What's with the structure that seems to be a power boat ramp leading into the water from a fairly new construction site on Old Wharf? It was hard to see as much as I wanted because there is a private guard there.

In my opinion, this doesn't seem to be keeping with the tranquil and quiet nature of Treasure Beach.

Is this more "progress"?

Is a NEPA permit required for such a structure?

Is this the same piece of land where there was heavy equipment on the beach that ended up disturbing the turtle breeding grounds?

I heard it belong to Jason/Jakes. more progress,i guess?

Could you please enquire with NEPA and let us all know?

It seems to me too, that this is going to be a private boat ramp. [edited by TB.Net]. More progress indeed, after having covered with tons of concrete and gabion baskets what was once, until a few months ago, the best turtle nesting beach in Treasure Beach. Does NEPA know this?

Other folks who already have a boat in TB put it in the water at the fishing beach, i.e. Calabash. Could we come to an agreement amongst us - including the newcomers - that we put our boats and jet skis in the water only on fishing beaches?

The armed guard tried to keep people off the beach on Sunday, but gave up after a while.

Ms McCaulay, can you please tell us if the newcomers (the Bicknells) own the beach? Steel pegs which recently appeared way out on the reef and the construction of the sea wall on the high water mark (exactly where the turtles laid their eggs) would indicate this.

To AB, just to clarify, the land being discussed is not owned by Jason/Jakes.

Excuse me--but who ever said jet skis are appropriate for Treasure Beach? If I got to decide (and I know I don't) I would suggest they be put in the water at Negril or Whitehouse. Let the boats use fishing beaches.

I walked that beach many times last week and was never stopped by anyone. I was told once the gambion baskets were put into place they were planning on covering them up with sand and bringing the beach back. It was my understanding baskets were being used to protect the land and future house being built and actually made perfect sense to me.

Whenever the reference to Jet Skis comes up on this site, it oft seems framed in the mythical concept that the result would only be irresponsible thrill seekers crisscrossing swimming lanes while pitching empty Stripe bottles in their wakes.
JET has certainly taken a strong stand against this image of
recreational activity.

Is it inconceivable to imagine someone, with their ever loving passenger or mate, taking a sea stroll to the Pelican Bar or around the mouth of the Black River...very much in the nature of using a scooter for a short trip for errands instead of the gas guzzler?

Kayaks are my preference, but is it really a matter of political correctness to not conceive of a jet ski as, ah, a sea scooter?... formal or informal rules of the sea subbing for rules of the road, and common sense regarding life jackets, shore-in-site navigation, and emergency contacts by cell in effect.

I am curious if the local bike/kayak renters (Viking) have taken vows not to get involved in jet ski rental feeling that such activity might become ungovernable & would ruin the peace.

Any thoughts slow pokes?

I believe that a the governemnt needs to realize that sea turtles are at an all time low and are near extinction. Something should be done to protect their breeding grounds/egg laying grounds.

Speaking of turtles, we are gathering on Wednesday Nov. 25th for an informal meeting to discuss this subject. If anyone else is interested, please let me or Sally know. We are trying to recruit local people to help monitor the nesting sites. Then we plan on a meeting to set this all up. Hopefully JET will be involved as well. For those of you who are REALLY interested in saving the turtles, spare a little time, feel good. The 4 main varieties of turtles in Jamiaca are really fascinating. This is no joke, and the turtles might all be gone from the shores real soon. Then you can only show your grandchildren the turtles that were once there from a book.
Knowledge...Education...Understanding...Pass it on!

Jet skis equal noise pollution. Jet skis equal environmental pollution.

I doubt if jet ski users are any more inclined to toss Red Stripe bottles into the sea than any other people are.

The main problem from jet skis has to do with their unbearable and intrusive noise; this tends to bother everyone except the user. In addition to the noise pollution, there is pollution from the fuel.

Jet skis are also used to transport illegal drugs, though I doubt this would be the intent of those using them for recreation.

Finally, there is the element of possible physical danger. But this danger is far more to the riders than to anyone else, so it is their decision if they wish to take a risk.

Bloody bay in Negril used to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Fish and sting rays were bountiful, snorkeling and coral formations excellent, quiet and peaceful. Now Bloody bay is a noisy area devoid of coral, fish, and jet skis screaming by one after another to the point that it is actually dangerous to swim. Can't just blame the all-inclusive resorts because the jet skis come from many places along Long Beach. If people believe a jet skier will be content to stay in one area they are mistaken; rented by the hour they like to go as far and fast as they can and it is a lot of fun, however the hidden cost is incredible noise levels, danger (many inexperienced riders who will want to ride the same waves you and your children are playing in), and pollution. People come to the community of Treasure Beach because it is NOT Mo Bay,Negril or Ochos Rios. Introduce Jet skis and parasailing to Treasure Beach and you will see more people coming intitially because of the novelty...those of us who do not like the Negril/Ochos Rios lifestyle will move on and as the novelty wears off, tourists will again return to the easily ascessible Negril and Ochos Rios leaving Treasure Beach with a lot of empty guest houses. Treasure Beach cannot compete with Negril/Ochos Rios and the beauty of it all is that Negril/Ochos Rios cannot compete with Treasure Beach, each has its own appeal. The community needs to think hard and long about this issue...in the 80's Negril was as peaceful as Treasure Beach and they made the transition to a fast-paced mechanized resort area because of their location, natural beauty, and miles of uninterrupted white sand beach. The question is whether the thrill seekers will generate enough money for Treasure Beach to offset the loss of the tourists who come for the peace and tranquility. Sometimes we can have things both ways and some times we cannot. We are too committed to ever leave Treasure Beach no more than we left our home in the states when they put up a shopping mall down the road. I fear we might be in the minority so we plead that the community "stay the course" and maintain the philosphy that brings good people to be with good people in a peaceful, tranquil, safe environment. Pollution is not good for anyone, ever.

