Dr. Leo Brewster, Director, Coastal Zone Management Unit, speaking at the launch of the EU Oceans Awareness event at the Bellairs Research Institute at Folkstone, while Silvia Kofler, head of Political, Press and Information Section of the EU, looks on.
The fact that oceans today are staying a lot warmer than in previous years is a clear indication that global warming is real, contrary to what some people may think.
So says Dr. Leo Brewster, director at the Coastal Zone Management Unit, who spoke at the launch of the EU Oceans Awareness event held recently at the Bellairs Research Institute at Folkstone.
Dr. Brewster warned, “We have to be prepared. The ocean governs how this world functions. When you are hearing wave heights in excess of three meters, which is above normal for Barbados, and they are running frequently, you have to be concerned. Those things have a direct and immediate impact on beaches. It means that our beaches are narrower, especially for our winter season, which can have an impact on our potential tourist arrivals in the long term. Also, tourists would like to come during the winter to find nice warm beaches. It is important how you manage, how you develop your coastline and ensure that it is sustainable. The Richard Haynes Board Walk, it is the best example of sustainable coastal engineering anywhere in this region.”
Dr. Brewster recounted “We found in 2008 when there was the first set of significant bleaching on the island, when we dived at 60ft down, we were getting temperatures of 30 degrees centigrade. That was one of the worst bleaching episodes the Caribbean has ever experienced. Since that time we have found that water temperatures continue to remain very warm here, well after the hurricane season. By October we should normally see the temperature prepare to cool down in preparation for the Winter season, even this current year we are still seeing that the water temperatures are around the 30 degree range again at the surface.
“What we have been doing at the Coastal Zone Management Unit is to try to deal with the matters of costal stabilization, enhancement and protection. We have started to put down temperature probes around the island to monitor the water temperatures. We have always been working steadfastly to get a better understanding of how waves impact our coastline…”
He added, “It is significant to note that as an agency, because of the type of work we do, we are very interdisciplinary in nature so the issue of oceans has expanded to the question of ocean governance. I think the protection of the coast and the oceans will be a long-standing focus for all small islands. Unless we can better deal with the conditions and prepare for them, our livelihoods and future will be under threat.
“Taking Irma and Maria under consideration as coastal hazards that are potentially going to be more prolific in the coming years, one thing that people don’t think about are persons who are suffering from devastation and have to be relocated somewhere else to survive. This is a reality that small islands have to be conscious of, because the impact that can happen can be very long term.” (NB)