Topic: coral reefs
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.
Cayman reefs in peril due to land-based pollution, scientist says
Cayman's distinctive crystal-clear waters and reefs are imperiled unless nutrients feeding harmful algae blooms are reduced, a scientist has warned.
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.
Sub-par sewage systems: Lessons learned from Florida
In the Florida Keys, a disease called ‘white pox’ almost wiped out the elkhorn coral on local reefs in the 1990s and 2000s, before a team of scientists proved that a human pathogen, spread through improperly treated effluent, was the cause, and politicians and the local community took a stand to save the coral and improve the quality of the coastal waters.
Global coral bleaching event declared
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has declared that the planet is currently experiencing a global coral bleaching event - the fourth on record and the second in the last decade.
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.
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.
Coral Fest gives insights into reef health
A new festival celebrating the beauty and importance of Cayman's reefs, and also highlighting the many threats they face, finally went ahead on Wednesday after a number of COVID-related delays.
Scientists, regional gov’ts to collaborate on coral disease at Cayman workshops
Marine scientists and teams tackling a deadly disease threatening reefs around the Caribbean region will gather in Cayman this week to compare notes and discuss what's working and future initiatives, as well as to take part in the upcoming inaugural Coral Fest.
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.
Protect Our Future launches reef-safe sunscreen campaign
Student-led environmental advocacy group Protect Our Future has launched a new campaign focused on promoting the use of reef-safe sunscreen brands in the Cayman Islands.
Study: ‘Quiet’ oceans without cruise ships leading to fish resurgence
During the almost four months of lockdown in the Cayman Islands, while the local waters were devoid not just of cruise ships, but also of jetskis, fishing vessels and dive boats, the much-quieter environment led to a significant increase in fish populations, according to an ongoing Central Caribbean Marine Institute study.
Corals get their own festival as battle against deadly disease continues
The first ever Coral Fest will be held in the Cayman Islands on Saturday, 6 Nov. to celebrate the reefs that surround the islands and to educate the public on the challenges they are facing, such as the encroaching stony coral tissue loss disease.
First detailed maps of Caribbean coral reefs published
Using data and images captured from outer space to under the waves, high-resolution maps of coral reefs across the entire Caribbean have been published for the first time.
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.
CCMI reef lecture stresses coral health
The year’s first lecture in the Central Caribbean Marine Institute’s ‘healthy reefs’ campaign focussed on the importance of sustaining the reefs, as well as difference types of coral growth.
Don’t remove the coral
How sad to read that the destruction of Cayman’s irreplaceable coral reef is even up for consideration. Four thoughts on the subject spring to...
Lecturer wants input on rebuilding local reefs
Researcher Claire Dell, of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, will deliver the latest in the institute’s Reef Lecture series at 5:45pm Tuesday, 25 June, at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands.
Letter: Ban coral-harming sunscreens
Hawaii just passed a bill banning chemical sunscreens from their islands. Grand Cayman needs to follow suit.
‘Aggressive action’ needed to save coral reefs
Climate change targets set out in the Paris Agreement are “inadequate” to prevent the devastation of the world’s coral reefs, the head of Little Cayman’s marine research center has warned.
‘It changed my life’: US veterans find new mission on Cayman’s coral reefs
When an American tank plunged from a bridge into the Euphrates River after the driver was shot in combat, Reconnaissance Marine Rudy Reyes was one of the divers given the grim task of bringing up the bodies.
EDITORIAL – When ships damage reefs, the Port Authority must find its voice
Grand Cayman’s waters are celebrated for their crystalline clarity, enabling boaters and snorkelers to enjoy the beauty of our country’s coral reefs from fathoms away. But when those magnificent reefs are damaged or destroyed by visiting vessels, and when the Cayman Islands Port Authority is involved, the situation inevitably seems to become murky.
Volunteers complete reef recovery
Almost two years after a cruise ship dropped anchor on a large patch of coral reef off Grand Cayman, work to repair the damage is substantially complete.
