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Promising signs of post-bleaching recovery on Little Cayman’s reefs

Marine scientists say there are 'promising' early signs of recovery on Little Cayman's reefs following 2023's devastating coral bleaching.

CCMI meets goal to support students with free residential marine course

At the Central Caribbean Marine Institute’s (CCMI) annual gala, 'Festival of Seas', CEO Kate Holden launched a key goal for the organisation: to support an entire year group of Caymanian primary school students to attend a three-day, two-night residential Marine Ecology Course (MEC) with CCMI free of charge, with flights included.

In photos: CCMI Enchanted Masquerade of the Deep gala

CCMI’s annual fundraising gala took place on 1 Nov. at Hotel Indigo. The night was dedicated to ocean awareness, conservation and community support for marine research and education in the Cayman Islands.

Famed ocean advocates bringing coral reef education to Cayman

CCMI will host award-winning wildlife cameraman Doug Allan and TV presenter Uli Kunz as part of a ocean outreach campaign from 29 Oct. to 10 Nov.

Young ‘eco-warriors’ challenged to design sustainable island

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute is inviting primary school students to design their own 100% sustainable island in this year's Eco-Warrior Challenge.

Little Cayman reef coral cover plummets to 10% after bleaching

The reefs on Little Cayman are still reeling from 2023’s devastating global coral bleaching event, the latest report on reef health from the Central Caribbean Marine Institute shows.
CCMI carries out research into ocean health and the marine environmen

Dive in: Cayman’s World Ocean Day events

With more than 46,000 square miles of sea and just 102 square miles of land, the Cayman Islands is a nation overwhelmingly defined by...
CCMI says the impact of a cruise berth on Cayman's marine environment required careful consideration

CCMI says not enough info available on cruise referendum

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute has weighed in on the cruise berth debate ahead of the referendum vote, saying it is not possible to make an educated decision about the issue with the information currently available.
CCMI is offering 10 scholarships to students who are interested in a marine career. - Photo: CCMI

Young Caymanians given the chance to dive into an ocean career

CCMI is offering young Caymanians the chance to apply for 10 fully funded scholarships for its Young Environmentalist Leadership Course
Reefs Go Live

Underwater life in the Cayman Islands streamed live around the world

Marine enthusiasts around the world will be able to see what life is like under the Cayman Islands with the return of Reefs Go Live.

CCMI launches ‘Buy-a-Brick’ campaign

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute is inviting the public to leave their mark on a new education and research building on Little Cayman by buying personalised tiles that will form part of the new site, while at the same time contributing to the enhancement of the facility.

Galas galore

Gala season is in full swing in Cayman, with a whirlwind of black-tie and themed events taking place to raise funds and awareness for charitable causes.

Little Cayman coral report: Bleached but not broken

New research has shown that 95% of corals in Little Cayman bleached during last summer's marine heatwave and over 50% subsequently died. Most of those that died were 'weedy' coral, rather than the reef-building boulder-like structures.

Study: Cruise-free harbour during COVID led to larger fish population

A two-year study of the Grand Cayman's George Town harbour area, which began immediately after the strict local COVID-19 lockdown was lifted, has shown that the fish population increased dramatically in the absence of cruise ships and other marine activities.

Researchers find silver lining to coral dieoff

Scientists at the Central Caribbean Marine Institute have found some corals are more resilient to drastic temperature but more susceptible to disease.

Blue carbon offset: How the ocean can combat climate change

Researchers from Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) are investigating how Cayman’s tropical marine habitat can help in the fight against climate change.

Underwater researchers explore 12-Mile Bank

Marine scientists have explored 12-Mile Bank, a seamount located a dozen miles west of Grand Cayman, for the first time in a bid to gather information about its ecological significance.

Glamorous gala season

It’s that time of year when fun and philanthropy combine for a whirlwind of glamorous galas and social soirées in Cayman.

CCMI issues eco-warrior challenge to students

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute is challenging Year 5 and 6 students to become eco-warriors to protect the environment and be selected for scholarships to take part in its Marine Ecology Course on Little Cayman.

Parrotfish, Nassau groupers on the rebound on Little Cayman reefs

Parrotfish and Nassau groupers are returning in growing numbers to the reefs of Little Cayman, according to the latest underwater survey to gauge the health of the islands’ coral reefs and the size of its fish population.

Award-winning pianist plans unique Cayman festival for 2024

To meet Harriet Stubbs in person is to be swept up in a wave of energy, enthusiasm and ambition. One might be forgiven for thinking...

CCMI to share coral reef findings in run-up to World Ocean Day

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute will be holding a series of presentations, from above and beneath the waves, which focus on the health of Cayman's coral reefs over the coming weeks.

Visiting a coral reef from the classroom

Students in Cayman and around the world will get a chance to experience Little Cayman's coral reefs from the comfort of their own classrooms in a series of live broadcasts from underneath the waves.

