PHASEI REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEY OF NAVASSA ISLAND

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 17
• Document Creation Date: December 21, 2016
• Document Release Date: May 5, 2008
• Sequence Number: 9
• Publication Date: August 24, 1981
• Content Type: REPORT

Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
PHASE I REPORT
ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEY CF NAVASSA ISLAND
August 24, 1981
Prepared For:
ATLANTIC DIVISION
Naval Facilities Enqineeriiq Command
Norfolk, `?ti~'r-i7
completed.
Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
ecology and en iaronment, inc.
195SUGG ROAD. P.O. BOX 0, YORK 14225, TEL 714-(W-4,491
InfrrrwlirinwM ~rf~rSnat~ Sn trw "'!r_.T ~- t..'i.:.?~`t9
 Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BIBLIOGRAPHY ......................................... 5-1
+i#
recycled pipes
Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
PROJECT OVERVIEW ..................................... 1-1
SURVEY METHODOLOGIES ................................. 2-1
2.1 MARINE SURVEY .......... ...................... 2-1
2.2 VEGETATION SURVEY ............................... 2-1
2.3 WILDLIFE SURVEY ................................. 2-2
2.4 CULTURAL RESOURCES .............................. 2-2
iURVEY RESULTS ....................................... 3-1
3.1 MARINE BIOLOGY .................................. 3-1
3.4 CULTURAL RESOURCES .............................. 3-7
3.1.1 General Description of Marine
Environment .............................. 3-1
3.1.2 Coral Reefs .............................. 3-1
3.1.3 Submerged Wall ........................... 3-2
3.1.4 Fish ..................................... 3-2
3.1.5 Plankton and Benthic Con unities ......... 3-3
3.2 VEGETATION ...................................... 3-3
3.3 WILDLIFE ........................................ 3-5
3.3.1 Birds .................................... 3-5
3.3.2 Manm als .................................. 3-7
3.3.3 Reotiles ................................. 3-7
CONCLUSIONS AND R`C~1-'_=*~0,TtC?: ...................... 4-1
 Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
LIST OF TABLES
Table
3-1 Preliminary Cultural Resources Site Information
lmd
Paje
.. 3-8
Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
 Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
. PROJECT OVERVIEW
environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
in detail to satisfy environmental documentation requirements should
potential Navy use of the island require the preparation of an
.
The firm of Ecology and Environment, Inc., (E & E) of Buffalo,
New York, was retained in July of 193i by the Atlantic Division, N,.,=1
Facilities Engineering Command to conduct an environmental survey ot
Navassa Island in the West Indies. This survey was intended to be a
one time field investigation of the existing physical, natural, and
cultural environment-of the island. The survey was to be sufficient
Navassa is a small (approximately 1,100 acres) uninhabited island
viduals:
Richard T. Heiderstadt - Project Manager
Laurence M. Brickman, Ph.D. - Marine Biologist
Andy Szilagyi - Marine Biologist
Craig R. Ferris, Ph.D. - Wildlit 3iologist
James Griffis - Botanist i
island. For the purposes of this study, the consultant's field teift
reached the island via charter boat from Port Antonio, Jamaica, a dis-
tance of about 95 miles.
The' field investigation team was composed of the following indi-
States Coast Guard which maintains an unmanned lighthouse on the
miles west of Haiti. Navassa is under the jurisdiction of the United
in the Caribbean Ocean located about 90 miles south of Cuba and 30
Carmine A. Tronolone - Archaeolocist
Linda A. Robinson - Archaeologist
rscwt{rd omow * d .,.. r..?..., .... ,.
Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
 Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
The consultant's t. :n the field by thri' ` civil
by
engineers from the Atlantic Division: F;ichard Jarvis, William
Gibbings, and Charles Walker.,., The entire team was supported on
Navassa by the Second Topographic Platoon under the command of CWO-Z
Steven 0. Borgeson, without whose support the successful completion of
E & E's field investigations on Navassa would not have been possible.
The consultant's field team members were on Navassa for varying
periods, depending on the time required to complete the particular
survey. --The periods of survey were as follows:
Marine Biology: July 18 to July 22, 1981
Vegetation and Wildlife: July 18 to July 25, 1981
Archaeology: July 18 to August 6, 1981
Upon their return to 4u.Ji`ralax The irvey team members revieved
the field data and the available literature and prepared this report.
