions of increased severity of storm events associated with many climate change models would further exacerbate the spread of invasive coastal plants. Other factors: Shifting baseline: established in the Cayman Islands for over a generation, Weeping Willow is now commonly regarded as a local tree. Members of the public have previously requested Tree Preservation Orders to be issued for individual Weeping Willow trees, and Section: 2.S.4 Shoreline Habitats - Invasive Coastal Plants Page: 6

have, on occasion, formed human barricades in an attempt to prevent their removal. The Shifting Baseline undermines environmental awareness and erodes a concept of cultural heritage, promoting a misplaced attachment and valuing of the exotic, the immediate and the commonplace, above the natural, the traditional and the rare. Storms: large storm events impact coastal vegetation, generating and exacerbating breaks in the natural vegetation line. While storm events fell more Weeping Willow than native vegetation, the toppling of Weeping Willow disturbs the beach and disrupts adjacent vegetation, creating an expanse of cleared beach which is quickly colonised by invasive coastal plants. Inland, temporary clearings resulting from the felling of individual trees may similarly be colonised by Weeping Willow. Aesthetic: Weeping Willow is commonly regarded as an attractive tree. The tree produces a deep, phytotoxic leaf litter, which inhibits the growth of, and kills native vegetation, making ground beneath the canopy effectively barren. This makes areas around Weeping Willow easily accessible for shade and recreation. The needle-like leaves additionally produce a pleasant rushing sound in the wind. Similarly, the vibrant green foliage and hardy salt-tolerant nature of Beach Naupaka, contribute to its being a staple of coastal landscaping. These factors combine to make invasive coastal plants popular species. Cultural significance: Weeping Willow has long been adopted as a traditional substitute for Christmas trees. The pines are also commonly referenced in place names for beach locations. Financial: Weeping Willow eradication efforts in Florida, and elsewhere, have proven to be extremely expensive. Current Factors Affecting Invasive Coastal Plants Speculative land clearance: the complete clearance of all vegetation from a saleable lot, to demonstrate its extent and topography, is common practice in the Cayman Islands. This results in immediate and long-term damage to the ecological value of the land. Regardless of whether a sale is forthcoming, invasive species colonise the cleared area, compromising both the cleared site and impacting neighbouring parcels; providing a reservoir from which invasive species spread. Speculative clearance removes any option for a prospective buyer to maintain native vegetation outside of the footprint of any new development. Roads: roads provide an avenue of disturbed land enabling invasive species such as Weeping Willow and Wild Tamarind Leucaena leucocephala to establish and infiltrate otherwise pristine habitat. Shifting baseline: because Weeping Willow is commonly mistaken as native tree, it is occasionally deliberately replanted following storm events. Beach Naupaka remains a common landscaping ornamental. Opportunities and Current Local Action for Invasive Coastal Plants The Native Tree Nursery aims to provide a source of hardy, salt-tolerance species, grown from locally collected seed, for the purpose of private planting, commercial landscaping and habitat restoration. The proposed Barkers National Park incorporates a significant tract of coastal shrubland, in which Weeping Willow is established. Government ownership and management of the area as CATEGORY II: National Park would facilitate active management of the area with the objective of protecting its ecological integrity, including local eradication or control of Weeping Willow. Additionally, the isolated peninsula nature of Barkers should promote the longevity of management efforts. Potential for collaboration with USFWS Invasive Species control programmes, towards benefiting from their experience in the Caribbean with management of this species. In 2008, concern over the spread of Weeping Willow and Beach Naupaka prompted a detailed analysis and delineation of the species spread in the Cayman Islands. As a result, the Department of Environment has complied accurate baseline maps of the distribution of Weeping Willow, based on 2004 aerial data, in Grand Cayman alone there were 5,082 stands of Casuarinas, covering approximately 317 acres, and representing tens of thousands of individual trees.

