Topic: Tim Austin
Record loggerhead turtle nest numbers reported
A record number of loggerhead turtle nests have been found in the Cayman Islands so far this nesting season.
Coral bleaching: A global and local threat
Coral bleaching in Cayman is part of a worldwide phenomenon that is threatening reefs across every ocean on the planet, apart from the Arctic.
As water temperatures rises, DoE monitors deadly stony coral disease
With local sea temperatures hitting record highs this summer, the Department of Environment is monitoring the effect this is having on the spread of stony coral tissue loss disease.
Caymanian-only shore fishing debate resurfaces a decade on
The question of whether only Caymanians should be given licences to allow them to catch fish from shore was debated on the radio this week.
Record sea temperatures threaten corals and raise hurricane concern
Sea-surface temperatures around Cayman are breaking seasonal records and sparking fears of a major coral bleaching event or a significant hurricane this season.
King tides flooding low-lying areas
Higher-than-normal tides has led to flooding in low-lying coastal areas, such as North Sound Estates.
Port Authority: Eden Rock damage was ‘no one’s fault’
A boating incident that left the coral reef at Cayman’s Eden Rock dive site covered in sand was likely an ‘unfortunate accident’, according to both the Port Authority and the Department of Environment.
Man discovers rift in South Sound seabed
The full effects of the January’s 7.7 earthquake are still coming to light, this after a man discovered an crack on the seabed of the South Sound lagoon.
DoE: Large marine animal sightings a welcome sign
Recent sightings of a sperm whale and its calf and a large sixgill shark surfacing in local waters are encouraging signs that demonstrates Cayman’s rich diversity, the Department of Environment’s Tim Austin has said.
Nassau grouper restrictions to continue
Even though Cayman’s Nassau grouper numbers are increasing, government restrictions on catching the fish will continue.
Stingray City freeze to run for 6 months
The Department of Environment has suspended issuing new Stingray City/Sandbar licences.
Cayman coastline hit by stinky seaweed, again
The stench coming from many of Cayman’s beaches these days is horrible. That was the reaction from Education Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, as the stench of rotting sargassum wafted through the Cayman Islands.
Warning over mishandling of wildlife
Environment officials have issued a warning over the handling of wildlife by divers, snorkelers and swimmers after a spike in complaints.
New bid to bolster iguana cull army
With the law of diminishing returns beginning to impact Grand Cayman’s great green iguana cull, officials are making a new plea for people to get involved.
Sargassum invasion hits Cayman again
Several Cayman Islands beaches were blanketed in foul-smelling sargassum weed again this week, with the Department of Environment warning periodic seaweed invasions are likely to continue.
Rare coral threatened by disease
Scientists are attempting to save a rare species of “pillar coral” blighted by disease.
Recovered ghost net may be reincarnated as sports shoes
Material from a deadly ghost net removed from Cayman’s waters last week is being shipped to the U.S. and may be used in the manufacture of Adidas sports shoes.
A killer net in Cayman waters? Not today, Bobo
A deadly “ghost net” devouring fish and sharks off the coast of the Cayman Islands was removed from the water Friday thanks to the efforts of local fishermen.
‘Ghost net’ found off Cayman
Fishermen made the horrific find of hundreds of dead fish and sharks tangled in an abandoned net drifting off Grand Cayman on Monday.