The intent of this report is to briefly summarize the results of the
literature review and field survey, and provide recommendations con-
cerning the need for further environmental documentation should the
Navy decide to proceed with a project on Navassa Island.
Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
 Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
2. SURVEY METHODOLOGIES
The harsh environment of Navassa bad a significant effect on the
the design of survey methodologies; however, it is believed that the
surveys completed were sufficient to achieve the objectives of the
character and extent of field investigAtions on the island. The dif-
ficult terrain and rough seas were the; primary controlling factors in
2.1 MARINE SURVEY
The purpose of the survey was to obtain an overview of the major
productivity. The survey entailed conducting visual reconnaissance of
the inshore waters of the island using both snorkeling and SCUBA,
documenting the relative health of the reefs using the plotless line
technique, and obtaining samples of the plankton and benthic communi-
ties around the island. In addition. a photographic record was made
during the course of the surveys.
including their distribution, composition, and relative health and
marine cormyunities that are found in the inshore waters of the island,
2.2 VEGETATION SURVEY
The survey method consisted of an extended walkover of the
majority of the Island in an attempt tc observe all existing habitat
types. Nested quadrats, consisting of iv meter squares for. rtes, 4
meter squares for shrubs and 1 meter squares for herbaceous material,
were 1 1. used to quantify vegetatirn in each habitat type. Locations
r. Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
 the q dratsowere a"osen8/u u ;A-RDP86100 78R000100060009_5 r-
atearea within each habitat type.
2.3 WILDLIFE SURVEY
'The-wildlife survey was composed primarily of walking tours of
all parts of the island in order to observe birds, mammals, and
reptiles. In addition, the coastline of the Island was observed from
a boat, and snap traps were set for small mammals and reptiles.
i
4
ing survey of the island. The walking survey utilized both interval
transects and random walking, depending upon terrain and the exteni. or
previous disturbance due to phosphate mining.
maps. Prehistoric, resources. were identified, by a comprehensive walk-
identify and evaluate both historic and prehistoric resources. His-
toric: resources were identified from aerial photographs and early
The survey of the island's cultural resources was designed to
2.4 CULTURAL RESOURCES
Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
 Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
3. SURVEY RESULTS
3.1_MARINE.BIOLOGY
cliffs It consists primarily of bare sand interspersed with coral
encrusted rock and patches of algae. At the northwest point and along
the northwest shore a small fringing reef system is evident. This
reef system exhibits grooves incised in the reef oriented with the
wave action and currents. The exposed reef indicated on the naviga-
tion chart no longer exists, possibly a result of Hurricane Allen.
Water visibility was in excess of 70 feet, except adjacent to the
cliffs near the eastern shore where it was reduced to 30 to 40 feet as
a result of wave action. Surface water temperature during the survey
was 28.5'C, and surface salinity was 33.5 parts per thousand (ppt).
lines. The bottom slopes gently to about 80 to 20 feet away from the
3.1.1 General Description of Marine Environment
The inshore waters of Navassa Island do not exhibit the typical
coral reef-lagoon structure found around most Caribbean islands. With
the exception of the northwest shore, the sheer cliffs descend to a
depth of about 50 to 60 feet below the water surface. The cliffs are
undercut at the water surface and large boulders broken from the rock
face are found at their base, especially along the more exposed shore-
3.1.2 Coral Reefs
At depths of less than 30 to 35 feet, the small fringing reef
systi 61, is FrAttically devoid of living' coral . Coral coverage in this
area is estimated at less than 5% and consists of small scattered
i-I
,,.,,,a,n_Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
 Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
colonies of encrusting forni~, small sea fins, and sponges. The
grooves contain bare sand aid coral inclu ing many a -=
heads of brain coral. With i,rlcreasing depth, the coral colonies
become more abundant an4 larger. Similarly, the size and density of
sponges, sea fans, and sea plumes markedly increase with depth. The
transect'data indicate that these reefs are in poor condition compared
to those in Vieques or the Virgin Islands. Live coral coverage
averaged less than 25/ on Navassa as compared to 46% and 50% in the
Virgin Islands and Vieques, respectively. No live branching colonies
of elkhorn coral or staghorn coral, typically associated with shallow
Caribbean reefs, were observed. These reefs are indicative of severe
storm damage and although prior information is not available, the
passage of Hurricane Allen just north of Navassa could account for
their relatively poor condition.
