Coastal Problems

Jamaica possesses a varied and irregular coastline which gives rise to a unique ecosystem formed by the integration of coastal features that include harbours, bays, beaches, rocky shores, estuaries, mangrove swamps, cays, and coral reefs. These natural features provide a coastal resource base that contributes significantly to the economic well-being of the country through tourism.  Shrinking coastline long has raised worry for the area's environmental and economic future. Now, the erosion is expected to worsen as a result of climate change. Numerous sandy beaches around Jamaica's coastline and on several inshore cays are invaluable to the tourism industry for the enjoyment of local and foreign visitors. This resource is under threat from pollution, erosion and illegal sand mining. The erosion of Jamaica's shoreline may be attributed to several factors. The degradation of coral reefs and mangrove forests have exposed the sandy beaches to increased wave action, and the illegal but common practice of mining sand from beaches has exacerbated the problem. Both recreational and fishing beaches have been fouled by the pileup of refuse, debris and fish offal, as well as by occasional offshore and nearshore oil spills. The quality of the water around several recreational beaches is deteriorating due to pollution, particularly from human waste, which makes sea bathing unpleasant.
Beaches across the region are being transformed by a variety of factors: shoreline development; surges from increasingly intense storms; coastal pollution that affects marine life; coral reefs crumbling in warmer waters. The changes are particularly worrisome for the Caribbean because of its dependence on sea-and-sand tourism. In addition, roughly 70 percent of the Caribbean's people and much of its essential infrastructure are situated along coasts.

http://www.nepa.gov.jm/policies/neap/coastal.htm