Tom and Jeanie

By No Jet Skis PLEASE on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 02:53 pm: Edit Post
Excuse me--but who ever said jet skis are appropriate for Treasure Beach? If I got to decide (and I know I don't) I would suggest they be put in the water at Negril or Whitehouse. Let the boats use fishing beaches

Amen.

1"You call some place paradise kiss it good bye "

1 Last Resort by The eagles.

Hi everyone, Been under a little pressure recently so have not been monitoring this site as often as I used to. Several questions have been raised:

Yes, a boat ramp needs a beach license - anything that encroaches on the foreshore or floor of the sea needs a beach license. The foreshore is defined as the area between high and low water marks - the wet part of the beach, in other words. It is likely that the beach works above the high water mark (walls, gabion baskets etc) do not need either a beach license or environmental permit.

The concerns such beach works affecting turtle nesting are real. Turtles dig surprisingly deep nests and even if the gabion baskets are covered with sand, if they cannot lay their eggs deeply enough, then survival of the hatchlings is compromised. NEPA does not seem to have the regulatory framework to protect turtle nesting beaches, once the beach works are above the high water mark.

There are no laws to prevent the use of jet skis in Jamaican waters. The issues are as identified in this thread - noise pollution, fuel pollution and a real threat of injury to swimmers. I am told a water sports policy (including jet skis) is under development by the Min of Tourism, but they declined to let me see a copy.

lastly, in response to Tom and Jeanie's post, I will try to post two old photos I have of Negril - both of Long Bay - not Bloody Bay, but you will get the drift of what used to be there, and what we have lost - irrevocably in my opinion.

(If I can't figure out how to post a photo, I will send the photos to Rebecca.)

Unless the folks in Treasure Beach organize to oppose the Negril type of development, it will certainly happen.

Diana from JET

Well said Tom and Jeanie! Bloody Bay used to be one of my favorite places to snorkel - well until I saw that big sea snake, UCK!

But seriously, the last time I went there to snorkel I had to hunt to find a public access road, found it, parked, went in the water and gave up after almost being hit by a jet ski and not seeing near the fish, coral, or any of the beauty I used to see. The old Bloody Bay is bloody gone.

I would absolutely hate to see this happen in TB.

Hi SEA SCOOTER- to answer your question, no "vow" was taken, but if any guests said they really wanted to jet ski, I would suggest day trip to Negril to do it. Jet skis are a bit out of character for the area, not exactly "laid back or quiet". I personally have nothing against jet skis, and do think they are fun, but there is a time and place for everything, and I don't think we'd ever plan to rent them out in TB, profitable or not.

Watercraft: ECO Whisper-quiet Electric

I am impressed with all the NEGATIVES which have been posted about the current crop of Jet Skis (especially the issues of noise & fuel pollution & reckless navigational behaviour.)

Many Park Service locations, in the US, have banned their use for these very reasons.

But, playing devil's advocate here, since the issue will be raised by responsible free-thinkers...what if there were such a vehicle represented as an ECO, all electric, emissions free, whisper quiet watercraft, powered with a battery charge of 3-hours, navigated by a trained, astute boater, call her Lil Sheila, who doesn't have to struggle to beach her vehicle near her cottage "pon di rock"...and using her watercraft for convenient utility purposes (eg, picking up some latches from a Black River Hardware).

Would owning an ECO-watercraft, following in the same access lanes of our village fishing & touring boats, and obeying some noise-decibel ordinance, still be be objectionable to our community sensibilities?
Lil Sheila would probably also own a Vespa-like scooter for her short road trips up to Southfield, since her Credo is to tread a light carbon footprint on this or any other land.

www.treehugger.com/files/2009/05/50mph-electric-jetski.php

NOTE the final Comment of "drug smugglers everywhere are smiling" (ie, using these engines on pontoon boats).
Is this really an objection, or a sub-text to declare , in a pinch:
"Your honour, I'm innocent, the engine made me do it!"

Sounds good. Salt water and current are a challenge. Recharging at sea without a small delco or solar cells is a limitation. Still, where there is a will...

Compressed air engines could be a thing. Pumped on land and recharged if needed by foot pump. Simpler, no current probs and self chargeable if needed.

