Why Antigua’s Beaches Are Eroding — And What We Must Do About It

Why Antigua’s Beaches Are Eroding — And What We Must Do About It

Antigua & Barbuda is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches on Earth.

But beneath the postcard perfection lies a growing crisis: beach erosion.

This is not a single-cause problem. It’s the result of multiple overlapping pressures — ecological collapse, poor coastal practices, sand removal, reef degradation, dredging, and a lack of serious study into how our beaches are actually formed and maintained.

If we want our children and grandchildren to inherit living beaches — not rock walls and imported sand — we need to understand what’s happening.

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1. Our Beaches Exist Because Our Coral Reefs Exist

For thousands of years, coral reefs off Antigua’s coast grew upward toward the surface.

From Diamond Bank stretching miles toward the islands of the North Sound, reef structures once formed a vast natural barrier system busting up ocean ground swells in the winter months. 

• Healthy reefs break wave energy before it hits the shore.
• They produce massive amounts of sand.
• They create calm lagoons where beaches accumulate.

When reefs are alive and growing near the surface, they act like a natural seawall.

When they die and erode, they become rubble fields that no longer protect the shoreline.

The role coral reefs play in coastal protection is well documented by NOAA:
NOAA – Coral Reefs as Natural Coastal Protection

Today, many of these reef systems are largely degraded.

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2. Why Have the Reefs Died?

Climate Change & Coral Bleaching

Warmer seas stress corals, causing bleaching events that reduce resilience.
NOAA – Coral Bleaching Explained

Overfishing — Especially Herbivores

Herbivorous fish like parrotfish (locally called chub) are essential to reef survival.

• They eat algae that would otherwise smother corals.
• They clean reef surfaces so new coral larvae can settle.
• They produce enormous quantities of sand.

When herbivores are removed:

• Algae takes over.
• Coral recruitment drops.
• Reef growth slows or stops.
• Structural complexity collapses.

The International Coral Reef Initiative summarizes this clearly:
Parrotfish: Key to Reef Survival

Over and uncontrolled fishing of herbivores continues to this day.

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3. Parrotfish: The Unsung Sand Factories

Parrotfish scrape coral surfaces to feed on algae.

In doing so, they grind calcium carbonate skeletons into sand.

Scientific research has quantified this sediment production:
Yarlett et al. (2021) – Quantifying Parrotfish Sediment Production

When we eat parrotfish:

• We remove reef cleaners.
• We reduce coral recovery.
• We reduce sand production.
• We accelerate erosion.

The first first first thing we must do is completely ban the consumption of parrotfish for a period of ten years at the least. Other islands have full time bans in order to mitigate all the other effects hitting the our reefs. Mitigation is the name of the game when it comes to attempting to deal with climate change. 

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4. Sand Theft — “Just a Few Buckets”

Many people believe they have the legal authority to take “just a few buckets.” It was from something VC Bird once said I think.

But sand removal is regulated under the Beach Protection Act:
Beach Protection Act (Cap. 46)

Enforcement was strengthened in 2020:
Beach Protection (Amendment) Act 2020

Removing sand:

• Disrupts dune systems.
• Exposes root structures.
• Reduces natural storm buffers.
• Accelerates shoreline retreat.

Stealing sand — even a bucket — is not harmless and it's illegal for good reason. 

It is a serious crime against the people of Antigua & Barbuda and the environment we must protect for future generations. Sand has been stolen from every single beach in our country that has road access. I've seen sand taken from many beaches that do not have road access. Backhoes clear paths for trucks and sand is removed even from remote beaches. However the beaches where pickups cars or trucks can pull up to the sand are ones which have been really hit devastating sand removal for decades. Fort James and Runaway have been hit hard but are not unique. They just get bad ground swell. The terrible shape that those beaches are in cannot totally be blamed on the dredging of Saint John's. There are some small beaches on the other side of the harbour where you cannot get close to with your vehicle that are doing fairly well. Darkwood had hundreds of truckloads of sand taken from it after the storms in the 80s pushed it over the road into the swamp. Instead of putting it back on the beach, public works gave permission for industrial send money to take place. I've seen the same thing happening in crab Hill after storms. 2 weeks ago trucks took sand from Darkwood. Sand is taken from jabbawock almost daily. Ffreyes Beach, little ffreyes, Morris Bay, Cades Bay, Half Moon.... All of them have had endless sand taken from them so this thing isn't about any one thing but for sure government could make a major change in the way that we monitor and deal the stealing of OUR sand. Many people knew that it would take a toll but for some reason many more thought that the sand would never finish. 