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HABITAT ACTION PLAN for Invasive Coastal Plants OBJECTIVES 1. Precisely map the distribution of Invasive Coastal Plants in the Cayman Islands. 2. Maintain and manage key habitats, communities and species affected by invasive coastal plants, and seek improvement of key areas which have been degraded. 3. Halt the spread of invasive coastal plants in the Cayman Islands. TARGET 2008 2010 2010

Invasive Coastal Plants PROPOSED ACTION Policy & Legislation PL1. Pass and implement the National Conservation Law. PL2. Implement the Endangered Species (Trade & Transport) Law. PL3. Add Casuarina equisetifolia and Scaevola sericea to Part 3 of the Endangered Species (Trade and Transport) Law, and implement an importation ban. PL4. Application and enforcement of the National Conservation Law, Section 29, when Casuarina equisetifolia and Scaevola sericea is deliberately planted. PL5. Continue and improve implementation of international conventions, agreements and declarations to which the Cayman Islands is committed. PL6. Work with Department of Planning to introduce regulations to prevent speculative clearance of land, and enforce regulations prohibiting clearance of land by mechanical means without planning permission. PL7. Strengthen the Development Plan on Grand Cayman, and develop and implement guidelines for coastal management to discourage establishment and spread of invasive coastal plants. PL8. 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. SM1. Provide coastal shrubland species, and species from other habitats affected by invasive coastal plants, for landscaping and restoration from the Native Tree Nursery. SM2. Initiate eradication of invasive coastal plants from CIG protected areas, prioritizing coastal shrubland, to be accompanied by habitat restoration through planting of native trees. SM3. Work with landowners to extend control and restorative management outside of protected areas. SM4. Implement associated SAPs. Advisory A1. Promote best practice in Development Plans, to discourage establishment and spread of invasive coastal plants, and ensure the preservation and natural function of coastal shrubland. A2. Ensure that local planning mechanisms take into account the wildlife interest of coastal shrubland.

LEAD

PARTNERS

TARGET

MEETS OBJECTIVE 2,3 3 3

CIG DoE DoE DoA HMC DoE DoE DoE

DoE CIG CIG

2006 2006 2009

CIG CIG DoP CPA DCB CIG MP DoE CIG MP DoE

2008 ongoing 2012

2,3 2,3 3

DoP CPA DoP DCB

ongoing

2,3

ongoing

2,3

Safeguards & Management DoE QEIIBP 2008 2,3

DoE DoE DoE

CIG MP

2010 2010 2015

2,3 2,3 2

DoE DoE

DoP CPA DCB DoP CPA DCB

ongoing ongoing

2,3 2,3

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Invasive Coastal Plants PROPOSED ACTION A3. Promote retention / planting of native vegetation equal to 20% of the total parcel area in planning applications (exceeding one acre) sited in areas of coastal shrubland. A4. Targeted awareness of the need for the National Conservation Law and the Endangered Species (Trade & Transport) Law. A4. REPORT: Extensive public outreach Mar-Sept 2010.

LEAD DoE DoE

PARTNERS DoP CIG NT

TARGET ongoing 2006

MEETS OBJECTIVE 2,3 2,3

Research & Monitoring RM1. Precisely map distribution of Casuarina equisetifolia and Scaevola sericea in the Cayman Islands. RM2. Investigate and field test control methods for Casuarina equisetifolia and Scaevola sericea to determine most appropriate management techniques. RM3. Feasibility study and cost analysis of local control of Casuarina equisetifolia and Scaevola sericea. 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, with special attention to spread of invasive species. RM6. Utilise remote sensing to instigate a five-yearly mapping programme to detail impact of spread / control of Casuarina equisetifolia and Scaevola sericea. CP1. Establish international links with conservation managers and agencies experienced in the control of invasive coastal plants. CP2. Report on the effectiveness of control attempts, to benefit international management efforts for the control of invasive coastal plants. CP3. Raise public awareness of the impact of invasive coastal plants, and the value of native landscaping. CP4. Utilise local preservation and conservation action to promote the Cayman Islands internationally. CP5. Organise educational invasive coastal plant pulls for local schools and community groups. References and Further Reading for Invasive Coastal Plants
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. Proctor, G.R. (2011). Flora of the Cayman Islands. ISBN 978 1 84246 403 8. 736 pp. Kew Publishing.

DoE

2008

RM1. REPORT: DoE staff create GIS shapefiles accurately delineating areas of Casuarina equisetifolia and Scaevola sericea, 2008. DoE DoE DoE DoE IntC IntC IntC 2010 2010 2015 2010 2,3 2,3 1 2,3

DoE

2015

1,2,3

Communication & Publicity DoE DoE DoE DoE DoE IntC IntC CIG MP NT DoT CIG NT MP DE MP 2008 2015 2010 2006 2009 3 3 3 3 3

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