Inventors!

Hey MnKen, what time and where is the meeting taking place?

We have good friends who live on what used to be a very peaceful and quiet lake. Several years ago people started to bring their jet skis out on the lake for recreational purposes. Today, the noise is unbearable. They cannot sit on their porch and hold a conversation. They must wait until dark to enjoy being outside their home. They regret not having gotten together as a community to ban the jet skis before they started; now it is too late. Even people from out of the area bring their jet skis there to use from dawn until dusk.

Stop Jet ski and noise-now !!!before it,s to late!!!
community alert Group=please act now!!!save old wharf and treasure beach- power boats we really do not need-

Jet skis are horrendous. They are THE reason we stopped going to Negril. before it,s to late is right: stop them now. Organize and ban them now. Otherwise, forget TB as we now know it. I don't think the people of TB understand that they have more power than they realize to stop stuff like this.

Hi Tom and Jeanie, Diana and whoever else enjoys looking at old pictures of Negril. This first is one of Negril's 7 mile beach taken around 1971.



The second one is an interesting before and after of West End Rd. aka The wild, wild west.

Here's another shot from the early 70's (I think) showing what the West End looked like. You see lots trees and shrubs where expensive resorts now sit.

ECO Jet Ski:Pros & CONS

www.greenopia.com/USA/news/15501/7-29-2009/The-Eco-Friendly-Jet-Ski-A-Little-Pro -A-little-Con

Thank you Diana McCaulay for the following photos which were taken by Jack Tyndale Biscoe.

This is Negril in 1956!

Long Bay


Negril River

Thanks for the pics Milwaukee. Those willows will weep no more; they're dead. I'll have to shed a tear for them. I'm from Great Bay, born and bred, and I remember the tamarind tree at Old Wharf, the old clay pot, the old tombs (are they still there?) and flora dotting the shoreline. As a boy, I remember chucking off those reefs and the thrill of swimming where others dared not. To think that "they" could be destroying those reefs and shoreline is beyond vexing. No pier and no jet skis pleeease.

Softly frolicking with the dolphins

As someone, who is more attuned to the meditative aspects of kayaking along the coast to Parottee Point, I am still mentally churning what is the right mix of engine-powered fishing/ tour boats and the possibility of an ECO personal watercraft (electric, whisper quiet, "emissions-free") zipping around Treasure Beach shores.

Don't fool oneself in thinking that such thoughts are not cached in someone's mind, as much as we love the relative peaceful, fairly predictable, almost traditional- by- consensus rhythms of TB Bays and wish to maintain it for all posterity.

FOR EXAMPLE: Would a soft, inflatable, cheap, 22 pound, battery powered 3 mph personal watercraft (mini jet ski) be the wolf at the door for accepting a harder, quiet, faster, electric version?
And if your child or young relative saw this ad, would they not be clamoring to put such a "toy" on their Christmas wish list?

www.raidentech.com/asocscbapoin.html

Doubt my Insurance Brokers could easily get public liability insurance for such a toy if I had a resort Sea Scooter. Puncture, shock, sea water and current incompatiblity and the chance of a dead battery far out, worst, in heavy water.

That leaves the few that can afford them.

Row kayaks and canoes and get cardio workouts and sea water cleanse.

The fishermen have mouths to feed and are grounded on hydrocarbon power. Too bad we never cultivated a sailing culture.

Sea scooter, i love that ad with the mini jet ski. I was born in TB now living in florida, i also have my own beach front in fort charles i myself would buy one of the mini jet ski to bring home/TB.

With regard to the battery powered scooter designed for children aged five and up, this is a ridiculous and unsafe toy which is totally inappropriate for the seas off Treasure Beach. I am quite accustomed to telling my children they cannot have whatever they wish for Christmas or any other occasion, especially if I deem something a possible threat to life or limb. That is one of the many responsibilities I have as a parent.

The before and after photos of Negril say it all. I am scared for Treasure Beach. I am scared for all the people who live in Treasure Beach. I am scared for all the people who visit Treasure Beach because of what it is today - which is NOT Negril. I hold the same opinion as others who have written in on this site wondering why people talk talk talk but DO NOT DO anything about it. RESIDENTS of TB are the ones who should be leading the way. If the visitors leave because of what is happening, then you will be left with a mess and even a worse economy.

One thing about talk Scared, is that people express their feelings. To impose anything that goes against these feelings is usually futile.

I've posted here about my projected exploration of Permaculture, alternative energy etc. I would not consider doing these things in TB if I felt there was feeling against this. By talking here and at Yard, I know there is interest and encouragement for these things.

The community has many allies, some visit from time to time, some have invested here and some long to come. Listen to what they say. Most seek out TB as a haven from rush and noise. It would be sense to encourage this. All benefit, live de and pass through.

A paper survey with appropriate questions would gather opinion to help guide our future. A good project for students of social science.

Try not to be scared, fear inhibits action.

Time for action come.

Just want to make a slight correction to the photo credits for the Negril pics - the two colour photos were taken by Prof Ivan Goodbody. Diana from JET