WITH the popular Hellshire Beach eroding due to extreme weather events and fisherfolk, among others, facing livelihood loss as a result, telecoms firm LIME is funding a study of the area to identify solutions.

The study, to be completed over four months by local coastal engineering firm Smith Warner, is to be conducted on the commercial beachfront property, which is not only a favourite haunt for beach lovers, but also provides livelihood for not only thousands of fisherfolk, but also crafts people and vendors.

“The results of the study will be used to develop a solution that will facilitate the formation of an additional 10 to 15 metres of dry beach, stabilise the area and prevent further deterioration,” a news release from LIME stated.

Residents of the Portmore community last Wednesday witnessed the signing of a contract commissioning the study of the beach environment.

“LIME has a vested interest in the continued development and sustainability of the Hellshire Beach area. Through this effort, we are helping to secure the safety and livelihood of thousands of persons who utilise the beach, including vendors, craftsmen and fishermen,” said Stephen Price, LIME’s regional special projects manager, speaking at the signing ceremony.

The first phase of the study will include extensive data gathering on the biological environment and the use of computer models to undertake preliminary engineering analyses.

Thereafter, the proposed options for beach stabilisation and enhancement will be developed and presented to representatives of the Hellshire community and other stakeholders. The final result will be an engineering design, inclusive of structural recommendations, beach renourishment plans and the identification of mitigation strategies.

Through a partnership with the Fisherman’s Co-operative, LIME has also provided fishing gear, boating equipment and a closed user group for members of the beach community. The company has also assisted with painting, installing a decorative entrance and the refurbishment of several stalls along the beachfront.

However, a spokesperson for LIME was unable to state the cost of the company’s investment, saying that it is an undertaking in progress. She said the amount would be disclosed in the future when further plans for the area are announced.

“Over the past five years, erosion, primarily caused by hurricane activity, which is expected to worsen with the effects of global warming, has resulted in a narrowing of the beach by up to 10 metres,” said Jamel Banton, director at Smith Warner.

Banton added that if the existing attrition is not reduced, the shoreline is expected to retreat further inland, thereby lessening the viability of the popular beach area for recreational and commercial activities.

He further urged members of the beach community to do their part in preserving the natural resource by reducing pollution and utilising receptacles for the disposal of solid waste.

Peter Knight, CEO of the National Environment and Planning Agency, in endorsing the initiative, said the Hellshire Beach area is “an important part of the recreational patrimony of the Jamaican people and as such, any effort which will result in the enhancement and sustainable management of the beach is not only welcomed, but also applauded by the agency”.

Glaston Whyte, president of the Half Moon Bay Fisherman’s Co-operative, expressed thanks for LIME’s support on behalf of the residents of the area.

“We are very concerned about the gradual disappearance of the beachfront and we are anxious to identify the cause,” Whyte said.

He noted that the study is extremely timely as erosion of the coastline has become more rapid since the passage of Hurricane Dean in 2007.

— Luke Douglas