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5. Seagrass, Dredging & Offshore Disturbance

Seagrass ecosystems trap and stabilize sand. They reduce wave energy and host sand-producing organisms.

The impacts of dredging on seagrass and coral are well studied:

• Dredging Impacts on Seagrass
• Dredging and Coral Health

For a country economically dependent on beaches, not fully understanding our sand budget is risky.

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What Must Be Done

• Completely ban the consumption of parrotfish.
• Completely ban removal of sand from all beaches.
• Increase patrols, arrests, and convictions.
• Provide accessible imported sand (bagged & bulk).
• Regulate vessel beaching practices.
• Ban dumping rocks along shorelines unless proper studies are done.
• Stop dredging until sand budgets are scientifically understood.
• Make sure that extensive study is done by at least two different and independent firms who have expertise in environmentally friendly offshore sand dredging to figure it out before any dredging. Environmental impact assessment studies must be done by more than one firm independent of any contractor associated with the dredging or with the government. 
• Sand should not be taken from any area that is deemed to be of biodiversity importance. 

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This Is About Survival

Beaches are not decorative features.

They are infrastructure.
They are economic engines.
They are storm barriers.
They are cultural heritage.
They are ecological systems.

Protect herbivores.
Protect reefs.
Protect seagrass.
Protect sand.

Or watch our beaches disappear — bucket by bucket, fish by fish, dredge by dredge.

For a small island nation, this is not optional.

It is existential.

Coming to Jolly Beach, Antigua?

If you’re coming to Jolly Beach, the best way to truly see Antigua is the Xtreme Circumnavigation with Adventure Antigua. 🌊

In one day you’ll go all the way around the island—something most visitors never experience—stopping at remote bays, dramatic cliffs, reefs, and beaches you simply can’t reach by road. It’s fast, fun, informative, and run by a local crew who actually knows the island, its history, and its wildlife.

You’ll snorkel in crystal-clear water, see how different the Atlantic and Caribbean sides really are, and come back understanding why Antigua has 365 beaches. If you only do one tour while you’re here, this is the one people remember and talk about long after they leave. 🚤🌴

The highlight of your Antigua vacation

Antigua and Barbuda, renowned for their stunning beaches and vibrant culture, offer visitors a plethora of activities to make their Caribbean vacation unforgettable. Among these, a private charter or day tour with Adventure Antigua stands out as a must-do experience. Founded by local entrepreneur and environmentalist Eli Fuller, Adventure Antigua provides authentic, educational, and exhilarating excursions that many travelers consider the highlight of their trip.

Eli Fuller: The Visionary Behind Adventure Antigua

Eli Fuller, a third-generation Antiguan, grew up immersed in the natural beauty of Antigua's North Sound area. His grandfather, Nick Fuller Sr., arrived in Antigua in 1941 and was so captivated by Bird Island that he decided to make the island his home. Continuing the family legacy, Eli's father, John Fuller, was born in Antigua and returned after studying law in the UK to raise his family. Eli's childhood was filled with boating, snorkeling, and exploring the islands, fostering a deep appreciation for Antigua's ecology and history.

At 16, Eli represented Antigua and Barbuda in windsurfing at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, showcasing his dedication and passion for water sports. After completing his studies in Business Management at Florida Tech and traveling the world as a professional windsurfer, Eli returned to Antigua to share his love for the island's natural wonders. In 1999, he founded Adventure Antigua, designing tours that mirror his family's adventures, aiming to provide guests with an authentic and educational experience of Antigua's marine and coastal ecosystems. 

Adventure Antigua: Authentic and Educational Excursions

Adventure Antigua offers a variety of tours, each meticulously crafted to highlight the island's natural beauty and rich history.

Eli's Original Eco Tour: This excursion takes guests through the North Sound Marine Park, exploring mangroves, reefs, and islands. Activities include snorkeling, caving, and hiking, with opportunities to spot local wildlife such as turtles, frigate birds, and rays. The tour emphasizes ecology and history, providing insights into the island's natural habitats and conservation efforts. 

Xtreme Circumnav: For those seeking adventure, this tour circumnavigates Antigua, stopping at key sites including Stingray City, Green Island, Nelson's Dockyard, Rendezvous or Pinchin Bay. The custom-designed speedboat ensures more time is spent exploring these remote locations, offering a comprehensive view of the island's coastline. 

Adventure Islands: This unique tour combines ecology, history, and adventure, allowing guests to explore Hell's Gate and Laviscount Island. Participants can engage with the island's wildlife, including giant tortoises, and learn about its fascinating history. 

Private Charters: For a personalized experience, Adventure Antigua offers private charters aboard their 37-foot yacht, "Seclusion." These charters are tailored to guests' preferences, providing a luxurious and intimate exploration of Antigua's coastal treasures. Charters using their other larger vessels can also be arranged. 

