Our vision is a world with vibrant oceans and healthy coral reefs.
We will make this vision a reality by undertaking cutting edge, impactful research and transforming this research into conservation and education initiatives which will serve to bridge the gap between knowledge and action. Our goal is to become the Caribbean’s premier marine research institute, discovering real solutions to declining ocean health.
CCMI’s Mission
CCMI is dedicated to conducting and facilitating research, education, and outreach that will sustain marine diversity for future generations.
CCMI History
1998 – Started a coral monitoring programme that tracks the changes in coral and fish densities.
2005 – HRH The Earl of Wessex, CCMI’s Royal Patron, breaks ground on the Little Cayman Research Facility, which has been developed into an award-winning research facility, specialising in coral reef resilience.
2007 – A flourishing research and education programme firmly established, including visiting scientists and groups from Dartmouth, University of Florida, Welsley College, Rutgers University, Keane University, University of North Carolina, etc.
Awarded its first $500k grant.
2009 – Partnered with the United States National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to launch the Coral Reef Early Warning System (CREWS) as part of the Integrated Coral Observation Network (ICON).
2012 – Awarded a US National Science Foundation facilities grant to develop the climate change labs at the Little Cayman Research Centre. CCMI also established the first ever coral nursery in the Cayman Islands in partnership with the Cayman Islands Department of Environment and developed best practice for other nurseries.
2016 – Held the “Can we Save Coral Reefs” International Symposium in London, convened by HRH the Earl of Wessex, hosting scientists, policy makers and advocates from all over the world.
2017 – Attended the Fourth International Workshop on Bridging the Gap between Ocean Acidification Impacts and Economic Valuation in Monaco, hosted by Prince Albert of Monaco.
2018 – Launched its Reefs Go Live programme, teaching students from under the ocean.
2018 – Conducted a 20 year follow up study across all three of the Cayman Islands and celebrated the International Year of the Reef through a range of public outreach events.
2020 – CCMI hired new Research Director, Dr Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley, who was awarded a National Science Foundation grant, CCMI’s first as lead PI/Institution. CCMI championed Little Cayman as a Mission Blue Hope Spot, which was announced as part of our virtual World Oceans Day celebrations to provide a message of hope for coral reefs. We also saw 89% success with a new coral restoration outplanting concept.
2021 – CCMI provides the most local scholarships in one year since our inception and expands the Reef Ecology and Evolution Lab (REEL). CCMI is awarded a RESEMBID grant to support coral restoration, and a Covid-19 Adaptation Grant. CCMI presents Quiet Oceans for the UN.
2022 – CCMI is awarded a NSF grant to expand our wet labs. CCMI is also awarded a Darwin Plus Initiative Grant to explore research offshore sea mounts. CCMI presented at the ICRI and Reef Futures Conferences.
2023 – CCMI hosts His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex in honour of his 20th year as CCMI’s Royal Patron. During this visit, he launched the Coral Fund to raise US $2.9 million to support the construction of a new education and accommodations facility.
