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Evaluating Risks to the Newcastle Bay Lagoon from Anthropogenic Factors

This project evaluates the risks to the Newcastle Bay Lagoon and proposes mitigation strategies for anthropogenic factors using the RIOS Habitat Risk Assessment model. Field investigations were conducted to identify priority risks and recommend actions for implementation.

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Evaluating Risks to the Newcastle Bay Lagoon from Anthropogenic Factors

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  1. EVALUATING RISKS TO THE NEWCASTLE BAY LAGOON FROM ANTHROPOGENIC FACTORS RIOS 2015

  2. Evaluating the risk to the Newcastle Bay Lagoon (and by extension the proposed Narrows MPA) from anthropogenic factors, using the RIOS Habitat Risk Assessment model Implementing Agency The Organization of American States (OAS) Mr. Richard M. Huber, Project Coordinator (PC) Collaborating Agencies Department of Fisheries Department of Physical Planning, Natural Resources and Environment Consultant Caribbean Development and Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CADENCO)

  3. PROJECT OVERVIEW Caribbean Development and Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CADENCO) was commissioned by the Organization of American States (OAS) to work in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and the Department of Physical Planning Natural Resources and Environment to evaluate the risks to the Newcastle Bay Lagoon (and by extension the Proposed Narrows MPA) from anthropogenic factors, using the Resource Investment Optimization System (RIOS) Habitat Risk Assessment (HRA) model. RIOS is a simple, yet powerful tool that provides a standardized, science-based approach to watershed management. It combines biophysical, social, and economic data to help users identify the best locations for protection and restoration activities in order to maximize the ecological return on investment. Field investigations and analyses were conducted in the Newcastle Bay and lagoon area over the period July 2014 to November 2014. Based on the field assessments it was concluded that the lagoon system is impacted by a number of stressors, but more particularly polluted runoff during heavy rainfall. Recommended strategies for mitigation of the priority risks and consequences are presented along with the lead entities that would facilitate implementation.

  4. THE NARROWS Large seagrass beds which serve as a vital breeding ground and nursery area for several commercially important marine species The seagrass communities are typically co-dominated by turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) and manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme) which provide food for endangered sea turtles and other marine species The site also includes areas of the endangered Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata), flat gorgonian hardgrounds and some hard coral framework which act as barriers during periods of heavy wave attack.. Both the coral reef and seagrass communities provide habitat for commercially important fish species, primarily spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), and queen conch (Strombus gigas), which depend upon both habitats at certain periods in their life cycles. The Lagoons filter storm water runoff and provide habitat for juvenile species

  5. Table 1a. Sources of Stressors and Biological responses

  6. Table 1b. Sources of Stressors and Biological responses

  7. Table 2. Effects of pollutants in marine environment

  8. RIOS Habitat Risk Assessment Model Table 3a. Risk Rankings for evaluating exposure of stressors to habitats

  9. RIOS Habitat Risk Assessment Model Table 3b. Risk Rankings for evaluating consequence of exposure

  10. RIOS Habitat Risk Assessment Model Table 3c. Risk Rankings for evaluating consequence of exposure

  11. Newcastle Bay Lagoon RIOS HRA RECOMMENDATIONS Table 6a. Recommended Actions for Mitigation

  12. Newcastle Bay Lagoon RIOS HRA RECOMMENDATIONS Table 6a. Recommended Actions for Mitigation

  13. Newcastle Bay Lagoon RIOS HRA RECOMMENDATIONS Table 6b. Recommended Actions for Mitigation

  14. Newcastle Bay Lagoon RIOS HRA RECOMMENDATIONS Table 6c. Recommended Actions for Mitigation

  15. Massive Education and Awareness Campaign (CATS, ECMMAN) Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Resources Act (FAMRA) 2016 (Department of Marine Resources) Declaration of the St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area (Department of Marine Resources) St. Christopher and Nevis Conservation Foundation Established (Sustainable Finance Project) Newcastle Bay Foundation, Inc. Established (Community) Newcastle Bay Community Cleanup and Donation of Commercial Bin (ECMMAN project) Draft Management Plan for Narrows (CATS Project) Draft Management Plan for Fisheries Priority Zone – Co-management (ECMMAN Project) Since 2015

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