With all due respect MikeD,
You have to take into consideration the fact that the livelihood of the Caye Caulker residents is now Tourism (not Fishing as it was decades ago). Sandy Beaches is what attracts the tourism dollar, not mangroves or sea grass along the shoreline. That is our market; that is the reality.
You may not be in favour of the seawalls that come at great expense of the individuals who own beachfront property, however, I'm sure the "Queen's" citizens would not be too happy if the CCVC went to them each year for direct cash contributions towards a year round beach-reclamation plan. Charging our visitors a 'visitor fee / beach reclamation project' to contribute towards this maintenance fund wouldn't go over to well either.
I find it interesting how quickly people criticize any effort, then when there is no effort (as in beach erosion neglect), they criticize that too. St. George's Caye as well as Caye Chapel is practically surrounded by seawall.
Beach owners pay tens of thousands of their personal money to fight erosion on an island for a pseudo-beach that passersby, locals and tourists enjoy. A little 'thank you very much' can go a long way.
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Mike-D (said):
"The mangroves work to protect the shoreline of the south and northern parts of CC that have not been changed from their beautiful natural state yet remain intact. If we want palm tree lined beaches instead of mangroves it will come at a great price, whether that is via seawall or continuous replacement of beach sand.
Part of the erosion could be minimized by not raking the sea grass from the shore each day. Sand is removed with each raking and the seagrass helps to retain the sand."
Last edited by Koco; 04/13/12 03:59 PM.