Green Lagoon.

Once regarded as the wickedest city on Earth, located at the end of the Palisadoes spit that encloses Kingston Harbour, Port Royal is also known for its delicious seafood delights. But, what it might not be known for are its awesome mangrove forests, teeming with life.

The mangrove area, situated near the Fort Rocky/Fort Charles stretch and which includes Refuge Cay, at the entrance to Kingston Harbour, is in a protected region; but man has left his mark in this watery place, and the effects of his deeds can be seen everywhere.

Spectacular

Nevertheless, the area has many beautiful scenes, some almost romantic. It is the home of many species of birds and fishes, and is a major breeding ground for crabs, and oysters clinging to every and anything - the mangrove roots mainly. There is also the thieving mongoose, always hunting for eggs.

The mangroves themselves are spectacular. Their thick foliage casts eerie shadows below, where their long and slender roots engineered themselves into all sorts of mazes, webs, and lattice works. Suspended from their flexible branches are the fruits, and propagules (torpedo-like seedlings).

Recently, the Jamaica Environmental Trust in collaboration with the United Nations Environmental Programme/Caribbean Environmental Programme took the media on a tour of the area, and today, The Sunday Gleaner shares with you some of the sights within the Port Royal mangroves.

Text and photos by Paul H. Williams