Blue Lagoon

Inherent Features
The Blue Hole is a natural limestone feature about 54.8 meters (180 feet) deep, which is fed by freshwater springs. Blue Hole opens into Lime Kiln Bay through a narrow funnel-shaped gap. It is partially sheltered from the open sea by a fringing reef system. The combination of warm seawater and the numerous jets of fresh mineral water spewing from the sandy floor of the Blue Hole creates an unusual swimming experience. The underground streams are critical to the sustenance of the verdant rainforest greenery and flowering plants that surround the outer boundaries of the Blue Hole. The floral diversity includes large trees with moderate undergrowth. Vegetation density is greater where the soil is deeper. Some areas under cover vegetation for the most part are homogeneous, with patches of ferns (Polypodium vulgaris) and vervine (Stachytarpheta jamaicancis). Where no undergrowth was present, the surface was covered with foliage. Most large trees observed on the site appear to range between 15 and 35 meters in height. The species observed are those typically found in coastal areas in Jamaica that can tolerate the effects of sea spray and saline conditions. These species include Almond Trees (Terminalia catappa), Bamboo (Bambusa Vulgaris), Coconut Trees (Cocus nucifera), Crabwood (Ateramnus lucidus), Dog Wood (Piscidia piscipula), Flame of the Forest (Spathodea campanulata), Guinep (Melicoccus bijugatus), Noni (Morinda Citrifolia), Poincina (Poinciana coriaria), Sea Grape (Cocoloba Uvilera), Seaside Mahoe (Thespesia populnea), Swamp Cabbage (Roystonea principes), Trumpet Tree (Cecropia peltata), Weeping Willow (Casuarina equsetifolia), and Wild Grape (Cocoloba diversifolia). The greatest concentration and diversity of vegetation is observed in and around the Blue Hole basin that extends onto the Whale Head peninsula. However, at the top of the basin on Zion Hill, just south of the Blue Hole, deforestation is taking place for the construction of villas and dwellings.

The biomass in the whole area is made up of various species of birds that are domestic and migratory. Other animals found include crabs (C. clypeatus sp.) which burrow holes in the ecotone slopes of the Blue Hole area as well as the southern beached area on Pellew Island. Small mammals and reptiles such as lizards of the Anolis sp. are also found interspersed throughout the area. Seagrass, algae, and red mangroves comprise the marine flora area. The shoreline is fringed by thick seagrass (Thalassia testudinum) meadows. Similar to land-based forests, seagrass forests are tropical ecosystems that form the habitat for various species of animals. They are the primary source of food for manatees, stingrays, turtles, other fish of commercial importance, and some invertebrates that are omnivorous (urchins and sponges). The non-vascular and dominant type of algae found within the Area is the coralline algae Halimeda opuntia, Peniclilus sp. Other species of algae found in the Area include Dictyota sp., Padina jamaicensis, Galaxaura sp., Udotea sp. and Ventricaria ventricosa. The red mangrove consists of an elaborate root system that provides ecological and economic benefits, as fish tend to spawn among the tree roots and forage until reaching maturity.

The marine fauna of the Area also consists of a fringing reef system that runs almost parallel to the shoreline from Lime Kiln Bay to Pellew Island and Unity Bay. This fringing reef is approximately 500 meters long and spans an average width of 150 meters from the southeast to the northwest, and the types of coral species occupying the area are Siderastrea radians and Porites sp. Although there has not been any scientific record of there being any manatees in the Blue Hole, local fisherfolk have reported having seen them enter the Blue Hole, perhaps to forage along the seagrass bed. Other forms of marine fauna that exist in the Area are a group of stingrays, Dasyatis pastinica. Uncorroborated reports also indicate that other forms of marine life visit the Area and these include dolphins and sea turtles.

Historical Significance
Interest in the Blue Hole began in the 1800s when photographic pioneers Adolphe Duperly & Sons published photographs of the site in the famous Picturesque Jamaica Journal circa 1864. This historic publication was awarded Honourable Mention at The Great Paris Exhibition of 1867, and the Gold Medal at the famous Jamaica Exhibition of 1891. This publicity introduced the Blue Hole to foreign lands, causing a flood of visitors to Jamaica, with this attraction becoming a favourite destination.

Pellew Island, which forms part of the reef that protects the shoreline and beach, and forms a sheltering lagoon for the houses that adjoin it and stretches from Alligator Head to the Blue Hole, is believed to have been occupied at the turn of the twentieth century. According to Marguerite Gauron, Pellew Island was allegedly named after the French recluse, Jacques Peleau, an environmentalist who lived there. Jacques Peleau allegedly disappeared when the island was devastated by hurricane storm surges in 1903. Pellew Island gained international attention in 1953, when it was purchased by Baron Heinrich Thyssen, owner of Alligator Head, for sixty pounds sterling (£60) as Lot 43, from Cold Harbour (San San) Estates. It was bought as a Valentine’s gift for his fiancée Nina Dyer of New York. Gauron stated that in 1954, Baron Thyssen married Nina, and they were divorced in 1956. She then married Prince Saddrudin Aga Khan. They separated in 1958. The Princess committed suicide in 1965, and in 1983, Betty Estuvez and American resident in the Bahamas and a close companion of the Princess, brought the island from the Princess’ trust from the Bank of Nova Scotia for US$7,000.00. In 1995, Betty Estuvez sold the island to Beverley Barracat Haddad and her brother Mark for US$325,000.00. In July 1996, the Barracats sold an undisclosed share of Pellew Island to Christopher and Rosanna Zauergburgh.

Vacation cottage development in the Blue Hole, Pellew Island, and San San Bay Area started in the 1950s and continues to this day. Among the celebrated individuals who have been enthralled by the incredible scenery and were inspired to keep vacation homes along this dazzling shoreline were Ian Flemming, Errol Flynn, and English Author Rudyard Kipling. Playwright Noel Coward visited author Robin Moore at his Blue Hole home. Hollywood Stars such as Clara Bow, Ginger Rogers, Elizabeth Taylor, Eddie Fisher, Lena Horne, Sean Connery, and Debbie Fisher all visited the area.

Identity – National/Regional/Local
The area is important for its recreational, economic, and tourism values. Blue Lagoon and San San is one of Jamaica’s premier heritage attractions. On a daily basis, residents and tourists arrive by car, bus, boat, and on foot from local hotels, villas, and cruise ship piers outside the parish. The site may be enjoyed by many people, of all ages, of many interests and in many ways. The site also contributes significantly to the sustenance of the local economy. Many San San residents are employed by villas operating in the area, or by businesses providing goods and local services. Some residents are engaged in craft production and vending, while others earn a livelihood by fishing or transporting tourists to Pellew Island and Blue Lagoon in small canoes and bamboo rafts. The success of the site as a visitor attraction means it is an important economic driver for local communities.

Integrity/Sustainability
According to Diana McCauley, attempts were made by early owners to conform to a consistent aesthetic, but this is no longer the case. In one instance, a large villa has been in a state of dereliction for many years. In the case of Blue Hole, approval to construct an artificial beach has altered what was once an unspoiled coastline. Despite these early and continuing planning failures, the natural resources are still valuable and scenic, and continue to provide livelihood for many Jamaicans. Added to this, the area is now demonstrating recovery due to the declaration of a new fish sanctuary and management by the Alligator Head Foundation.