Beaches come and go
About the article
This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from January 1998.
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Some sections of Grand Cayman's most valuable stretch of beach have seen dramatic depletion over recent years. The southern portion of the Seven Mile Beach most recently affected is showing clear signs of recovery. Where water once lapped at sea walls there is now an expanse of clean, soft sand. The beach may not be as wide as it once was but it may well be on its way to full restoration.
It is not known how much of this recovery is due to the sand that was trucked in but much of the recovery appears to be natural, consisting of sand grains deposited gradually by the waves.
A stretch further north on the Seven Mile Beach where erosion previously took a large bite is much improved but even now not as wide as it once was.
There is still reason to be concerned about interference with the natural dynamics of the beach. It is clear that sea walls and buildings located too close to the water will face risks in the future. It appears also that such structures, instead of protecting the properties, increase the risk of severe erosion.
There is still need for continued monitoring of all beaches and it is urgent that beach setbacks be reexamined in the light of recent experiences.
