Navassa Island

Navassa Island Location

Navassa Island c 1870

NavassaLighthouse

Lighthouse Keeper Residence Navassa Island

Txu-pclmaps-oclc-22834566 j-26c

Navassa Island is a small, uninhabited island located in the Caribbean Sea. The island is a subject of territorial dispute between the United States and Haiti, but it is currently administered by the U.S. through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the National Wildlife Refuge system. Navassa Island is situated about 35 miles west of Haiti's southwest peninsula, between Jamaica and Cuba, and is considered to be a part of the Greater Antilles.

History

The history of Navassa Island is marked by its phosphate mining operations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Discovered in 1504 by the Spanish, the island was claimed by the United States in 1857 under the Guano Islands Act, due to its rich guano deposits, which were mined for use as a fertilizer and gunpowder. The mining operations led to a rebellion by African American laborers in 1889, which was suppressed by the U.S. government. Mining activities ceased in the early 20th century, and the island has been largely abandoned since.

Geography

Navassa Island covers an area of approximately 2.01 square miles (5.2 km²). The terrain is mostly rocky and the island is surrounded by cliffs, making access by sea difficult. The highest point on the island is Dunning Hill, which is 250 feet (76 meters) above sea level. The island's difficult terrain and lack of fresh water sources have prevented long-term habitation.

Ecology

Despite its small size and challenging environment, Navassa Island hosts a variety of wildlife, including endemic species and critical habitats for migratory birds. The island's isolation has allowed for the development of unique ecosystems, with several species of reptiles, birds, and plants that are found nowhere else in the world. The surrounding marine environment is also rich in biodiversity, including coral reefs that are in relatively good condition.

Legal Status and Dispute

The legal status of Navassa Island is complex due to the territorial dispute between the United States and Haiti. Haiti has claimed sovereignty over the island since the 19th century, based on treaties and its proximity to Haiti. However, the United States has maintained control over the island since its claim under the Guano Islands Act. The island is currently managed as a wildlife refuge, with access restricted to scientists and conservationists.

Conservation

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages Navassa Island as part of its National Wildlife Refuge system, focusing on the conservation of its unique ecosystems and species. Conservation efforts include monitoring of bird populations, habitat restoration projects, and studies of the island's marine environment. These efforts aim to protect the island's biodiversity and preserve its natural heritage for future generations.