assessment of the socio-economic and environmental impact

sand on other beaches such as Rollings Bay, Clarendon and Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth. At
the Gunboat Beach, St. Andrew, there were several areas of accretion along the harbour side.
The hurricane also contributed to significant levels of sedimentation which flooded sea-grass
beds and coral reefs along the south coast particularly in Old Harbour Bay and Rocky Point.
Mangroves (Black and White) were also exposed to high levels of salinity in some areas which
can eventually lead to stunted growth or death.
Figure 5.4: The Palisadoes Road in Kingston covered with sand after Hurricane Dean
c) Indirect Loss
The reduction or loss of the protective effect of coastal ecosystems such as coral reefs,
mangroves and seagrass can lead to significant erosion of coastline threatening coastal
infrastructure and livelihoods. The loss of these ecosystems will also affect marine fish
production and disrupt the livelihoods of fishers and other individuals and businesses that
directly or indirectly benefit from fishing since these areas act as habitat and nursery areas for
fish and other marine organisms. Although fish abundance may increase shortly after a
hurricane, this is short-lived because the coastal and marine ecosystems have been damaged
which may eventually lead to migration (fish look for better locations) or death of fish.
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