NASSAU, The Bahamas – Large casuarina trees that dot the landscape of The Bahamas are being removed and will be replaced with shady, native vegetation.

The Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Desmond Bannister, in his Contribution to the 2020-2021 Budget Debate Wednesday, June 17, said the invasive species has spread “exponentially” throughout The Bahamas and taken control of coastlines on many of the islands.

Minister Bannister announced that contracts have been issued to have large casuarina trees in Eastern New Providence removed.

“The Bahamas is famous for our beaches and casuarinas are destroying [them],” said Minister Bannister. “Many residents have expressed concern that we are getting rid of what they believe to be beautiful, shady trees. That tree is the enemy of the pristine environment that we in The Bahamas cherish.”

Minister Bannister told Parliamentarians that casuarina trees that were on a beach in Andros resulted in the loss of 30-40 feet of beach of sand, and were uprooted.

He expressed concern for Eleuthera pointing out that the narrowest part of the island on the drive from south to north is lined with casuarinas.

“It [casuarina] devastates our coastal defences for hurricanes and doesn’t let Bahamian native trees grow under it.

“Casuarinas are salt tolerant. [In] many communities in our country the casuarina has taken over the beaches and eroded them 30-40 feet. They destroy our natural vegetation,” he informed.

Minister Bannister quoted excerpts from The Bahamas Invasive Species Field Guide produced by the Department of Marine Resources to support the need for removal of the invasive species. He also displayed exhibits to make his point.

“When I cut down casuarinas out east I’m cutting down an enemy. [They] outcompete native trees [and] when a strong wind comes they are blown over and die. Our shorelines get eroded.”

He anticipates that sand on eroded beaches will replenish itself once the invasive species is replaced with indigenous trees.  (BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)