Prince Edward champions Cayman’s reefs on whirlwind trip

In a whirlwind 48 hours in the Cayman Islands, Prince Edward launched a new 'coral fund', had a small part of the Bloody Bay Wall dedicated in his honour and was given a primer on Cayman's hurricane readiness by the territory's army regiment and coastguard.

Researchers study climate-change impact on Little Cayman corals

A presentation on research of how deep-water corals in Little Cayman are adapting to climate change will be held on Friday, 9 Dec., at the George Town Public Library.

CCMI hopes Festival of Trees will bring Christmas cheer

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute will be holding its annual gala on Friday, 18 Nov. at Grand Old House from 7-10pm, where there will...

CCMI to lead study of 12-Mile Bank and Pickle Bank

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute has announced it will be carrying out an extensive study of the marine ecosystems at popular deep-sea fishing sites 12-Mile Bank and Pickle Bank.

CCMI welcomes Women in Ocean Science Award scholars and interns

Now, after two years of waiting, CCMI is excited to welcome the programme’s first Scholars and Interns, which include not only the first cohort of participants, but also participants selected during the 2021 and 2022 recruitment efforts.

Protected status buffering impacts on Little Cayman reefs

A study of the reefs and the fish populations in Little Cayman carried out over 22 years is showing that the island's marine eco-system is continuing to stave off many of the major stressors impacting other reefs around the world.

EU grant funds CCMI reef resiliency research

With the help of a CI$228,220 grant from the European Union, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute is carrying out research at its Little Cayman field station into the resiliency of corals to diseases and rising temperatures.

Recognising women in ocean science

Women pursuing a career in ocean science can apply for a scholarship programme which undertakes innovative marine field work at the Little Cayman Research Centre.

Tackling The Bogue for CCMI

Did you know that the body of water between Sister Islands Little Cayman and Cayman Brac is known as ‘The Bogue’? It also happens to...

CCMI celebrates World Oceans Day

In an early celebration of World Oceans Day, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute gave landbound viewers an insight into Cayman's coral reefs and a chance to go on a virtual dive.

Manfrino turns from reef health to local education

For more than two decades, Carrie Manfrino has been the face and driving force behind the Central Caribbean Marine Institute and its Little Cayman Research Centre.

R3 Cayman Foundation grants shift focus to ‘Recovery’

In its latest set of financial awards, R3 Cayman Foundation has announced that grants totalling more than $190,000 are earmarked for several local non-profit...

CCMI opens lecture series to the public

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute is making its lecture series and its Reefs Go Live programme available to the public.
YELC participants

Places offered in young environmentalist course

For the ninth year, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute is offering its Young Environmentalist Leadership Course for students ages 15-19.

CCMI appoints director of research

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute has appointed Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley as its director of research.

CCMI launching healthy reefs campaign

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute is launching a year-long ‘We Need Healthy Reefs’ campaign, beginning with a free lecture at the National Gallery in Grand Cayman on Tuesday, 21 Jan.

CCMI launches Women in Ocean Science programme

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute has launched a programme to recognise outstanding early- and mid-career scholars, who can advance the frontiers of marine science and become world-leading professionals.

CCMI: No evidence scientists can recreate a reef

Research labs, including our own at the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, have made great progress in improving the ‘fitness’ of corals so they are more resilient. While there has been enormous progress, the scientific knowledge needed to regrow a coral reef is still is in its infancy.

CCMI programme inspires students

The seven-year-old Young Environmentalist Leadership Course is designed to expose more Caymanian students to the possibilities of a career related to the marine environment, whether that’s working in the local dive industry, becoming a research scientist or something in between. 

Festival of Seas chooses nautical theme

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute’s annual Festival of Seas, a celebration of the extensive research and education work the organization undertakes, is set for Dec. 3 at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, boosted by the support of a local law firm and with the theme “Mermaids and Sailors.”

CCMI scientists share research with top ecologists

Central Caribbean Marine Institute researchers recently joined some 400 top marine ecologists at the 45th Benthic Ecology Meeting in Portland, Maine, to present their findings on Cayman’s marine ecosystems.

Coral restoration expert joins CCMI

A coral restoration expert has joined the Central Caribbean Marine Institute in Little Cayman to help the research organization as it works to protect coral reefs and discover ways to help restore those ecosystems.

Prince Edward urges Cayman’s youth to learn about reefs

During his visit to the Central Caribbean Marine Institute on Little Cayman earlier this month, Prince Edward highlighted the importance of teaching young Caymanians about reef conservation and research.

CCMI president in Sri Lanka to study sea levels

After nearly two decades of studying the Cayman Islands, Central Caribbean Marine Institute President Carrie Manfrino has traveled halfway around the world for her latest scientific study, focusing on rising sea levels in the Indian Ocean.

Royal visit for Little Cayman’s Central Caribbean Marine Institute

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, visited Little Cayman at the invitation of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute.

Children’s book gets Cayman spin in special CCMI edition

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute’s efforts to build knowledge of coral reef conservation and science among local children is getting an unique boost.

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