Healthy Reefs

CCMI works to protect healthy coral reefs and vibrant oceans for the future. We believe we can save coral reefs for the future, if we act now. Our Healthy Reefs efforts in 2019 and beyond seeks to build engagement throughout the local community – without whose support, the future for corals is uncertain.

With more than 70% of the world’s coral reefs under threat, the now is the time to take action for our reefs. Much of our work is dependent on understanding the health of the reefs. We have lots of exciting plans in place for the Healthy Reefs campaign including:

• survey and monitoring of coral reefs
• development and implementation of a coral reef ‘health check’ programme
• sharing latest research and findings from the Little Cayman Research Centre with the public through the Reef Lecture Series, Reefs Go Live programmes, educational posters, and fun events that get everyone involved!

Join our Healthy Reefs effort! No matter where you are in the world, you can play a part in protecting coral reefs for future generations. Sign up for the Healthy Reefs Challenge as a way to jump start your involvement.

WHAT IS A HEALTHY REEF?

Coral reefs are often referred to as ‘rainforests of the sea’ because of their tremendous diversity of species, vibrant colours and tremendous levels of productivity and interconnectedness. Unfortunately, due to changing environmental conditions and increased human activity near tropical coastlines, once vibrant reefs that teemed with dozens of species of fish are in decline. This is a worldwide occurrence where more than 70% of all coral reefs are under threat, and it is time to help our reefs stabilize and return to a healthy state.

But what does that look like? If a reef was healthy, you would expect to see:

• high percentage of coral cover
• low levels of macroalgae
• high diversity of reef fishes and invertebrates
• high density of reef fishes and invertebrates
• clear waters (low levels of sedimentation)
• no coral disease or bleaching
• 3D reef structures that provide crevices for reef inhabitants to hide

WHAT DO CAYMAN’S COARL REEFS LOOK LIKE?

When CCMI first started in 1998, we undertook a three island survey, where scientists conducted a baseline study using the Atlantic & Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) protocol on the status of Cayman’s coral reefs. We measured and counted fishes, algae and corals to species level, as well as recorded coral health and mortality. Twenty years later, researchers again headed underwater to assess the same sites using the same methods, comparing the results from the two surveys.

Looking back over this time period CCMI is pleased to report that while there is evidence of decline in Cayman’s coral reefs (particularly in Grand Cayman), some of the metrics indicate stability in reef health. For the Sister Islands, coral cover, coral size, fish density and fish size for the most part indicate no significant changes since 1999. Given the concerns regarding increasing sea temperatures and increasing human pressure, it is a relief to see that reef health has not declined significantly between 1999 and 2018. Similarly, the decline in coral disease, particularly on Grand Cayman, is one very positive result of the surveys; corals appear healthier despite the various disease epidemics that have affected the region recently.

WHY SHOULD I CARE?

In the Cayman Islands, coral reefs are not only beautiful, but they provide a lot of value and support for our islands.

• Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean but are home to more than 25% of all marine species. This biodiversity is truly vital to healthy ocean ecosystems.
• The marine environment generates $69 million USD from tourism every year in the Cayman Islands (Wolfs Company 2017)
• The reef is responsible for $5 million USD protection to infrastructure in the Cayman Islands from storms and wave erosion each year (Wolfs Company 2017)

HOW CAN I HELP?

No matter where you are in the world, you can help support and take action for healthy coral reefs!

ON THE BEACH

• Leave shells and pieces of coral on the beach and in the water. They’re homes for our precious wildlife and also provide important structure on the beach to help prevent erosion.
• Use physical barriers (such as hats, rashguards, buffs) and “reef-friendly” sunscreen- sunscreen that doesn’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxate
• Pick up and properly dispose of marine debris you may find – both on the beach and in the water
• Avoid contact with reefs and marine life while enjoying time underwater diving or snorkelling

IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

• Return CayBrew www.cib.ky bottles to the brewery, rather than throwing them away or recycling- they will be reused, which cuts down on carbon emissions and reduces waste in the landfill
• Volunteer with a local organisation to help with beach clean ups or other activities to help the envrionment
• Support small businesses and shop locally
• Consider buying an electric car or used car on island
• Buy locally grown produce at a farmer’s market

DAILY ACTIVITY

• Reduce dairy and meat consumption
• Choose sustainable seafood (for some help, you can refer to the National Trust’s Cayman Sea Sense guide) www.nationaltrust.org.ky/sister-programmes
• Reduce disposable plastic consumption; recycle/dispose properly of what you must use
• Purchase items with no packaging or glass or reusable containers (including laundry soap, toothpaste, shampoo etc.)
• Sign up for the Healthy Reefs Challenge to stay engaged with suggestions for changes you can make

AT HOME

• Turn off lights and fans when you leave a room
• Unplug appliances and devices at night
• Take shorter showers and turn off the water when brushing your teeth
• Reduce the amount of fertilizer you use on your lawn and cleaning products used in your home
• Keep your vehicle well maintained to ensure maximum fuel efficiency
• Reduce energy usage in your home/office by adjusting the temperature by 1 degree Celsius
• Invest in renewable energy

THINK BIG

• Evaluate and minimise your significant travel such as flights and cruise travel
• Contact your local politicians and encourage them to support environmentally friendly plans & legislation
• Offset your carbon emissions with a programme that uses accredited verified carbon units (VCUs)

DONATE

• Support CCMI as we undertake the Healthy Reef campaign!

donate.reefresearch.org/healthyreefs

COMING UP

In 2018, CCMI started something. We got people involved in learning about and taking action for coral reefs during the third International Year of the Reef! Based on the high level of interest in events and experiences offered by CCMI, we are excited to continue outreach opportunities. We hope you will join us in promoting Healthy Reefs!

8 JUNE 2019

World Oceans Day’s Reefs Go Live from the Camana Bay Cinema

CCMI is offering this chance to take a virtual dive beneath the waves with our team in Little Cayman. Join us as we take an up close look our coral reefs, learning about what makes a reef ‘healthy’.

As part of our year-long effort to promote Healthy Reefs, we’ll show our Grand Cayman ‘dive buddies’ at the Cinema more about the beauty and diversity of coral reefs, discuss why reefs are so important to the Cayman Islands, what CCMI is doing to help protect and restore coral reefs, and what we can each do to help ensure our reefs remain among the healthiest in the Caribbean. For more information and to register, please click here.

25 June 2019

Reef Lecture Series:

Important Fish on the Reef: What Do You Think?

By Dr Claire Dell

Herbivory is a critical process in maintaining and promoting reef health, so it is vital to determine the species that are most important. In addition to presenting results of her work, Dr Dell is asking the audience about their experiences on the reefs in the Cayman Islands. She also wants input from the audience about their ideas and feelings about what they think needs to be done to safeguard the reefs in the coming years.

Click here for more information and to register your attendance.

16 November 2019

Festival of Seas Gala: Coral Carnival

Join CCMI for our largest annual fundraiser, Festival of Seas! This year, we are celebrating the beauty, energy, diversity and vibrant colours of healthy reefs with our Coral Carnival theme. For more information and to reserve your tickets, visit our event page here.

SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Tremendous thanks for those who are partnering with the Healthy Reef campaign:

PLATINUM SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

PARTNERS