Guest Testimonials: A Highlight of the Vacation

The exceptional experiences provided by Adventure Antigua are reflected in numerous guest testimonials.

Spangler Dawne shared, "We LOVED the Extreme tour…the crew was fabulous and the tour is just so much fun!! I have mentioned you guys so many times they think I am getting kickbacks!!" 

Gena B. expressed her gratitude, stating, "I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful tour I had with you last week. It was a gorgeous day and I couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful excursion. Our team of guides – JD, Alex, and Tony – were all wonderful and so accommodating. I will recommend your services to anyone I know going to Antigua." 

Carol, who faced physical challenges, recounted her experience: "I have bad knees and have trouble even climbing stairs, so you can imagine my apprehension about getting in and out of the boat. On top of that, I too get seasick. However, the ride was wonderful and their team pay special attention to special needs. Take Eli’s tour and enjoy. Even if you don’t snorkel, it’s the best." 

These testimonials highlight the personalized attention, accommodating nature, and unforgettable experiences that guests encounter with Adventure Antigua.

Why Choose Adventure Antigua?

Several factors make Adventure Antigua a standout choice for visitors seeking an authentic and enjoyable experience:

Local Expertise: Eli Fuller's deep-rooted connection to Antigua ensures that each tour is infused with local knowledge, history, and a genuine passion for the island's natural environment.

Environmental Stewardship: The tours emphasize ecological education, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of Antigua's unique ecosystems calling for help in preserving these infinitely valuable areas. 

Personalized Experience: With smaller group sizes and attentive crew members, guests receive personalized attention, making each excursion feel like a day out with friends.

Diverse Offerings: Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or education, Adventure Antigua's variety of tours cater to diverse interests and preferences.

A private charter or day tour with Adventure Antigua offers more than just sightseeing; it's an immersive experience that connects you with the heart and soul of Antigua and Barbuda. Eli Fuller's dedication to showcasing the island's natural beauty and his commitment to environmental education ensure that your excursion will be both enlightening and exhilarating. As echoed by numerous guests, a day with Adventure Antigua is not just a tour but a highlight of any Antiguan vacation.

The Best way of learning more is to go to the Adventure Antigua website, their Instagram or Facebook accounts or just calling them on WhatsApp +2687266355

Protecting Beach Access and Historical Sites: A Policy for the Future in the Face of Climate Change!

Protecting Beach Access and Historical Sites: A Policy for the Future in the Face of Climate Change

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) stand on the frontline of the global climate crisis. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the degradation of natural and cultural heritage are more than distant threats—they are stark realities. For governments in SIDS, crafting policies to protect beach access and access to historical sites for local citizens is not merely an act of preservation but a critical step toward sustainable development and climate resilience. By ensuring access to these natural and historical assets, governments safeguard not only environmental and cultural treasures but also the social and economic well-being of future generations.

The Concept of Sustainable Development in SIDS

Sustainable development seeks to balance economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. For SIDS, whose economies often depend heavily on tourism, fisheries, and agriculture, this balance is particularly delicate.

Beaches and historical sites serve as pillars of this sustainability framework. Beaches provide ecological services such as storm surge protection, carbon sequestration in coastal ecosystems, and biodiversity habitats, while also being central to tourism and local recreation. Historical sites, on the other hand, foster a sense of identity, preserve unique cultural heritage, and attract cultural tourism, which can stimulate local economies. The preservation and equitable accessibility of these resources are vital to ensuring that SIDS can sustainably develop without eroding their natural and cultural foundations.

Climate Change: A Direct Threat to Natural and Historical Assets

The impacts of climate change are disproportionately felt in SIDS. Rising sea levels erode beaches, threatening not only biodiversity but also local livelihoods and tourism revenues. Storm surges and hurricanes, increasing in intensity and frequency, damage infrastructure and historical landmarks. For instance, UNESCO has identified several world heritage sites in SIDS as at-risk due to climate change.

Without proactive policies, these losses could cascade into broader societal challenges. Beach erosion reduces public access and narrows opportunities for recreation and livelihoods. Similarly, the destruction or neglect of historical sites leads to cultural amnesia and diminished national identity. The disappearance of these resources would leave future generations deprived of their intrinsic and economic value.

The Role of Beach and Historical Site Access in Social Development

Access to beaches and historical sites is not just about recreation or tourism; it is about equity and social inclusion. In many SIDS, these resources are deeply embedded in local traditions, serving as spaces for community gatherings, cultural ceremonies, and education. Ensuring that all citizens—not just wealthy elites or tourists—can access these areas strengthens social cohesion and inclusivity.

