News

The Cayman Islands Cabinet recently approved a Protected Area Management Plan for Meagre Bay Pond in Grand Cayman, and a Species Conservation Plan for Sybil’s Crownbeard (Verbesina caymanensis), a critically endangered plant found only on a small stretch of the Bluff cliff face in Cayman Brac.

Premier and Minister for Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Hon. G. Wayne Panton, JP, MP, said the approved plans are a welcome step toward greater protections for key habitats and species in the Cayman Islands.

“Safeguarding the Cayman Islands’ natural environment for the benefit of current and future generations of Caymanians, residents and visitors is a key priority for the PACT Government. Cabinet’s recent decision to approve both a management plan for Meagre Bay Pond – one of the Cayman Islands’ oldest protected areas – and a conservation plan for the critically endangered Sybil’s Crownbeard is an important milestone in these efforts. In addition, the ability to enjoy the natural environment as we protect it reflects true sustainability and contributes significantly to our quality of life,” Panton said.

Both plans went through public consultation prior to being confirmed by the National Conservation Council (NCC) and submitted to Cabinet.

Meagre Bay Pond

NCC Chairman McFarlane Conolly said the Meagre Bay Pond management plan aims to restore and maintain key ecological functions while facilitating sustainable enjoyment of the area by members of the public.

“The spectacular birdlife at Meagre Bay Pond was one of the reasons it was first established as an Animal Sanctuary in 1976 and a key goal of the protected area management plan is to ensure the public can continue to visit the site and enjoy the flora and fauna,” Conolly said. “At the same time, it is essential to restore and maintain the functional health of the ecosystem.”

Key strategies outlined in the management plan include working with neighbouring landowners and quarries to maintain the ecological integrity of Meagre Bay Pond, establishing long-term environmental monitoring programmes, and regenerating important plant species such as Black Mangroves, which dominated many areas around the pond before Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

In collaboration with the Ministry of District Administration & Lands and the Public Works Department, a boardwalk and viewing platform will be constructed on the south shore of the pond on Crown property, while a small number of rustic parking bays will be set on existing fill at the site. Interpretive signs will focus on the pond ecosystem with emphasis on birds and mangroves, providing learning opportunities for recreational visitors and school groups. 

Department of Environment Director Gina Ebanks-Petrie said the site is of particular interest to resident and visiting bird watchers and naturalists.

“Meagre Bay Pond is already recognised internationally as a birding hotspot and we will be enhancing and managing this activity with the improvement and addition of one or two viewing platforms for the public, which also has the advantage of leaving other areas of the pond as a refuge for the birds. The participation of the local and international bird watching community supports DoE efforts to monitor bird populations in the protected area,” she said. All new infrastructure has been designed to keep maintenance needs low and to remain consistent with low visitor numbers at any one time so as not to overwhelm the natural attraction of the area.

When higher water levels during the wet season allow, personal recreational kayaking will be permitted on Meagre Bay Pond, using a single boat launching point which will be provided on the boardwalk. Birdwatching, walking and kayaking in the protected area will enhance the community’s appreciation for its natural beauty and importance as a habitat.

To read the full plan, visit: https://conservation.ky/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Meagre-Bay-Pond-managament-plan-.pdf

Sybil’s Crownbeard

A rare, endemic shrub known only to exist in a small, highly specific habitat on the seasonally shaded north-facing cliffs of Cayman Brac’s Bluff, Sybil’s Crownbeard (Verbesina caymanensis) was given its common name following a public nomination in 2017 in honour of Sybil McLaughlin (Grand Cayman) and Sybil Jackson (Cayman Brac).

Ebanks-Petrie explained that endemic species are those that have evolved in a specific place or territory and, therefore, do not exist elsewhere in the wild.

“Sybil’s Crownbeard is an example of an endemic species that highlights both the biodiversity of our Islands and the urgent need to preserve the habitats responsible for sustaining this incredible diversity of life,” she said.

Although the Sybil’s Crownbeard population appears healthy at this time, the conservation plan notes that new plant pests, diseases or other unpredictable threats such as hurricanes, could affect the entire population. While the species conservation plan includes designating the cliffs supporting Sybil’s Crownbeard protected as Critical Habitat, the plan does not restrict existing pedestrian rights of way. The Department of Environment will partner with District Administration to educate trail maintenance crews to control invasive plant species in the area, and enhance community awareness and appreciation for this rare plant.

In order to maintain the ancient association between Sybil’s Crownbeard and the iconic cliff scenery above Spot Bay, the plan does not support unpermitted take of Sybil’s Crownbeard nor establishing it as a garden plant in general cultivation. The plant is a protected species in Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the National Conservation Act 2013 and, as such, it is not permitted to take, possess, purchase, sell, donate, exchange or export Sybil’s Crownbeard without a permit.

To read the full plan, visit: https://conservation.ky/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sybils-Corwnbeard-SCP.pdf