3.1.3 Submerged Wall
' The submerged walls around the island are encrusted with a wide
vaOety of marine life.. These include many different types of
sponges, tunicates, algae, and hydroids along with corals, sea plumes,
and sea fans. Sheet coral (Agaricia lamarcki) is the dominant coral,
ticularly
and many overlapping colonies were observed on the walls, par
life on the
i
ne
along the northern portion of the lee shore.. The mar
walls increased with depth and was most abundant along the lee shore
where wave action is less, permitting the attachment of the animals.
The wave cuts at the surface contained many chitons, small gastropods.
and algae .
3.1.4 Fish
The fish life around Navassa reflects the relative lack of habi-
tat diversity and the island's oceanic setting. Many types of reef
fish, including wrasses, parrotfish, squirrelfish, butterflyfishes,
angelfishes, and damselfishes were observed during the survey. They
were present in limited numbers and exhibited only weak territorial
behavior compared to typical Caribbean reef fish associations. Few
Juvenile fish were noted during t=ie sur'Q . A number of large grunts,
Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
 Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
L A -
groupers, and many barracudas were observ Ld Lround the isl ana.
Oceanic or pelagic fishes were comr;on. These included several species
of jack and triggerfish, and bermuda chubs.. Porpoises were also seen
. on several occasions.
3.1.5 Plankton and Benthic Communities
The plankton samples contained many species of copepods along
with arrowwcrms, radiolarians, cladocera, small jellyfish (siphono-
phores), pelagic polychaetes, larval crustaceans and echinoderms, and
fish eggs. A bloom of bluegreen algae was also noted in the plankton
samples. The relatively high diversity and low density of the plank-
ton are typical of the subtropical waters that are not influenced by
land runoff.
The fauna 'inhabiting the sand bottom consisted of polychaetes.
amphipods, cumacids, and nematodes. They were present?in relatively
low numbers in the bare sand substrate, as would be anticipated.
3.2 VEGETATION
The physical characteristics of Navassa have produced a flora in
striking contrast to other West Indian islands. The vegetative
pattern over the vast majority of the island is generally the same.
with minor physiological differences attributed to soil conditions and
the amount of exposure to the prevailing winds and salt air. The
island's topography eliminates any kind of normal beach communities
even along the northwest coastline where the rocky seawalls of 30 to
50 feet that surround the rest of the island diminish, and the steep
slope from the upper plateau merges directly into the sea.
The island's upper plateau, for the most part, is covered with an
evergreen woodland forest comprised mainly of four species: Ficus
citrifolia, Sideroxyion foetidissimun, Cpccoloba diversifolia, and
Metopium Brownei. These four species form a generally mixed forest';
however, there are patches where pure stands of the F. citifolia, S.
foetidissimun, and M. Brownei exist over limited areas. Another tree,
Columbrina arborescens, exists within the forest but is uncommon. The
plateau forest is generally well developed ?d'ith the canopy obtaining
heights_of:20:to 30 feet.. However, no'shrubs and very little herba-
ceaous growth were observed under the forest canopy. The herbaceous
3-3
mcwwi Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
 Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
growth that does occur is 41 scattered and generally confined to
open, unmined areas growing on the limited pockets of soil between the
rock.
The evergreen woodland forest extends down the steep slopes to
and over some of the lower shelf, although the physical appearance of
the species changes somewhat. Along the south side of -the island,
the evergreen woodland covers the steep slopes almost entirely as well
as the better part of the lower shelf. Progressing easterly from the
landing area and then northward along the eastern face of the island,
the steep slopes from the plateau and the shelf become less and less
densely vegetated. The vegetation on the steep slopes of the northern
face and shelf is even less dense. Three of the four major tree=
species dominate. the vegetative cover over the steep slopes and lower
shelf? with the M. Brownei reduced in numbers.. The characteristic
growth patterns of the tree species change dramatically. The canopy
cover over the slopes and lower shelf is greatest on the southwest
quadrant of the island but the trees reach heights of only 15 to 18
feet. Progressing counter-clockwise around the island, these species
are rapidly reduced to mere shrubs, and in many cases are less than
three feet high. A shrub Erithalis paraviflora) is scattered along
the steep slopes and lower shelf, especially along the northern and
eastern faces.