1. Promoting Mental and Physical Well-Being: Public beach access provides opportunities for physical activity, mental relaxation, and community interaction. In the face of rising stressors from climate change, these spaces act as natural sanctuaries, fostering resilience in local populations.

2. Cultural Continuity: Historical sites tell the stories of a community's past, anchoring its identity in an ever-changing world. For SIDS, where oral traditions and cultural practices are often tied to specific locations, preserving access ensures that these traditions can be passed down to future generations.

3. Education and Awareness: Beaches and historical sites can be integrated into educational programs to raise awareness about climate change, sustainability, and cultural heritage. By connecting people, especially youth, to these resources, governments can nurture a more environmentally conscious and culturally literate citizenry.

Economic Implications of Protected Access

From an economic perspective, protecting access to beaches and historical sites is equally critical. Tourism is often the backbone of SIDS economies, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. However, tourism growth must be managed sustainably to prevent overexploitation and ensure that its benefits are equitably shared.

1. Sustainable Tourism Development: Publicly accessible and well-maintained beaches and historical sites attract tourists while ensuring that local communities also benefit. Governments can implement policies such as user fees for tourists, reinvesting these funds into conservation efforts and infrastructure development.

2. Local Livelihoods: Many small-scale businesses, such as fishermen, artisans, and local tour operators, rely on the accessibility of beaches and historical landmarks. Protecting these spaces secures livelihoods and empowers local economies.

3. Resilience Against Climate Risks: Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure around these sites—such as seawalls, vegetation buffers, and elevated walkways—not only protects them from climate impacts but also enhances their value as assets for both locals and tourists. Such measures demonstrate how climate adaptation and economic development can go hand in hand.

Climate Mitigation Through Conservation

Beach ecosystems, particularly mangroves and seagrasses, act as vital carbon sinks, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide. By protecting beaches and coastal ecosystems from privatization and overdevelopment, governments contribute to global climate mitigation efforts. Moreover, maintaining natural coastlines reduces the need for costly artificial defenses against erosion and flooding, which often have higher carbon footprints.

Historical sites also play a role in climate mitigation through adaptive reuse and preservation. Restoring old structures rather than constructing new ones minimizes resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, cultural landscapes—such as traditional agricultural terraces in some SIDS—often embody sustainable practices that can be revived to address modern challenges.

Policy Recommendations for Protecting Access

To ensure that future generations in SIDS can continue to enjoy and benefit from beaches and historical sites, governments must adopt a multi-pronged approach:

1. Legal Protections: Enact legislation that designates beaches and historical sites as public goods, ensuring open access while regulating their use to prevent degradation.

2. Climate-Resilient Planning: Incorporate climate risk assessments into the management of these sites, prioritizing investments in natural infrastructure and adaptive conservation strategies.

3. Community Involvement: Engage local communities in decision-making processes to ensure that policies reflect their needs and cultural values. Community-based management can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.

4. Education and Outreach: Launch programs to educate citizens and tourists about the importance of these assets and their role in sustainability and climate resilience.

5. Sustainable Financing: Develop innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds and international partnerships, to fund the protection and maintenance of these sites.

Conclusion: A Legacy for Future Generations

The challenges posed by climate change demand forward-thinking policies that prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains. Protecting access to beaches and historical sites in SIDS is not just about preserving scenic or cultural landmarks—it is about safeguarding livelihoods, fostering social cohesion, and building resilience in the face of climate uncertainty.

For future generations, the ability to walk along a pristine beach or stand in awe before a centuries-old monument will serve as a reminder of their heritage and a testament to the wisdom of their ancestors. By acting today to protect these invaluable resources, governments in SIDS can create a legacy of sustainable development and climate resilience, ensuring that these treasures endure for centuries to come.

www.adventureantigua.com

Beach access is being threatened.

Access...... It's in interesting thing sometimes. 

The reason the Atlantic rowers are coming to jolly harbour today was because the TWAC organizers made a deal with the National Parks Authority to stop any row boats that did not pay to enter the TWAC from entering Dockyard.

Crazy but true.

So this am I'm sitting here drinking my coffee thinking about our 30 day row across the ocean and how these guys must be feeling, and then started to think about why they rowed all the way down to the west coast, passing English Harbour where we arrived in Jan 2018. 

Then I started thinking about the beach on the South finger side of the Jolly Harbour marina entrance which now isn't accessible to anyone other than the very smart property owners there. We were there yesterday. 

That beach has property lots right along it without any beach access which wasn't an issue until recently when the last property owner fenced their property. In fact, according to original management of Jolly Harbour, there was always access in the original development plans.

