First coral restoration programme in Cayman
CCMI established the first coral nursery & restoration program in the Cayman Islands. We have over 10 years of empirically based restoration best practices.
1500 km of coral grown
CCMI has grown ~1500 km of coral as part of our restoration work. This is the distance of 35 marathons, or the length of the Amazon River!
Empirically based coral restoration
CCMI has out planted over 70 meters(sq) of coral onto the reef since 2012. Our experimental dome out planting methodology has had an 89% survival rate since 2020.
Provided 1500+ local scholarships
CCMI has supported more than 1500 Caymanian students through scholarships to attend primary, secondary, and tertiary level programmes at CCMI.
50+ MSc, PhD, and intern research projects
CCMI has facilitated early-career development for students from more than 18 different international universities.
100+ scientific papers published
Topics of published papers cover aspects of coral adaptation and resiliency under global climate change, with a focus on discovering real solutions to declining ocean health.
Reefs Go Live reaches the world
CCMI has reached more than 200,000 people with Reefs Go Live! These educational broadcasts contribute to ocean literacy, with the intention of broadening ocean stewardship.
$1 million+ invested into field research annually
CCMI invests over $1,000,000 in field research annually. With the help of our sponsors, we contribute to the ongoing monitoring and research that feeds a global network of knowledge.
Visiting researchers
CCMI has hosted over 100 visiting researchers! Both independent and collaborative research takes place, fostering innovation, accelerating scientific discovery, and expanding our impact.
2016 International Symposium host
In 2016, CCMI held the symposium “Can we Save Coral Reefs” in London. Convened by His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex, it brought together scientists, policy makers, and advocates from around the world.
Launched Women in Ocean Science Award (2019)
With the support of the Brian Melito & Jessica Colker Trust, CCMI launched WIOSA in 2019, to facilitate the advancement of early-career women in ocean sciences.
Little Cayman named a Mission Blue Hope Spot
CCMI successfully championed Little Cayman to be named a Mission Blue Hope Spot (2020), confirming the biodiversity both on land and in the ocean are significant and special.
'Quiet Oceans' project presented to the UN
During the Covid-19 pandemic, CCMI tracked the impact of quiet oceans due to reduced activity. CCMI researchers conduct coral reef surveys to quantify how fish populations were impacted; results were shared with the United Nations in a webinar.
Exploring offshore sea mounts
CCMI's research into sea mounts will help increase understanding of the importance of offshore zones. CCMI was awarded a Darwin Plus Initiative grant to study these environments may provide important connectivity between distant populations.
Monitoring Little Cayman's reefs for 25 years!
Since 1998, CCMI has conducted surveys of Little Cayman reefs. Results from this work help generate an understanding of the mechanisms that are driving reef resilience in a changing environment.
Expanded education through social media
CCMI reaches 300,000+ people annually on social media. We value this space as an educational podium, a place to share knowledge on important ocean-related topics, and as a place of interaction.
Conducting innovative research projects
With the support of our donors, CCMI has expanded our research programme, prioritising the following topics: adaptation, resilience, restoration, and exploration.
Young Environmentalist Leadership Course (YELC)
Through this course, 100+ students have gained dive training, education, and job skills. YELC provides key experiences to Caymanian students ages16-22, helping bridge the gap between school and career and create enthusiastic ambassadors for the ocean.
Population control of the invasive lionfish
CCMI staff, dive operators, and local volunteers have removed 18,000+ invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans). CCMI's director of research, Dr. Goodbody-Gringley, has extensive experience in lionfish, from their impacts to the development of a sustainable fishery.
Public outreach through Reef Lecture Series
CCMI has hosted the Reef Lecture Series, both online and in person in Little and Grand Cayman for years. Through the Reef Lecture Series, we inform and empower the public by communicate the latest findings from our research.
Promoting Ocean Literacy in schools
Our ocean literary goal is for every child in the Cayman Islands to become ocean literate by the age of 12. We want to encourage the next generation to become strong ocean stewards through our residential programmes, such as our Marine Ecology Course.
Hosting Marine Ecology Courses (MEC)
CCMI offers an immersive 3-day/2-night residential course for primary and secondary students. With the help of the BODA Charitable Star Trust, CCMI has hosted 2-3 government schools each year since 2017 - 100% free of charge.
Supporting early career scientists
CCMI regularly supports early-career scientists through internships and entry-level research positions, providing lab and fieldwork experience opportunities that develop skills in analysis, presentation, and writing.
Investigating critical areas of research
Funding by the UK Darwin Plus Initiative (matched by a private donor grant) will allow exploration in the following areas: coral composition and connectivity, reef and pelagic fish communities, environmental DNA to ID cryptic species, and benthic mapping.
Building educational opportunities
CCMI has developed an education cycle that supports students all the way through their careers, including internships. We now see the incredible impact of supporting local students throughout their entire academic path, as our list of alumni grows and takes up careers in the field locally and abroad.
