8.4 Sustainable development of coasts

Reginald Daly suggested that a rise in sea level might be responsible: l A rise did take place in post-glacial times as ice sheets melted. l The sea would have been much colder and much lower (about 100m) during glacial times. l All coral would have died, and any coral surfaces would have been eroded down by the sea. l Once conditions started to warm, and sea level was rising, the previous coral reefs provided a base for the upward growth of coral.

Darwin’s theory still receives considerable support. While Daly was correct in principle, it is now believed that the erosion of the old reefs was much less rapid than previously believed.

14 List the main factors that limit the distribution of coral reefs. 15 Identify the main types of coral reef that exist.

Tested

The coastline around Soufrière, St Lucia is very popular with tourists, yachtsmen, fishermen, divers and local people. Increasingly, as tourism and fishing have become the two most important economic sectors in the region, there has been an increase in the number of conflicts between the users for the limited space and resources. For example: l yachtsmen and fishermen competed for the use of marine space for mooring and netting activities, respectively l divers were often accused by fishermen of deliberately damaging fish pots/ traps found during dive expeditions and disrupting coral reefs l researchers were accused by fishermen of taking fish and coral reef samples, thus contributing to environmental degradation l local residents had conflicts with local hoteliers over access to beach areas for fishing and recreation l fishermen had conflicts with the tourism sector and management authorities over the location of a jetty in the Soufrière Bay to facilitate tourism-related traffic; the jetty was seen as an obstruction to their nets l tourism-related vessel operators (water taxis and one-day cruisers) were accused by fishermen of interrupting fishing and damaging nets and traps l there were problems of visitor harassment by disorganised water taxi operators offering their services l there was evidence of indiscriminate anchorage on coral reefs by yachtsmen l entry into fragile habitat areas by divers was unregulated l the decrease in nearshore fisheries and resources in general was becoming increasingly apparent l uncoordinated and unauthorised marine scientific research was reported l degradation of coastal water quality was a problem, with direct ramifications for human health and the integrity of marine ecosystems l degradation of coastal landscapes was becoming apparent l solid waste accumulation (especially plastics) was a cause for concern l there was a general lack of awareness of, and appreciation for, the marine environment

To manage these issues the Soufrière Marine Management Area was established in 1986. Since then its aims and objectives have evolved. The SMMA mission statement is as follows: The mission of the Soufrière Marine Management Area is to contribute to national and local development, particularly in the fisheries and tourism sectors through

Revised

Sustainable development increases the standard of living of the population but does not compromise the needs of future generations.

When learning about your chosen case study, practise a sketch map of the area but also find out some background information. For example what is the population size? What is the growth rate? What are the main forms of economic activity?

management of the Soufrière coastal zone based on the principles of sustainable use, cooperation among resource users, institutional collaboration, active and enlightened participation, and equitable sharing of benefits and responsibilities among stakeholders.

The SMMA agreement has established five different types of zone within the area: 1 Marine reserves: these are areas for the purpose of protecting the natural resources they contain. No extractive activity is allowed and entry into a reserve is subject to approval by the Department of Fisheries. 2 Fishing priority areas: these are areas maintaining and sustaining fishing activities, which take priority over any other use of the area. 3 Recreational areas: these are beaches and marine environments (for swimming and snorkelling), which are reserved for public access and recreation. 4 Yachting areas: specific areas are designated to facilitate the use of pleasure boats and yachts and for the protection of the bottom substrate. 5 Multiple use areas: these areas are where fishing, diving, snorkelling and other recreational activities can take place. This land use zoning system (Figure 8.15) caters for the array of users of the area and yet provides protection for some of the island’s critical marine resources.

The SMAA is an ongoing scheme – conditions may change over time. If it is successful, it may attract more people to the area, and so increase local pressures there.

Land use zoning is the allocation of different sections of land or sea for different, often conflicting, users.

Blanche Point N

Anse Jambon

Anse Mamin

Rachette Point MRA Trou Diable Grand CailleMRA Anse Chastanet

` S o u f r i e r e R i v e r

Malgretoute

Petit Piton MRA Petit Piton

Jalouse

Gros Piton MRA

Ma Beausejour

Gros Piton

Anse l’Ivrogne

1 km

Caraibe Point

Marine Reserve Fishing Priority Area Yaching Area Multipurpose Area Recreational Area

Figure 8.15 Land use zoning in the SMMA

The scheme has been successful. Fish stocks have increased; the balance between tourism and fisheries has been achieved; and there has been an improvement in the quality of coral in the area. Waste disposal has also been improved.

16 Define sustainable development. 17 Identify two conflicting users of the Soufrière Marine Management Area. 18 How has the SMMA been managed?

1 (a) Outline the main characteristics of constructive and destructive waves. (b) Describe and explain variations in cliff profiles. 2 (a) Describe and explain the formation of different types of coral reef. (b) To what extent is it possible to manage coastal areas sustainably?

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