These property owners saw that they'd have a private beach now that things possibly have changed, and were smart to buy there. 

Now people who want to swim on that beach will have to kayak or boat there. The environment there despite the shipwreck is so interesting with migratory kingfishers using the trees to perch and spot little fish. Heron, pelicans, rays, jacks, cuda, and many others feed there. The turtle grass supports so much interesting life especially as it's the entrance of the internal water way. 

Anyway, it's not the property owners issue as they purchased land there that was divided and put up for sale. The trees on the beach were cut down and houses were built or are being built.

The issue is the government, CDAL, DCA should have envisioned a growing population where beach access is important. Even if we only worry about ourselves in this community called Jolly Harbour you'd think that these beaches would have walking access but no, there is none now.

The other side of the south finger is also is changing access with some property owners somehow managing to buy adjacent land on the beach side from the government directly making the beach area just that little bit smaller for the rest of the general public. I believe I have heard but do not have any specific information that the access to the beach at the base of Reed's point is also been changed. Someone said something about a new development happening there. Will access to that side of the beach be threatened. 

I think that there should be consultations with the community, stakeholders and the wider general public if there will be changes to the original development that will have an impact on how we use the coastline and beaches. As some people keep banging on about, the seawalls and the fact that this entire place was sold for a dollar with the assumption that the seawalls would be maintained by cdal to keep value for property owners. There were other assumptions made during the original deal that have now been forgotten.

Since most people here in Jolly Harbour are not full-time residents with children I don't suppose the majority of people are thinking about sustainability of our community's development, but something feels wrong in the way that access is now changing. 

That reminds me, fisherman and excursion operators and residents had access to the commercial center for their boats to do pick up and drop offs until the marina was sold by the la Perla guys. Since then I've had to pay to stop there to collect guests or to go and buy groceries or to visit a restaurant. There was no thought given by la Perla on access which until that point was used traditionally by all boaters for short stops. 

Maybe I'm rambling but with the new changes to what was a single home development only on harbour Island, our community is no longer possibly a 850 home village. In fact, we could have double that in the future. The development plans/rules will keep on changing (there's been so much change there in the last 20 years) that logically we could end up having more multistory "condo blocks" sometime in the future. Only having one single access at castaways for 1000+ homes isn't sensible. In an ideal world just for our community alone, there should be a park for everyone in our community to access the beach. 

Plenty eyes rolling reading these words I know, but sometime in the future local people will look at the poor developmental planning and not be happy. Is it too late to put a walking access point to this beach or to think about sensible access to the main south finger beach? 

I saw the graffiti on a survey mark on this on a beach recently and thought how pertinent it is in 2023. 

Stone stacking is so wrong. Here's why:

  

In Antigua we are lucky enough to have three different types of endangered sea turtles nesting on our beaches. Some of our beaches are so natural that there's been little change for thousands of years. These areas, once remote are now being visited by more and more humans and rock stacking or stone stacking is starting to threaten these beaches and the indicate web of life that lives among these coastal habitats. 

Without knowing it, people who think they are leaving their mark with an artistic stone sculpture are causing erosion and harming wildlife.

Please take the time to read some of these links and tell people why they shouldn't participating in this damaging trend which seems to be growing. 

https://amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/aug/17/stone-stacking-instagram-environment-adventure-tourism

https://bigthink.com/life/stone-stacking/

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/rabbit-holes/people-are-stacking-too-many-stones

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-45146681.amp

https://www.fodors.com/news/outdoors/these-seemingly-innocuous-tourist-behaviors-are-actually-incredibly-destructive

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/cairns-rock-stacking-national-parks

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/rock-stone-stacking-hiking-cairns/2020/08/27/3059a9c8-e70d-11ea-970a-64c73a1c2392_story.html

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-17/instagram-rock-stacking-trend-putting-endangered-species-at-risk/11868706

https://www.ausableriver.org/blog/leaving-no-trace-rock-stacking

Just don't do it. Please!

SloMo Waves will relax anyone.

It's been a while but i will start blogging again. My love for writing and how much value it's added to my life and i am told to other's lives as well has gotta be rekindled. 

Yesterday I was invited by the guys at the TourismAuthority to take part in a virtual day in Antigua. Check it out here.

My piece where i give a mini tour of the islands, starts at about 21 minutes in. Anyway, while waiting for my part to start, i anchored our utility boat "POSITIVE" right next to the beach on one of the tiny offshore islands. While there i took this video as it was just such a peaceful and beautiful setting. I hope you enjoy it nearly as much as i did. Remember to follow our @adventureantigua instagram profile as well as the same on facebook. 

www.adventureantigua.com