The second habitat type found on Navassa is related to the
presence of a fan palm forest. The palm (Thrinax sp.) appears to have
formed a moderately dense forest prior to the arrival of Hurricane
Allen in 1980. Substantial amounts of this habitat type were
destroyed by the storm and the areas are presently exposed. New
growth has begun and is evident throughout the island. The fan palm
forest is generally restricted to pockets along the northern half of
the plateau and encompasses the major portion of the northwest point.
There appears to be no clear cut separation between the fan palm and
evergreen woodland forests where the two habitat types merge. The
palms are also sparsely distributed within the evergreen woodland
forest previously described and are well mixed with the evergreen
forest species on the steep slopes between the plateau and the lower
shelf. Herbaceous growth under the palms is generally greater than in
the evergreen forest, with Catharanthus roosea the predominant weed.
Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
 Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
The magnificent frigatebird .as the third large seabird oa the
island. It numbered approximately 7=1 to 100,irdividuals, most of
which (80 to 90%) were immature. Small numbers (three to five) of
adult females were observed on several occasions, and a single adult
male was seen on two occasions. Friqatebirds were most often observed
hovering high in the air along the southwest side of the island (pri-
marily near Northwest and South Points) or perched in trees with the
boobies along the forested slope.
Two species of terns were present on the island in small nucrbers;
the brown noddy and the-bridled tern. There were fewer than 20 indi-
viduals of each species. Both species were found only along the lower
cliff face from an area just west of lulu Bay, east to South Point.
It is possible that a few sooty terns'were also present, as reported
by Ekman (1929), but all those observed were bridled terns.
Of the seven species of land big ds observed on favassa, tie
white-crowned pigeon and black-whiskered vireo were most abundant.
They were found throughout the entire island -,k ere forested vegetation
or scattered trees were present. It was difficult to determine their
abundance, but several hundred of each species would be a conservative
estimate.
Ground doves were common but not abundant, as they were limited
by the availability of habitat. They prefer open treeless areas, with
some bare ground, and a few (three to five) individuals could be found
around almost every opening.
The remaining species of land birds were uncommon. The yellow-
billed cuckoo was observed on three occasions, all in the vicinity of
the landing or the lighthouse. None were heard calling, and their shy
retiring behavior made it difficult to estimate their abundance. A
single crow was observed from a distance, northeast of the lighthouse.
It was tentatively identified by voice as a palm crow, but this was
not confirmed. The grassland area near the northwest tip of the
island supported two additional species: the gray kingbird (two
observed) and the yellow-faced grassc;uit (two pairs observed). These
were limited by habitat availability
Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
 Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
Cacti (Opuntia Nashi i and Melocactus corr.:: urn i ) are also fairly co ncn
and are showing signs of recovery from extensive storm damage.
Grassland or savanna as a habitat type exists only in the west
central portion of the plateau. This.habitat type is locally exten-
sive and convoluted with grassy areas projecting into the surrounding
forested area. The major grassland area is broken by scattered
clumps of trees consisting of three of the four major species.
Metopiun Brownei nei was not prevalent within the grassland area. Patches
of thrinax palm and cacti (Opuntia Nashii and Melocactus communis) are
also present. The present savanna area shows no sign of human distur-
bance; it is possible this habitat was more common in other areas of
the island prior to mining activities. ?
3.3 WILDLIFE
3.3.1 Birds
Birds are the'most conspicuous feature of the wildlife on
Navassa. Twelve species of birds were observed: five species of sea-
birds and seven species of land birds. The red-footed booby was the
most abundant species observed, numbering perhaps 1,000 to 2,000
individuals, of which approximately 90% were subadults. The largest
concentration was on the forested slope along the southwest side of
the island. A smaller concentration was located on the upper plateau
northeast of the lighthouse, near and beyond the end of the railroad.
Scattered red-footed boobies were found throughout the upper plateau
in forested cover types, and in the scattered trees in the grassland
area.
Brown boobies were much less abundant than red-footed boobies,
numbering only about 100 to 200 individuals. As with the red-footed
boobie, most brown boobies observed were subaiults. The subadults
were mixed with the red-footed boobies along the forested slope,
whereas the adults were most often observed flying near the edge of
the lower cliff along the southwest shore, particularly near South
Point. One female brown booby was observed 1icubating an egg on the
lower shelf at South Point, and other adults :=sowed particular
interest in the observer as he walked through this area, probably
indicating that this was the location of a nesting colony.
r cyekd pipe ecuh y end envir.rnn wt. fwd.
Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
 Site Number
TABLE 3-1 PRELIMINARY CULTURAL RESOURCES SITE INFORMATION
Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
Site Name
Period
Approx. Size
Condition Significance*
12HWd1-1
Navassa Phosphate Mining
Company Facilities
ca 1860-1890
Deteriorated
Yes
12HWd1-2
Navassa Lighthouse
Facilities
ca 1916-present
NA
Good
Yes
12HWd1-3
Grassland 1 .
Prehistoric
700m2
Disturbed
Marginal
12HWd1-4
No Name
ca 1860-1890/
Prehistoric
NA
Good
Yes
2
Name
Prehistoric
300Om
Good
Yes
~tnw~l-.~
urassia-~~1 L
Prehistoric
Di S4- ";4 L,
Marg i?
12HWd1-7
Cavern 1
Prehistoric
ur. diameter
Good
Yes
12HWd1-E
No Name
Prehistoric
1,200m2
Good
Yes
12HWd1-9
Cavern 2
Prehistoric
6 X 10m
Good
Yes
12HWd1-10
No Name
Prehistoric
1,500m2
Good
Yes
12HWd1-11
No Name
Prehistoric
7,500m2
Good
Yes
12HWd1-12
No Name
Prehistoric
1,960m2
Disturbed
Marginal
12HWd1-13
No Name
Prehistoric
7,850m2
Disturbed
Marginal
12HWd1-14
No Name
Prehistoric
7,850m2
Disturbed
Marg i n a'
'Appears Lo caret National Register Criteria
R t~
Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
 Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
3.3.2 Mammals
Goats were introduced to Navassa Island sorr,e time in the past and
are now the most conspicuous mammal. Small groups of 3 to 10 were
observed at several locations on the upper plateau, and goat droppings
were present nearly everywhere on the upper and lower shelves and on
the forested slopes. It is difficult to estimate the number of goats
present, but the "herds" of 40 to 50 that have been reported in the
past were not evident. The abundance of goat droppings indicates that
either a larger population exists than is at `irst obvious, or the
droppings decompose slowly and accumulate over time. The latter is
suspected, and it is estimated that there are not more than 50 to 100
goats on the island. A single rat was killed in the building near the
lighthouse, and a large cat was seen on the railroad tracks near the
lighthouse. Scats, presumed to be from a cat, were found in the
grassland area and in the opening ,cross t:e opposite the
lighthouse.
Bats are the only endemic mammals. Two species have been report-
ed (Ekman 1929), and although bats were observed near the lighthouse,
none were captured or identified.
3.3.3 Reptiles
Nine species of reptiles have been collected on Navassa Island,
most of which are either. unique species or subspecies. Two species
(C cry lura cornuta onchiopsis and Leiocephalus eremitus) are now thought
to be extinct (Schwartz and Thomas 1975; Thomas 1981). Of the remain-
ing seven species, two are snakes and five are lizards. No snakes
were observed on the island, but lizards were abundant. Four species
of lizards were collected and preserved, and a partial specimen, per-
haps an additional species, was also collected. Two species of
lizards were very abundant, the others were cnly rarely encountered.
A list of the species collected awaits positive identification.
3.4 CULTURAL RESOURCES
The results of the cultural : i_;:z 5 ;? f . _v ummari zed in
Table 3-1.
mrl*d P81 Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
 Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
w
5. BIBLIOGRAPHY
.
Ekman, E.L., 1929, Plants of Navassa Island, West Indies, Arvik for
Botanic 22(16): 1-12.
Schwartz, A., and Thomas, R., 1975, Cj~--c4:- Ili st of West Indian
}amphibians and Reptiles, Carnegie Museum of Natural History,
Special Publication 1:216.
Thomas, R., 1981, Personal Communication, Department of Biology.
University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedro, Puerto Rico.
n Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
 Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5
V
4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The results of the various surveys conducted clearly indicate a
need for further detailed evaluation of aiy construction project on
Navassa Island of a magnitude that would significantly disturb the
island's existing environment. Areas o concern include loss of
endemic species of vegetation and wildlife, disruption of existing
bird colonies, and damage to historic and prehistoric resources.
Specific additional work that will be required includes prepara-
tion of an environmental assessment of the proposed project, evalua-
tion of alternatives, and development of mitigative measures to be
implemented should the project proceed forward into the construction
and operation phases.
Approved For Release 2008/05/05: CIA-RDP86-00178R000100060009-5